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For much of its history, golf has been more of a leisurely game than a true sport. Despite their dapper attire, the elite players of yore had no qualms about dragging a cigarette between shots or throwing back a Bloody Mary before a round. The athletic skill of these folks is not in question, but the activity itself did not emphasize fitness.
That perception changed in the mid-1990s when Tiger Woods burst onto the PGA Tour, bringing an unprecedented level of athleticism to the game. His influence redefined golf, inspiring players at all levels to train like elite athletes.
One of them was 15-year-old Tyson Bowen, now known as a familiar face at Sage Lakes Golf Course on the north side of Idaho Falls. Here he has served for over a decade as a PGA Assistant Professional and instructor.
As of early 2025, Tyson will be leading the charge in eastern Idaho to merge fitness and golf, ensuring that the next generation of players is both skilled and physically prepared.
Specifically, Tyson will be joining Tee Box, a cutting-edge indoor golf training facility in Idaho Falls. Tee Box (tbx.golf) offers a revolutionary approach to golf development by integrating advanced technology, fitness training and expert instruction to help players refine their skills.
"The guys there heard about what I was doing, and they reached out to me," Tyson explained. "One of the owners had taken lessons from me, and we had a conversation about their vision. It just felt like a great fit."
Tee Box distinguishes itself with its TrackMan-powered simulators, golf fitness gym and youth development programs, creating a comprehensive environment for players at all levels.
"It’s an indoor facility specifically designed for training and improving, not just playing casually," Tyson said. "We have putting greens, simulators, a full gym and even a cold plunge. The goal is to create athletes who are golfers and golfers who are athletes."
With a strong focus on youth development, Tee Box has positioned itself as a leader in cultivating young talent. Tyson, known for his dedication to junior instruction, will bring his expertise to the facility’s Youth Academy, which offers summer camps, after-school programs, and structured skill development.
"I’ve worked with so many juniors over the years, and it’s rewarding to watch them grow in both skill and confidence,” he said “At Tee Box, I can incorporate fitness into their training in ways I wasn’t able to before."
Introduction to Golf
Tyson Bowen's journey into golf began in high school, which he acknowledges is a late start compared to most competitive players.
His love for other sports—especially baseball—had him traveling to Utah every weekend for games, but over time, the constant travel led to burnout. A high school friend and his family introduced him to golf, and he was hooked.
"I just kind of got sick of the whole team sport aspect and the politics that go into it,” he said.“Golf was an outlet. It’s an individual sport—there’s no politics, no outside influences. How good you get is entirely up to how hard you work."
That personal accountability is what drew him deeper into the game, which soon spilled over to his development as a player and professional instructor.
In that regard, Tyson credits much of his early professional development to his first boss, Galen Danny.
"He taught me more about life, work, golf and business than probably anyone else has," Tyson recalled. Galen emphasized the importance of punctuality, work ethic and the business side of the golf industry, including selling merchandise. "A lot of my instruction knowledge has been self-taught, just through a lot of studying and teaching tons of lessons," he added, highlighting his hands-on approach to learning.
"I love watching people improve. Seeing them get excited about their progress is what keeps me going," he said.
Over the last five years, he has worked with over 500 junior golfers, many of whom have advanced to high school and even collegiate golf. His involvement in Operation 36, a structured development program for young golfers, has helped bridge the gap between learning and competition.
"We don’t just teach kids how to swing a club,” he said. “We teach them how to play and compete."
Tyson’s transition to Tee Box represents an opportunity to further refine his teaching methods using swing analysis tools and customized fitness programs.
"Having access to this level of technology is going to be a game-changer," he said. "We can break down every aspect of a golfer’s game and build them up in a way that’s personalized to their needs."
Recognition for Youth Player Development
Tyson’s dedication to junior golf has not gone unnoticed. In early 2025, he was named the recipient of the 2024 Youth Player Development Award for the Rocky Mountain Section PGA. This prestigious award recognizes PGA professionals who have made significant contributions to developing young golfers.
"Being recognized for something I’m so passionate about is an honor," he said. "Through my work with the Mountain West Golf Academy, I’ve been able to help nearly 150 kids per week, ranging from beginners to elite players. Seeing them grow and succeed is what drives me."
Tyson has also spent the last 10 years coaching Skyline High School’s boys’ and girls’ golf teams, leading them to multiple district championships and strong performances at the state level. As he transitions to Tee Box, his goal remains the same—helping young athletes love and excel at the game.
This is Tyson’s first time being recognized as a Section Award winner, and he will officially receive the 2024 RMSPGA Youth Player Development Award at the Section Annual Meeting in May.
Personal Growth and Competition
In addition to his dedication to coaching, Tyson also remains committed to improving his own game. "I feel like my game keeps getting better year after year, which is pretty cool considering my age," he said. So far, it seems to be working. Already a standout player within the regional professional circuit, Tyson has secured a spot to play in the 2025 PGA Professional Championship in May.
Without a swing coach, he relies on video analysis for self-diagnosis and correction. "If I’m struggling with something, I take video, figure out what’s going on, and adjust accordingly."
Tyson is also excited about the added flexibility his new role at Tee Box will provide, allowing him to spend more time with his family while maintaining his competitive edge. "In the summer, I don’t get a lot of time with my wife and daughter, so this change will help me find a better balance. We can finally do things like camping, which we haven’t been able to do in years."
Beyond instruction, Tyson has used golf as a means to give back to the community. In 2020, he organized a golf marathon fundraiser in memory of Bonneville County Deputy Sheriff Wyatt Maser, who was killed in the line of duty.
"I played 8 and a half rounds in one day, and we raised just shy of $20,000 for his family,” he said. The level of support was incredible."
As Tyson embarks on this new chapter with Tee Box, his impact on instruction, junior development and the culture of golf in eastern Idaho continues to grow.
"This is an opportunity to elevate what we’re doing for golfers in this area,” he said. “Tee Box is about more than just swinging a club—it’s about building better golfers, better athletes, and a stronger golf community."