The Swingpals Insider #0002

March 15th, 2025

March is here, and with it comes exciting growth, new opportunities, and impactful moments for our SwingPals community. From expanding programs to inspiring student goals, here is everything you need to know this month!

WHAT'S NEW AT SWINGPALS

Dual-Location Programming 

SwingPals is now adding daily sessions at Hillandale Golf Course to the weekly Topgolf sessions. The return of 6 PM course times, thanks to daylight savings, gives students more chances to gain on-course experience and sharpen their competitive skills.

New Partnership: Drip Golf Junior Golf Tour 

This year, SwingPals is teaming up with Drip Golf Junior Golf Tour to provide students with four competitive events designed to help refine their playing skills.

A Strong Finish at Neal Middle School 

Last week, school-based programming wrapped up at Neal Middle School, marking the second stop in our rotation of six Durham public middle schools. 

So far this school year, 712 sixth graders—our Class of 2031— participated in SwingPals! Each student received their own PlayBox and learned mindfulness skills to unlock their full potential.

Over 75 students enrolled in our after-school program, and we’re excited to see them use their newfound confidence and skills to the golf course!

Learn more @ https://www.swingpals.org/afterschoolms

Leading with Data: A SwingPals & Duke Collaboration 

SwingPals is working alongside Duke University to make our programs more data-driven—ensuring we continue to serve students better and more effectively.

AFTERSCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: GOAL SETTING AT TOPGOLF 

At Topgolf, SwingPals students do more than just practice their swings—they set personal goals and develop the mindset to achieve them.

In the Mindfulness Station, students build their PlayBox, a space where they reflect on their aspirations and take intentional steps toward their future success. Here are just a few of the targets they’ve set for themselves:

🎯 "In my PlayBox, I want to graduate college." 

🎯 "Pass the EOGs." 

🎯 "I want to feel happy, excited, joyful, and proud of myself." 

🎯 "I want to be a football star." 

🎯 "I want to control my anger." 

Checkout SwingPals students practicing Heart Focused Breathing and tapping into positive and uplifting emotions with emWave®.

Recharge & Refocus with Heart-Focused Breathing 

When life feels overwhelming, take a moment to breathe deeply. Just like a cell phone needs to recharge, so do we! Try this: 

✅ Slow Your Breathing: Inhale for 5 seconds, exhale for 5 seconds. 

✅ Focus on Your Heart: Imagine your breath flowing in and out of your heart. 

 

✅ Think of Something Positive: A happy memory or someone you love. 

Learn and experience one of the skills SwingPals students gain to help manage stress and stay focused, on and off the golf course. This will help them navigate challenges with a sense of calm and control. 

Practicing this for just a few minutes can help you feel calmer, more focused, and ready to take on the day! 

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT

Every swing, every lesson, and every moment of growth at SwingPals is made possible by supporters like you. Your generosity provides students with opportunities to develop confidence, mindfulness, and skills that extend far beyond the golf course. Join us in shaping brighter futures by making a donation today!

Make a Donation

LOOKING AHEAD

SwingPals Community Service Projects are Back! 

Join us for "SwingPals FORE the Community". Monthly Projects will be on the first Saturday of the month. Be on the lookout for an email with signup links!

"At SwingPals, students can develop mindfulness and emotional regulation skills, the skills needed to tolerate the anxiety of change and empowers them to envision a happy, healthy, and bright future. On behalf of the many Durham youth facing adversity, thank you for being part of this journey."

Doug Hodges, PGA 

SwingPals, Executive Director and Founder