Golf Is for Everyone.
Here's How We're Making That Happen.

Why We Do This

I started NextGen Golf Academy because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience golf, regardless of their financial situation or background. Growing up in Aspen, golf gave me confidence, friendships, and life lessons that have shaped who I am. I wanted to create a program where those same opportunities are available to every child.

At NextGen Golf Academy, we believe golf is for everyone. Our mission is to break down the financial and social barriers that have historically limited access to the game, creating opportunities for Latino youth throughout the Roaring Fork Valley to learn, grow, and belong.

While we teach the fundamentals of golf, our purpose extends far beyond the sport. We strive to create a safe, encouraging environment where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. Through individualized mentorship, meaningful relationships, and hands-on learning, our students develop confidence, patience, resilience, emotional intelligence, and respect for themselves and others.

Every child deserves the chance to spend their summer outdoors, build lasting friendships, share a meal, and discover what they are capable of. Whether a student picks up a golf club for the first time or simply gains the confidence to believe in themselves, we hope every child leaves NextGen feeling supported, empowered, and proud of who they are.

Golf is more than a game-it is a vehicle for opportunity, connection, and personal growth. Our goal is not only to develop young golfers but to build confidence, character, and a lifelong sense of belonging for the next generation of leaders in the Roaring Fork Valley.

From Junior Golfer to Program Founder

Palmer Elston is a sophomore at Aspen High School who was born and raised in Aspen. She has been passionate about golf from a young age, participating in Junior Golf Aspen throughout her childhood before pursuing the sport competitively in high school. As a freshman, she earned a spot on the Varsity Girls Golf team, helping her team qualify for the state championship and earning the opportunity to compete at nationals.

In the summer of 2025, Palmer founded NextGen Golf Academy with the mission of making golf more accessible by reducing the financial barriers that have historically limited participation. Her goal is to expand opportunities for Latino youth throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and create a welcoming space where every child can learn and grow through the game.

Palmer loves working with young athletes and thoroughly enjoyed coaching the 12 campers, ages 7–12, who participated in the program last summer. She is committed to creating a safe, educational, and fun environment where students can build confidence both on and off the course, and she is excited to continue growing the program for years to come.

A woman and a young boy practicing golf on a practice mat outdoors surrounded by grass and trees. The woman is helping the boy with his golf swing.

Meet the Instructors

Palmer Elston

LEAD INSTRUCTOR & FOUNDER

Palmer Elston is a sophomore at Aspen High School who was born and raised in Aspen and has been passionate about golf from a young age. After participating in Aspen Junior Golf throughout her childhood, she earned a spot on the Varsity Girls Golf team as a freshman, helping her team qualify for the state championship and compete at nationals. In 2025, she founded NextGen Golf Academy to make the sport more accessible to youth in the Roaring Fork Valley. Palmer loves working with young athletes and enjoys helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and have fun through golf. She is committed to creating a supportive environment where every camper feels welcome and is excited to continue growing the program for years to come.

Dave Elston

INSTRUCTOR & VOLUNTEER

Dave Elston has lived in Aspen since the 1970s and has played golf throughout his life. Dave is passionate about golf and worked many summers with Aspen Junior Golf camps, helping his granddaughter Palmer, to find her love for golf and support her through her high school journey. Dave loves kids and worked for over thirty years as a ski instructor in Aspen working to support people of all ages. He volunteered in the summer of 2025 to help assist Palmer with NextGen Golf Academy, specifically focusing on technique with the students. He is excited to help her grow and pursue the program and is looking forward to the sessions ahead!

A group of people at a golf driving range practicing their swings under a partly cloudy sky with green trees and hills in the background.
Children dining outdoors on a balcony with a view of a green landscape, trees, and mountains in the background. The table has plates of food, drinks, and utensils.
A group of children and a woman walking on a paved road in a scenic outdoor area with green trees and hills, under a partly cloudy sky.

In Partnership With

Logo for Aspen Junior Golf with the word 'ASPEN' in dark blue, a green flag, and the words 'JUNIOR GOLF' with a golf ball replacing the 'O' in 'GOLF'

Ready to Enroll Your Child?

Spots are limited each summer. Fill out the form below or send us an email to get started. We'll reach out with dates, pickup details, and next steps.

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