Getting Jrs Started
The best way to introduce juniors (under 12) to the game of golf is to take an old bucket of balls, drive out to a water hazard on the golf course, and let them hit the balls into the water.  If they like that, then try putting.  Then, if they like putting, try chipping.  And one of the biggest mistakes is waiting to bring them out onto the course.  Take them to an easy nine hole course.  Start from 150 yards from the green.  This way, juniors will not get burned up hitting full-swings, and will have time to finish the hole.

If your juniors are showing more interest, it is time for some light instruction.  The most important part of junior golf instruction is to make the environment fun for learning.  Keep in mind that what juniors are looking for from golf instruction is quite a contrast from what adults want.  Try a junior golf camp, they are fun and focus on learning the entire game - rules, safety, etiquette, all aspects of the game, and course play.

Competition
Juniors will let you know when they are ready for competitive golf.  The key to coaching competitive juniors is positive feedback.  All athletes perform better when they are comfortable with themselves and their environment.  Junior golfers who feel safe at home, in school, and on the golf course play competitive golf with a sense of calm and ease. 

Parents
Educating parents is the key.  Keep golf in perspective, don’t make the score a big deal, and keep the feedback positive.  And never ever ask the junior what he/she shot.  You are dying to know, but just focus your questions on the day as a whole - How was the course? Weather? Playing partners?  What did you learn from playing with sticks and balls? And if they want to tell you their score, they will.

I’m not one to blame parents, I blame the system and society for the mess that is taking place in all kids’ sports.  This winning is everything mentality is destroying the real purpose behind sports.  Sports are an outlet to release energy through play, while learning valuable lessons in life.  If you decide not to enroll your child in any of my programs, at least love them unconditionally no matter what scores they shoot.  Please don’t attach a number to your junior’s self worth.

My Programs
Most of the programs I offer are for aspiring High School and College bound golfers. Few things in life excite me more than getting teenagers off the couch and away from the computer long enough to teach them a game they will play the rest of their lives. The focus is on FUN, learning true sportsmanship and keeping self-esteem high.

Topics I’ve covered in my competitive junior programs:

  • On course instruction
  • State-of-the-Art Video Swing Analysis
  • How to practice
  • Lots and lots of Short Game (putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play)
  • How to prepare for High School and Collegiate golf
  • How to play in the rain
  • How to play better tournament golf
  • How to plan your summer tournament schedule
  • How to pick out a college and college golf coach
  • What colleges and college coaches are looking for from you
  • FUNdamentals of the full swing and short game
  • The rules of golf
  • Course management
  • How to play within yourself
  • How to score lower
  • Nutrition
  • Fitness (athleticism)
  • Balance and explosiveness
  • Honoring the traditions of the game
  • And much more!!