As U.S. Kids Golf approaches a new chapter, we take this moment to celebrate the outstanding career and lasting impact of John Bryan, who will officially retire from his full-time role on June 1, 2025.
In May 2024, John informed USKG President & Founder, Dan Van Horn, of his intention to step back, offering a full year of transition—a reflection of his steady leadership and deep care for the mission of the U.S. Kids Golf. Over the past year, John has worked diligently to help prepare the Coaches Institute for continued growth and success. Though retiring from full-time leadership, we are grateful that John will remain involved part-time, focusing on tournament business development and operations.
John’s tenure as the head of the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute has been nothing short of transformational. Under his guidance, the Institute has grown into a global standard in youth golf education, certifying over 7,000 coaches across more than 80 countries. His dedication to empowering coaches and delivering high-quality educational experiences has directly shaped the journeys of thousands of young golfers—and, in many cases, served as their very first steps into the game.
Whether traveling throughout the U.S. or to five continents, John has served as an ambassador for the game, always with a focus on helping coaches create the most positive, enriching experiences possible for children and families.
Looking forward, Greg Hubbard, a long-time member of the USKG Foundation’s tournament team since 2009, will be stepping into an expanded role as Vice President of Coach and Tournament Development. Greg brings a wealth of experience from his time as Junior Golf Director at two Atlanta-area clubs and is well-positioned to continue the important work John began.
In alignment with this leadership transition, the Coaches Institute will conclude its current Coach 1 and Coach 2 seminars in May and relaunch with updated training and benefits this fall. Coaches wishing to complete certification before then are encouraged to participate in the final spring sessions. The dedicated Coaches Institute team—John Godwin, Jim Hardy, Kellie Edelblut, Chris Carme, and David Sloan—will continue serving the junior golf community, upholding the standards and spirit that John helped to establish.
To John: thank you. For your vision, your tireless work, and your unwavering commitment to junior golf. You have left an indelible mark on U.S. Kids Golf and on the game itself. Your legacy will continue to shape generations of coaches and young players for years to come.
From all of us across the junior golf community—congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for everything.
– The Junior Golf Hub Team