The World Wide Technology Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Player Development Program Summit concluded successfully on Wednesday, April 9, at The Golf Performance Center (GPC) in Ridgefield, Connecticut. The three-day summit, held from Monday, April 7, brought together eight top players from the APGA’s Player Development Program (PDP) for a series of in-depth evaluations and developmental sessions aimed at advancing their progression toward elite professional tours such as the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA TOUR.
The APGA PDP was established to support the top-tier APGA players both on and off the course. By providing expert coaching, customized training, and professional growth opportunities, the program seeks to equip these golfers with the resources needed to excel at the highest levels of competition. The summit served as a critical step in that journey, offering personalized feedback and direction for each participant.
World Wide Technology (WWT), the title partner and primary sponsor of the PDP, played a central role in bringing this initiative to life. The Golf Performance Center and the Player Development Index (PDI) hosted the event at their world-class training facility, offering substantial in-kind support to the APGA and its players.
At the core of the summit was the Full PDI Assessment, a detailed evaluation designed to give players a 360-degree view of their game. This assessment included 17 physical evaluations, analysis of 139 golf shots across various skills including driving and putting, an 80-question mental performance survey, a short-game scoring test, and the scoring average from each player’s last ten competitive rounds. The result is a comprehensive Index score ranging from 0 to 100.
In addition to the full assessment, players were introduced to the Coach-Guided Assessment (CGA) version of the PDI, which focuses on key performance indicators. Golfers interested in experiencing the CGA for themselves can find a PDI Certified Coach through the Coach Locator at www.golfpdi.com or start with the free PDI Self Assessment available through the Golf PDI mobile app.
Montrele Wells, Director of Player Development for the APGA Tour, shared his appreciation for the program’s supporters. He stated that the contributions of WWT, GPC, and PDI were instrumental in providing the structure and support these athletes need to succeed. Wells emphasized that the summit aimed not just to improve players’ technical skills, but also to prepare them mentally and physically for the demands of professional golf.
Roger Knick, founder of the GPC and PDI, reflected on the players’ performance and potential. He noted the high level of commitment, professionalism, and talent shown by the athletes, even in the face of travel and time demands. Knick expressed his hope that the players left with a greater sense of confidence and a clearer understanding of how to work with their coaches to refine their training and reach their goals.
Based in the United States, the APGA Tour was founded in 2010 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in golf. It supports aspiring professional players through tournaments, development programs, and outreach efforts. The GPC in Ridgefield, Connecticut, combines advanced instruction with athletic training to help golfers reach their full potential. PDI delivers data-driven performance assessments that guide both players and coaches in making informed decisions for improvement. Learn more about the Advocates Pro Golf Tour at https://www.apgatour.org
