Junior Golf...

Here are a few thoughts about junior golf...

1. They are the next generation of golf. Studies have shown that more people are leaving the game than joining. Please be patient with them.

2. They will play a bit slower as they are learning. The last thing they want is a foursome breathing down their neck in carts wanting them to play faster. This actually makes them play worse - especially if they are not able to play through.

3. Think back to when you learned to play. It was hard, frustrating, and took awhile. Remember how that felt.

4. If you find a ball, think about giving it to a junior. They really appreciate each and every one (although I understand if you keep the ProV1's).

5. Be patient and encouraging. They already know that they are struggling. Give them positive feedback.

6. Be patient!

I write this due to the fact that we had an incident at a golf course today that is close to a local airport that is busy with executive flights. One of my players was accused of stealing a range ball and playing it. The owner accused her of stealing and saying that she gave 2 others to other players in her foursome. The balls were in fact Top-Flites (not range balls), and she was playing a range ball, as her Mom bought her a bunch from a garage sale. The owner said it was a violation of etiquette to lay a range ball, and took her ball, and the others - and threw them to the range as she was playing the hole. Totally unprofessional, and made my player very upset and want to quit when she indeed did nothing wrong. Perhaps the owner should realize that some people cannot afford ProV1's (or any other new balls) and use the balls given to them. Needless to say, I will never return to that course, nor will my team. The incident was so egregious, that the HOME team also made plans during the match to get the rest of their matches moved to another course. The best thing I can do is to tell everyone not to play there-and I will. The starter was also smug and no rangers were present - making for a 3.5 hour round for 9 holes.The group ahead of us teed off 45 minutes late due to the backup that was never addressed.

I do wish to think the threesome behind our #5 and #6's. They saw the whole incident, and gave the player in question a sleeve of new balls. She was afraid to play the rest of her range balls, thanks to the actions of the owner. Please remember that these juniors are the future of golf, and deserve your patience.