Page 5 - The Golf Guide, Summer 2018

Opening Shot

Beginner’s Luck

I consider myself lucky to have had my father introduce
me to the game of golf. It may have been one of
the most important things my dad ever did for me
(other than being the true “King of Pops”). I know he
probably didn’t realize it then, but nearly 50 years later
including 20 of those years spent in the business itself,
I look back with nothing but gratitude. As the game
of golf continues going through growing pains while
combating against changing technologies and trends,
one can only hope that the main lifeline for getting new
players introduced to the game is to engage them while
they are young
Golf has seen an increased number of youth golfers that currently sits around
3 million, up from 2.5 million since 2010. This more diverse group includes an
enhanced number of females in junior golf, now a third of the total number, nearly
double of what it was in 1995 More than a quarter of all junior golfers are non-
Caucasian, quadruple what it was two decades ago. You don’t have to look far to
see reasons for the upsurge. Successful programs like The First Tee; The PGA Junior
Golf League; USGA Girls Golf and Drive, Chip and Putt; and others get young
players excited about playing golf. For some, competition breeds enjoyment for the
game Sign-up sheets for a golf camp posted somewhere around your golf course
may also play a role in boosting enthusiasm. Plus, professionals and their staffs
have come out on top when getting young ones away from their iPhones for just a
bit to swing in the summer sun
I can safely say that one big concern centers on how to keep them playing after
planting the golfing seed. With many opinions and positions out there, one mostly
uniform thought focuses on keeping the game FUN! Let me share what some
experts think Johnny Miller says that the most important thing you can do to get
your kids involved and remain in the sport is to dole out “unadulterated praise ”
“Great shot!” and “Great swing!” should be commonplace even when the shot
deserves less. Dr. Bob Rotella, an expert in the psychology of the game, says you
shouldn’t necessarily teach the child, but instead, let the kid teach you. Rotella
explains that “the best thing you can do is show your kids what a great time you’re
having.” That, he says, can only be contagious.
My dad always preached that golf parallels life and that
you have to fail many times before you succeed. I try to
share that lesson. Just get out there and have at it, possibly
at the driving range or playing from the forward tees
at the local muni. Once they crack that first solid shot,
they start to understand the satisfaction that comes with
success in the sport. You will most likely recognize the
look on their face as one you may have had when you
were taking your first golf steps.

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