| As a golf performance coach, I've seen many | | | | often make up a tremendous amount of ground |
| changes in the junior golf world over the past | | | | on the kids with all the monetary advantages. |
| twelve years. The main difference is in the level | | | | 1) The mental game - The pros estimate that |
| of competition. The popularity of junior golf has | | | | their success is 60-90% mental. The same goes |
| made it far more challenging to get scholarships | | | | for junior golf. I specialize in alternative methods |
| to colleges for golf. At one point, not too long | | | | such as energy psychology, NLP and hypnosis. |
| ago, good grades and the ability to post 80 could | | | | 2) Golf Fitness - A workout designed specifically |
| get you into plenty of good schools (especially | | | | for golf and the individual golfer is crucial for long |
| girls). | | | | term success. Seek out a professional trainer who |
| Not the case anymore. | | | | trains golfers as athletes and performs a through |
| Junior golf has become fiercely competitive. The | | | | assessment before designing a fitness program. |
| vast majority of the kids I work with do not | | | | 3) Nutrition - proper food and drink before and |
| have the luxury of spending years at the top golf | | | | during a round will ensure sustained energy and |
| school academies. This can sometimes make | | | | focus. While the other kids are eating fast food |
| them feel discouraged, as if they don't stand a | | | | and guzzling sodas, those with an optimal diet will |
| chance against the "privileged" kids. | | | | always be prepared for peak performance. |
| I am quick to teach them that there are plenty | | | | While good swing instruction and dedicated |
| of good instructors all over the country, even at | | | | practice are essential, the above three keys to |
| small local courses. | | | | junior golf success can go a long way to leveling |
| Plus, there are three key areas where they can | | | | the playing field for all of our kids. |