Junior Golfers and How to Nurture Them

As a golf teacher I keep an open mind and avoidswings easy from the start and doesn't try
teaching the same method to every player (amaximise their bodies power it will be difficult for
system). Of course, a golf ball must be struck in athem to learn the dynamics of moving the body
certain way, this is physics, however there arefor power and speed later on. It is a complex
plenty of positions and rhythms and styles achain of events in theory and trust me, its best
person can swing with to reach this point ofthat it happens naturally.
desirable contact. Okay, you get the message,Golden Rule Number2:
there are no rules. However, I must confess toThink of ways to impart to the junior golfer that
employing a more rigid teaching pattern when itsetup and aim is really important. Try leading by
comes to Junior golfers, especially those who areexample, putting a club down to line yourself up
very young and new to the game. Here are myat the driving range. If possible point out a really
two golden rules for teaching junior golfers.good player on yours clubs range or on a tour
Golden Rule Number 1:range. They will often have something to help
Let them hit the ball as hard as they like, actuallythem line up and aim their bodies. Bad aim is a big
encourage them to develop speed and a clubheadcause of bad habits. If the aim is off it will take a
swish.compensation shot for the ball to end up on
That's right, forget your cliches. Swing easy? whattarget and this is how bad habits start.
a load of rubbish. Concentrate on hitting it straightThat's it folks, do everything you can to help
now and distance later? Ignorance.these juniors enjoy the game, if they enjoy the
There is method to my madness with this one,game they will want to play and practice, and if
let me explain as best I can. If a child strives tothey play and practice (and follow my two golden
develop power by really using their body,rules), they will improve to be great golfers and
accuracy is easy to teach later on, it is simplyhopefully nice people who might lend us a few
about tweaking swing plane, grip etc. If a childbob when they are on the PGA tour!