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GOLF RESOURCE GUIDE:
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Parents of junior golfers who have shown an interest in golf and an aptitude for the game have options for exploring and developing future potential. Here are 10 tips from the Junior Tour staff of the Southern California Professional Golfers’ Association to help you and your child get the most out of the learning process: 1. SPACE Be there for support and encouragement, but junior golfers also need space to learn and figure things out for themselves. 2. GET PROFESSIONAL HELP The need for instruction is critical for any golfer who wants to improve, but it’s more important for junior golfers who need proper instruction in fundamentals. Find a PGA professional with a proven track record of working with children. Word of mouth is as good a resource as any. 3. BALANCE If your child eats and dreams golf, you might need to guide them into balancing their passion for the game with other things, such as school, friends, family and other social activities. There’s a burnout factor to any passion, and it’s the same with children and golf. 4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK The best way to hone a child’s game is to have him or her compete in organized junior golf events. Don’t push your child toward them, but if you do the necessary legwork, you’ll be prepared to steer him or her in the right direction when they profess an interest to begin competing. 5. KEEP IT FUN Always keep in mind that golf is a game. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve, but ultimately it has to be fun. If you foster a fun atmosphere around your child’s golf, they will have fun. And you’ll have a pretty good time as well. 6. THINK FIT It’s never too early to get a junior involved in a healthy and productive health and fitness regimen. This includes everything from exercise and good eating habits to knowing the importance of applying sun protection before heading outside. 7. BALANCE THEIR TIME Junior golfers might just want to head to the course and bypass practice altogether. It’s your task to help him or her develop a productive practice routine, which includes time spent on the course, at the driving range, and on practice putting greens and chipping areas. 8. THINK ABOUT IT The mental aspect of golf is as important as the physical, and it’s important for you to be aware of whether your junior is developing a strong mental game. Positive thinking, visualization and determination are things you also can incorporate at home. 9. MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES If you’re playing with your child, make sure they understand the importance of course management. If you see them absorbed with just one part of the game, such as driving, remind them that they need to think in terms of shotmaking and how to score in order to be a more well-rounded player. 10. SET RULES Make sure your child knows the importance of rules and etiquette in golf. It will put in their mind that this is a sport that has been around for hundreds of years, and that it should be cared for and respected. Learning these rules can seem daunting, but the education process can be made fun. |
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