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This year has been full of milestones for Julie Leventhal —a passionate golf instructor, new PGA Member, and proud nominee for the LPGA Southeast Section’s Junior Leader of the Year. But when asked what accomplishment she’s most proud of, the answer isn’t what you might expect.

“I’m proudest of refocusing on the basics,” she says. “It wasn’t glamorous, but it made all the difference.”

While many would point to big achievements, she credits her success this year to a simple but powerful mindset shared by her Director of Instruction: “We must do ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

That philosophy became her mission in 2025. By doubling down on fundamentals—lesson structure, class planning, camp organization—she helped her team deliver their most successful summer camp season yet, grow their Fall Junior Program, and fill adult clinics faster than ever before.

“It really reinforced the idea that if you take care of the process, the results take care of themselves,” she reflects.

Championing Women and Girls in Golf

A core part of her mission is making golf more welcoming for women and girls. At Dubsdread Golf Course, she leads "Tee It Up," a beginner-focused program that introduces new players—most of them women—to every aspect of the game, from checking in at the pro shop to navigating the first tee with confidence.

She also hosts six all-women corporate clinics each year, intentionally creating spaces where women can learn without intimidation.

“My favorite thing to hear from a student is, ‘I finally feel like I belong out here,’” she says. “That’s the win.”

For the younger generation, she runs a Girls Golf program with quarterly events and an all-girls summer camp week. These lighthearted, fun-first experiences introduce girls to the game in an inclusive, empowering environment. Many of these girls go on to join the Operation36 Junior Academy, which has seen a noticeable rise in female participants this season.

“Representation isn’t just important—it’s transformational. When girls see someone like them teaching, it changes what they believe is possible.”

Learning to Say “No” – A Trailblazer’s Toughest Lesson

Despite her many accomplishments, one of her biggest challenges this year has been learning when not to say yes. “As a coach, I naturally want to help everyone. But I’ve learned that constantly saying yes can lead to burnout,” she admits.

Over time, she’s found power in setting boundaries and protecting her time, thanks to advice from trusted mentors:

• “No is a complete sentence.” 

• “You can do anything—but not everything.”

• “Saying no gives someone else the opportunity to say yes.”

This shift in mindset has allowed her to be more present for her students, her family, and the initiatives that matter most.

Finding Daily Inspiration—On and Off the Course

What keeps her going? The people she teaches. “Some of the bravest people I know are the adults who walk into their first golf lesson without knowing what to expect, but ready to try.” Whether it’s a child hitting their first straight shot or an adult stepping onto the course for the first time, those moments fuel her.

At home, her inspiration comes from her family—especially her one-year-old son, Jonah. “I hope he grows up seeing that it’s possible to make a career out of your passion. And that showing up with dedication matters.”

She also credits her husband as the steady foundation behind her busy schedule. “He’s the glue that holds everything together,” she says. “Late nights, weekends—he supports all of it. I wouldn’t be half as successful without him.”

A New Era at Dubsdread: What’s Next

Looking ahead to 2025, there’s exciting change underway at Dubsdread Golf Course. The team is preparing to unveil a fully renovated driving range and state-of-the-art Learning Center.

Highlights include:

• 40 public TrackMan-covered bays

• A new snack shack

• A cutting-edge, 2,000 sq ft Learning Center Facility

This immersive space is designed specifically for player development and includes:

• Two indoor teaching bays with TrackMan simulators

• Smart2Move pressure plates

• High-speed video swing analysis

• A dedicated indoor classroom for etiquette, rules, and strategy

• Short game and putting areas

“This space is going to completely change what we’re able to offer,” she says. “It’s built for progress—from brand new players to competitive juniors.”

Closing Inspirational Thoughts

For this instructor, success isn’t just about personal accolades—it’s about the bigger picture: growing the game, empowering new golfers, and doing the everyday work with extraordinary care. “Success isn’t magic—it’s momentum,” she says. “And momentum is built one lesson, one class, one person at a time.”

With a clear vision, a renewed focus, and a growing community behind her, the future of golf at Dubsdread—and for the many students she impacts—looks brighter than ever.