Jr. Golf A Great Success

This year I was pleased to introduce a pilot program to our Ridgewood Junior Golf Program with The First Tee of Cleveland. We had two classes of 24 students each held on Tuesday mornings. Talking to the kids and parents, this year was a big success. The kids had fun and learned some things along the way. I also added a junior day on Thursday. The goal was to approach high school golfers and give them a day to work on their golf skills during the summer months. We mixed it up with head-to-head competition as individuals and team events while providing coaching areas along the way. People say our kids are the future - if that if true our future is getting stronger each year.

Tip from your PGA pro:

I hear players talk about practice all the time. One comment that stands out is this: “Why do I hit the ball so well on the range but I can’t bring the same game to the course?” One suggestion I give to my students is to change your practice habits. During the last half-hour of practice, try hitting shots as if you are playing your favorite course. Hit a drive, then an iron shot. If you strike it well, start another practice hole. If you miss the iron shot, practice a long or short pitch shot as if you missed the green. If you hit the driver poorly, hit a punch shot as if you were stuck behind a tree. Also, try aiming at a smaller target while striking your driver. Pick the left or right side of the range to represent a dog leg hole at your home course. Again, if you miss the shot try hitting the (5) iron instead of an (8) iron because you missed it. This practice routine works on your rhythm - I call it “real-life golf.” It’s easier to hit a good drive if you aim at an open range with another 40 balls in a pile. Remember, golf is a game of misses; we have to hit our foul balls.