Seven years ago, Skyline started its youth golf program, said Chris Dompier, director of golf at the club for more than two decades. "They were a bit raw but blessed with all kinds of crazy talent."
The Popov family joined Skyline in 2021 and could not be more thrilled with the experiences their three daughters have had.
"All three of our girls learned how to golf in this great program! The coaches understand the perfect balance of keeping it fun, but also challenging their talent," Krystal said. Their eldest daughter, 10-year-old Liviana, often plays with kids two years older because the coaches know she will only get better with the challenge. Their youngest daughter, Corinne (age 5), is in the tennis program and was taught tennis by David Fink at four years old. "We have participated in their kids summer camp for the last three years and are looking forward to enrolling them in swimming this year."
"We loved the fact that Skyline was a private club and that they have an incredible kids' golf program. One of the few courses that don’t have resort play. It’s truly a club where the ownership and management are focused on creating an environment that the members love," said Krystal Popov, adding that Rolf Peters and Paul O’Rourke have initiated this transformation, "And you can feel the appreciation from the membership and the staff. The staff right now is the best we have seen since we joined. From the golf program to the servers in the restaurant. The golf course has consistently improved over the last few years and is always in great condition."
And even dad -- Alex Popov -- is happy driving down the fairways and across the terrific greens. "As a high-level player, Alex appreciates that the greens are true and fast. He has built strong relationships with other members through their weekend men’s golf group and enjoys all the tournaments the pros have hosted."
"As a parent, I love knowing that they are in a safe, happy environment. We often enjoy some adult time together as a couple at the club while the kids are at practice," Krystal said.
But there is more to love at Skyline! ”My favorite thing about Skyline is my coaches and my friends that play with me there,” Liviana said. Annalise (age 8) added, “My favorite thing about Skyline is the yummy food.” And Corinne (age 5) chimmed in that “my favorite thing about Skyline is watching Livi play golf and the kids' room.”
Chris, the director of golf, said that teaching young players to play and win is the goal.
Since its inception, Skyline's youth golf program has been turning heads. "Skyline has dominated junior golf in Tucson, winning every event, belt, and trophy that our teams and players could win. These kids are now the best players in Tucson," Chris said with pride. Almost all the older young golfers are playing now for the Catalina Foothills High School golf team. "A few of them this year will be signing with a college team with more to follow in the next few years."
The youth program at Skyline has never been bigger or stronger. "In 2025, our Instructors taught over 300 children," Chris said. "Junior golf is absolutely exploding in the golf world, and the demand to get into our program is insane. We had 84 kids in the last PGA Jr. League session and an extensive waitlist. Some parents are driving their kids 40 miles across town to be part of the team." Skyline now has more than 50 families who joined as members after participating in our kids' program, he added.
Alex and Krystal Popov are thrilled with the whole thing going down at East St. Andrews Drive. "We’ve been to many golf clubs across Arizona, and Skyline uniquely offers both an elegant setting for special celebrations and a relaxed atmosphere for casual dinners or drinks with friends. No matter the occasion, we always feel welcome in the clubhouse," Krystal added.
"Skyline uniquely offers both an elegant setting for special celebrations and a relaxed atmosphere for casual dinners or drinks with friends."
-- Krystal Popov