First of all, let me begin by saying that I am not a golf professional or golf coach. However, I have been involved with junior golf for several years, as a parent of a junior player. From the outside looking in, I think you get a good perspective of the "do's and don'ts," when it comes to helping your junior golfer make wise decisions.
Many junior golfers get started at a very early age (7 or 8). Whatever the age, when your son/daughter starts playing golf, I feel it is extremely important for them to just have "fun." Golf is about having fun. Don't get so wrapped up in their score. The scoring will come later. Get your player out on the course. Sign them up for a First Tee Class. Have someone teach them the game.
Once your junior golfer gets to a point where they are shooting in the 90's, if they're interested, enter them in a few of the local junior tournaments. Let them get their feet wet. Tournaments are fun. Let them enjoy the experience.
If your junior golfer really enjoys the game, and wants to pursue golf as a sport in high school and college, only then would I start getting serious about things. What do I mean when I say "serious?" I am talking about putting together a strategy. A plan to move there game to the next level. Practice routines, lessons, tournaments, etc...
To be good at any sport, you have to work at it. Golf is certainly no different. I can't tell you how many times I here about the kids that play 27 holes 3-4 times a week during the summer. Guess what? More times than not, those are the kids that are posting the low scores.
I would recommend finding a group for your junior golfer to play with. If you can find a group of 3-4 other kids (the same age) that can play together everyday, that in my opinion, is the best option. Kids love competition. They will absolutely get better playing with other talented kids.
I would also find a good golf instructor. You don't have to play an arm and a leg. Just find an instructor that will teach your junior golfer the basics.
I would start entering your junior golfer in as many of the local summer tournaments as possible. The more tournaments they play, the better they will become. Don't mess around with the big national tournaments. Just enter the local ones. Talk to your State PGA Office. They usually are a wealth of information.
In closing, remember, golf is supposed to be fun. As a parent, don't put too much pressure on your son or daughter. Let them have fun with the game. If they practice hard, play in the local tournaments, take a few lessons... they will improve. I hope this information helps.
I have found the information at: http://PlayJrGolf.com to be very helpful. I would highly recommend it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Lee_Hartman
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7172085
No comments:
Post a Comment