Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Ardolina. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Christopher with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from my father. He is a smart man without a college education, whom with resilience started in the mail room and worked his way up to computer operations manager at one of the largest banks in the United States. He always taught me that nothing beats hard work and determination.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Like most golf coaches/instructors I grew up playing the game and wanted to pursue a career as a professional golfer. In my teenage years I realized that playing professionally may not happen and I needed to have a backup plan. I knew I wanted to stay in the golf industry, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. So, I decided to enroll in the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program at Methodist University. At that time, it was the top rated school for golf management.
Upon graduation, my roommate persuaded me to move to Miami and work with him at the Jim McLean Golf School at the Doral Resort. This decision helped shape my career and made me into the coach I am today. I continued working for the golf school for 7 years and in that time period I was offered a job at one of Chicago’s most exclusive clubs, Lake Shore Country Club. I would spend my summers teaching at Lake Shore and the winter months at the Jim McLean Golf Schools.
After 8 years of traveling seasonally I made the decision to move to Florida year-round and started Chris Ardolina Golf. I have been blessed in the last year to be honored with a few awards: 2022 NFPGA Central Chapter Teacher/Coach of the Year, 2022 GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional and 2022-23 Golf Digest Best Young Teachers In America.
I think the most exciting thing about starting Chris Ardolina Golf has been helping all levels of golfers reach their goals and enjoy the game more. It is extremely rewarding to see someone improve and excited to play the game I adore so much. I truly believe that with the correct concept and proper guidance, everyone can improve.
Presently, Chris Ardolina Golf is located at Cove Cay Golf Club in Clearwater, Florida. It is a full-service golf academy that specializes in player development for all ages and levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional).
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back I think that the three qualities that most impacted my career are: 1) Confidence and Belief in Myself
2) Communication Skills
3) Resilience
The best advice I can give someone who is early on is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals and create a plan. He/She must also be prepared for the path to these goals to be a bit bumpy at times. These “bumpy patches” will create strength and resilience that will ultimately help you succeed. There is no such thing as a straight line to success.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents taught me that with hard work and determination, I could do anything I put my mind to. This helped me push through all the difficult times and understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chrisardolinagolf.com
- Instagram: @ardogolf
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNlgiAAh0SACWCTPr3Mv7Q
- Other: www.chrisardolinagolf.info
