It
’s great to see so many young juniors out on the range, with
their parents, swinging away. PGA professionals conduct junior
camps throughout the country every year. Part of the schooling to
become a PGA member is how to coach junior golfers. I highly
recommend enrolling kids into a junior camp to
learn the basic fundamentals and etiquette. Most golf facilities
offer junior programs throughout the summer. If you’re trying to
coach a junior, here are some tips that may help.
It’s great to see so many young juniors out on the range, with their parents, swinging away. PGA professionals conduct junior camps throughout the country every year. Part of the schooling to become a PGA member is how to coach junior golfers.
I highly recommend enrolling kids into a junior camp to learn the basic fundamentals and etiquette. Most golf facilities offer junior programs throughout the summer. If you’re trying to coach a junior, here are some tips that may help.
First, make sure the clubs are the proper length and weight. If you notice they’re losing their balance during the swing, chances are the clubs are too heavy.
Start them out on the putting green with short putts. This will give them confidence getting the ball in the hole.
Next, take them to the chipping green. Work on short chips just off the edge of the green, gradually lengthening the chip into a pitch shot.
When you see they’re getting the ball airborne consistently, now is the time to hit full shots.
Full swing fundamentals can be as simple as 1,2,3, that’s it.
Step 1: Start in the address position.
Step 2: Rotate to the top of the back swing and pause.
Step 3: Swing through to the finish position, having them hold that position for three seconds.
Repeat this exercise until they’re consistently brushing the grass. Then tee a ball up and let it go.
If they’re struggling, make sure they’re balanced throughout the swing. Check to see if they’re over-swinging, or if the left arm is breaking down at the top of the back swing for the right-handed golfer, or the right arm if they’re left-handed.
And, remember to always complement them regardless of how they’re doing during the learning process. Make it fun.
Don Leone is the Director of Golf Instruction at Coyote Creek Golf Course. For information about classes, email dl****@*********ke.com or call 463-8024.
