Category Archives: Golf Tips

Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Junior Golf

How to Start Your Kids in Golf Tournaments

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After children have had some experience on the golf course with an instructor and have learned the rules and the etiquette, they may be ready to start competing in youth golf tournaments. There are many different tournaments for youth across the U.S. for players of all ages and scoring levels. Before signing up your child for a tournament, it is important that you are sure that he or she is ready so that his or her confidence isn’t destroyed.kids-golf-tournament

How old do children need to be to enroll in golf tournaments?

Some tournaments require that children are at least seven years old or older while others have levels for children who are under age seven. When your child is ready to play tournament golf, you will want to check around to find a tournament that matches your child’s ability level as well as his or her age.

How to choose a suitable tournament for your child

It is important to choose the right tournament for a junior golfer. You should consider your child’s skill level and choose a tournament that fits it. You should check the prior year’s results to assess how competitive it is and whether or not your child’s scoring level fits it. If your child is young, you should understand that some tournaments make all children ages 7 through 10 compete with each other while others have competitions for each age. The locations are important. It is a good idea to have a mixture of tournaments with some being closer to home and others further away. Once you have identified a good golf tournament for your child, you will then need to understand how to help him or her to prepare.

How to prepare your child for a golf tournament

Before registering for a golf tournament, it is important that your child has plenty of opportunities to practice. When they are ready and after you have registered, you should help them to get to know the course where the tournament will be held. Make certain that your child gets plenty of sleep. It is also important that your child stays well hydrated before, during and after a golf tournament. Finally, teach your child to visualize successfully completing the tournament. This may help him or her to remain focused on the day of the tournament.

How to make certain that your child’s equipment is ready

Before a golf tournament, you should make certain that your child has all of the equipment that he or she will need. You should make certain that your child has the following:

  • Junior golf bag and cart
  • Junior golf tees
  • Junior golf clubs
  • Junior golf clothing and shoes

In addition to these basic supplies, you should gather some additional items for your child to carry in his or her golf bag, including the following:

  • Golf balls
  • Golf gloves
  • Extra golf tees
  • Small towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

How children and parents should act at golf tournaments

Competing in golf tournaments requires that both children and their parents know all of the unspoken rules of etiquette. While golf is very social, it is important that you and your child are silent when another golfer is preparing to swing. Your child should also leave the course in good shape. He or she should fill in his or her divots and ball marks and rake the bunkers. Make certain to watch your shadow so that it is not in the visual field of someone else who is putting. Both parents and children should understand the importance of good sportsmanship. Your child should be taught to yell “Fore!” if he or she hits a ball that goes the wrong way towards another person.

What attitude should parents project to their kids before golf tournaments?

Before golf tournaments, parents should work to help their children to gain confidence. They should act positively while also preparing their kids for the chance that they might not win. You should stress to your child that playing in a tournament will give him or her good experience regardless of the outcome.

Choosing a competition level according to your child’s scoring level

In order to choose a competition level for your child, you should choose it according to your child’s scoring level. You should calculate your child’s average score and then choose a level that fits his or her average. Many junior golf tournaments post scoring ranges for different levels, helping you to know which level to register your child for. Don’t choose a competition level that is above your child’s average scoring level or it might destroy his or her confidence.

How to keep your child positive during a tournament

Before a tournament, help your child process through his or her emotions. If you also help him or her to visualize successfully completing the course, he or she is likelier to remain focused on the day of the tournament. Whenever he or she misses, stay positive and tell your child, “Good effort!” Stress that the most important thing is to continue working to improve and let your child know that it is okay if he or she does not win.

Junior golf tournaments can be a great way to help your child to improve his or her game. You should make certain that your child is ready for tournament play and understands all of the rules of etiquette. By helping him or her to prepare and choosing the tournament and level that is right for your child, your child can have an excellent experience regardless of his or her score.

Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Scholarships, Golf Tips, Performance, Training

What College Golf Coaches Look For in Prospects

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Many junior golfers dream of playing golf in college. For most junior golfers, deciding where he or she wants to attend college to play golf is the first hurdle. Once several programs have been identified, you will next need to determine how to get the coaches’ attention. It is important for you to write a strong golf resume so that the coach will have good information about both your game and your academic record. In addition to your resume, it is also important that you understand what scouts look for and how you might be able to make a good impression when you meet a college coach in person. When you approach these steps in the right way, you may improve your chances of getting into a great golf program at a school that you love. college-golf-coaches

How to write a golf resume for college coaches

When you write your resume, you should start with your basic data. This information should include the following:

  • Your name, address and phone number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your height and weight
  • The name of your high school
  • The month and year that you will graduate
  • Your class rank, GPA and SAT or ACT scores
  • Your state or USGA handicap index
  • Your high school stroke average
  • A list of your other extracurricular activities and sports

Following your basic information, you will next need to list your highlights and your tournament results. You should list the name of each event and its location along with the number of players. You will want to list what your finish was, the yardage that you played, the course’s rating and distance and any weather that might have occurred during the event.

This section is important because it allows you to demonstrate to college coaches your abilities when playing tournament golf. If you have played in tournaments for several years, arrange them chronologically so that college coaches can easily see the improvements that you have made as time has passed.

What are the top skills college coaches look for in golfers?

College coaches look for much more than your performance at high school golf events unless you played in the state’s championship. Coaches pay attention to the scoring average that you have in other tournaments that are more competitive such as junior golf events. Your grades are highly important. If you do not have grades that are good enough for what the school is searching for, college coaches are likely to move on. Finally, coaches like to see that golfers have played in other sports so that they know that they have strong athletic abilities.

How to get noticed via scouting videos and letters

Most junior golfers submit videos and letters along with their resumes. It is important for you to help yourself to get noticed when you submit these. There is a limited chance that you will get noticed by a college golf coach at a combine. Instead, you have the responsibility of reaching out to them and of making a lasting impression. If you are taped at a golf tournament, get a copy and submit it. You can also have a digital video taken of you that highlights your abilities. Frame shots to include you as well as the flag so that the coaches can see the trajectory of the ball. Frame yourself in the center of the picture from the side, and take shots from the back end so that the coaches can see the ball’s flight. Include around 10 repetitions of your drive from the tee. You will also want to include drives at various distances. Film yourself driving from the fairway around 10 times in different situations. You will also want to film about 10 repetitions of you putting on the green. Make certain to film yourself using a variety of different clubs.

In addition to your video and your resume, you will also need to send a cover letter. In your letter, briefly summarize your accomplishments and explain why you are interested in the school’s program. Your letter should be written in such a way that it makes the golf coaches want to take a closer look at your resume and your video. Some junior golfers also create online portfolios and include links in their resumes to their profiles so that college golf coaches can take a closer look.

What college scouts look for in the golf scores of both boys and girls

The scoring averages that college scouts look for differ depending on the school’s division as well as your gender. If you are a boy wanting to attend a Division I school, you will need to have a scoring average that is 75 or better. For schools in the Top 20, you will need to have a scoring average of about 72. Division II schools look for scoring averages that range from 75 to 80. Finally, Division III schools look for scoring averages ranging up to 85. If you are a girl who has a scoring average that ranges from 85 to 90, most Division I golf programs will be interested in you.

What the college recruiting process is like

The college golf recruiting process differs from the process for other sports. College golf programs normally do not have large enough budgets to allow the coaches to go on the road in search of players. It is up to you to send in your highlights, resumes and videos. You will need to start by figuring out which college’s golf program appeals to you the most. You should also pay attention to the school itself and make certain it is somewhere that you would like to go. Plan to send your information to up to 10 programs. Some junior golfers also get help from college recruiting services that send their information to schools on their behalf.

How to make a good in-person impression with a college coach

When a college golf coach expresses interest in you, the coach may invite you for an in-person meeting. In order to make a good impression, you should practice in advance. Make certain that you are assertive in your answers because it shows self-confidence. Don’t be afraid to express a little emotion to convey your excitement about the program. Practice answering open-ended questions, and be prepared to show the coach what you will be able to offer to him or her.

How to submit personal highlights

Because college golf coaches are busy, mail sometimes piles up. It is a good idea to submit your materials as attachments to an email in addition to mailing them. College golf coaches may be likelier to open their emails and see your material. Make certain that your personal highlights stand out by using bold fonts.

It can be very exciting to be recruited to play college golf. If you are careful in how you approach all of these things, you might soon be on your way to a great program at the school of your choice.

After School Sports, Benefits, Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Performance, Training

Kids Golf Equipment

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kids-golf-equipmentAs any golfer knows, choosing the right clubs makes a big difference when it comes time to play. This is especially true for kids. Young players need clubs of the right size and weight for their needs. Equipment that is ill-fitted can create bad habits and swing problems that can be difficult to unlearn later. Children may also get frustrated with the difficulty of the game or their results and not want to keep playing due to ill-fitted equipment.

Why Kid-Specific Clubs Are a Good Idea

 
Before golfing equipment for children became widely available, it was common for parents to modify adult clubs for their kids. However, simply cutting down the shaft isn’t enough. Adult clubs have heavier heads and stronger lofts, which can make it difficult for kids to achieve a good swing and get the ball airborne. Clubs made for kids are more lightweight, flexible and lofted.

 

What to Look for in Children’s Golf Clubs

 
Height and weight can vary significantly between children of the same age group, which is why clubs should be purchased based on your child’s individual size rather than age. Athleticism, height and weight should all be taken into account when choosing clubs.

 
Length is the most important factor when it comes to choosing golf clubs.

 
Typically, golf clubs are sold with recommended height ranges. You should aim for your child to be within the middle of the range. If your child is barely within the height recommendations for the club you’re looking at, you may want to consider a different club that provides some room to grow without being much too large.

 
Because golf clubs can be expensive, you may wish to buy a set of clubs your child can “grow into” over time, saving you from needing to buy new clubs with every growth spurt. You can usually get by with a club that’s approximately 1.5 inches longer than necessary; this provides some room for adjustments for hand positioning on the grip as the child grows without affecting the swing technique too much.

 
When buying clubs, it might be a good idea to buy them in-person rather than order them online. Bring your child to the store to try out various clubs and see how they feel. This will give you the best idea of how the club will fit and whether the swing will be comfortable.

 

Other Considerations When Buying Golf Equipment for Kids

 
Younger golfers do not need a full set of clubs. When they’re just beginning to learn the game, three clubs should suffice: a putter, a wood and a 5-7 iron. Additional clubs can be added as the child gains proficiency with the game, but avoid any of the lower lofted clubs as a child may struggle to get the ball air-lofted. Your goal in teaching a child should be to ensure success and minimize frustrations that might discourage the child from continuing to practice and play.

 
Although clubs are important, ball selection will also help to set your child up for success. For the best results, you’ll want to buy a ball with low compression. The compression rating you choose should be based on your child’s average swing speed, which can be measured at the course. Low-compression balls are more likely to be hit straight at low speeds, which makes them ideal for kids.

 
You can buy golf balls made with children in mind from most manufacturers. When choosing a ball, you may want to pick one with high visibility to make it easier and more fun for your child to keep track of his or her ball on the course.

After School Sports, Benefits, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Performance, Training

Tips On Teaching Kids Proper Golf Etiquette

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teach-kids-proper-golf-etiquetteGolfing can be a great family pastime and wonderful sport for kids, but you’ll need to be sure that your children understand more than just the rules of the game. Etiquette is very important at the course, and you’ll want to take the time to ensure that your children are well-behaved before you start teaching the secrets of a good swing.

 

One of the best ways to teach golfing etiquette to your kids is to bring them along as spectators the next time you go golfing. You’ll want to be sure that the course allows this, of course; you may need to do a bit of research to find a family-friendly golf course in your area.

 
Once you’ve settled on a location, allow yourself plenty of time to get through the game and teach your eager spectators about the rules as they come up. Showing them simple etiquette lessons throughout the course of a regular game will be much more effective and less overwhelming than trying to tell them everything at once.
Here are some fundamentals you’ll want to be sure your kids understand before they pick up a club for the first time:

 

No Yelling

 
Golf is a quiet sport and one that requires immense concentration. Making a lot of noise is sure to earn some unfriendly looks from your fellow golfers. Teach your kids the appropriate time to cheer and when to yell “fore!” to warn others of errant shots, but otherwise impress upon them the importance of lowering their voices and not being tempted to yell across the fairway.

 

No Running

 
Running can raise the risk of accidents and damage the turf. It’s also a distraction for other players. Be sure that your kids understand that golf is played at a more leisurely pace than some of the sports they might be familiar with, and discourage them from running across the green.

 

Remember the Dress Code

 
Every course has its own specific rules regarding how players should be dressed, but the basics are the same from one location to another. Men should wear dress slacks or shorts and a collared shirt. Women should wear slacks or a skirt and a collared shirt. You can help your child get involved with the game by buying a collared golf shirt and nice slacks to wear on this special occasion.

 

Don’t Disrupt the Pace of Other Players

 
It’s okay to take your time on the course, but holding up the game for other players is rude. It’s recommended that you let faster players play through ahead of you, especially while you’re learning and may be slow. Try to avoid socializing when it’s your turn to swing; wait until no one is waiting on you.

 

Respect the Course

 
There are certain things that every player is expected to do to ensure the health of the course. These include filling in or replacing divots on the green, fairway and tee boxes as well as taking sand in bunkers after you’ve passed through them. Show your kids how to use a divot tool, and let them practice during your game so they get used to this responsibility.

 

Observe the Right Order of Play

 
Although some concessions can be made for special circumstances, like letting a group move ahead of you when you know that you’ll be slow, play generally follows a specific order. The player farthest away from the pin hits first on each shot, and the winner of the previous hole is the first to tee off at the next. Point these out to your children as you go so that they can get into the rhythm of the game.

 

Don’t Mess Up Shots for Others

 
Unexpected things can damage a player’s concentration. Your child might not realize the importance of staying quiet while someone else is taking a shot. Be sure they know not to walk across the line of someone else’s putt on the green or crowd too close to anyone preparing to swing. If your kids are starting to get restless or have a hard time staying still during another player’s turn, it might be time to take a break for a while.

 

Stay Safe

 
Many etiquette rules are also safety guidelines. You don’t want to do anything that might put you or someone else in danger of being hit by a stray ball. Be sure your kids know to wait until the group in front of you is out of range before you take a shot. Also let them know not to linger in places that they shouldn’t be or that would put them in range of someone’s shot. Finally, be sure they understand that golf should never be played when there’s a risk of lightning strike; be ready to pack it up if the weather turns foul.

 

Follow the Rules of the Game

 
Even if you’re playing for fun, it’s important to follow the rules laid out by the R&A and USGA. Don’t be tempted to let your kids cheat; if they’re not mature enough to play by the rules, they may not be ready to start playing yet. Even if you’re playing a different sort of game or golf challenge that does not follow the official rules, be sure that everyone knows and agrees to the rules before you start. Teach kids how to handle disagreements respectfully.

 
When you’re first teaching your kids to golf, you should bear in mind that a full game may last too long to hold their attention. Bored kids are prone to acting up, which will cause problems for everyone. Keeping that in mind, set your kids up for success by playing shorter rounds at first or playing other games on the course that can help to keep them entertained. Think up some “mini-games” or challenges that can give your new players an immediate goal to focus on, and you’ll be set for success.

After School Sports, Benefits, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Training

Tips To Improve Your Child’s Swing Accuracy

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The swing is a fundamental part of any golfer’s game, regardless of skill level. After all, if you can’t swing a club properly, how can you make it through a round of golf? That’s why perfecting your swing and consistently working on swing accuracy is something that you never stop doing.improve-childs-swing-accuracy

 

At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we think kids should have the opportunity to improve their swing accuracy in a fun, safe and positive learning environment. We encourage kids to not only be great learners but great teachers as well. By fostering their love of the game and their naturally inquisitive natures, we help them develop an intuitive feel for how their swing technique can be improved.

 

In addition to our lessons, we think it’s great for kids to keep practicing at home. Even if you don’t have a golf course in your backyard, your child can still use the tips below to improve his or her swing anytime.

1. Find Your Ideal Grip

 

There is no single “correct” way for every golfer to grip a club. Various types of grips fall in and out of style, but it’s more a matter of where your child’s grip naturally falls. Not only will a particular grip feel more comfortable, but it will allow your child to get the club in his or her fingers, which is ideal for achieving maximum grip mobility.

 

Have your child experiment with grips like the baseball, Vardon and interlocking to see which feels best. Finding the right grip is the first step towards improving swing accuracy.

 

2. Ball Position Matters

 

Nothing is more frustrating than when your ball goes in a completely different direction than you expected it to go. Often, this is because the ball position isn’t set up correctly. Learning to position the ball correctly will drastically improve swing accuracy.

 

When the ball is too far back, the swing will end up too far on the inside, which almost always leads to a hook. If the ball is too far forward, the swing won’t connect squarely, and your child will usually pull the shot. Both of these incorrect positions can also lead to your child developing poor posture or compensation habits, which can further impact accuracy.

 

3. Pay Attention to Distance

 

Your child’s distance from the ball is just as important as the position of the ball itself. Standing too close will result in his or her posture being too straight and stiff, and standing too far away leads to his or her posture being too slumped over. It’s more common to stand too far away, which leads to poor body rotation and too much weight in the arms.

 

Have your child work on posture and distance to create a more consistent, powerful swing.

 

4. Swing With All You’ve Got

 

A lot of instructors will teach kids to slow their swing because they falsely believe this improves accuracy. Typically, when kids first start out, they have a tendency to swing hard and miss the ball. When the instructor tells them to slow down, they notice more accuracy. However, slowing down a poorly formed swing doesn’t help your child at all.

 

Instead of teaching kids to swing more slowly, help them work on swinging powerfully and accurately. Making up games and fun drills that teach accuracy while allowing them to swing powerfully will help them develop into better players in the long run. Kids are naturally inquisitive and excellent at intuitively grasping concepts, so the more they focus on accuracy, the better they will be able to develop a natural feel for the proper form.

 

Let Aussie Kids Golf Academy Improve Your Child’s Swing Accuracy

 

Aussie Kids Golf Academy is dedicated to developing junior golfers who are confident in themselves and their skills. Our group lessons, private instructions and summer camps are all centered around fostering a love for the game and giving kids the ability to succeed in life and on the golf course.

After School Sports, Benefits, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Performance, Training

5 Tips to Improve Your Child’s Putting

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Chipping and putting are two of the most fundamental parts of mastering your golf game. Despite this, many adults tend to spend a lot more time on the practice range than they do the practice green. This is why we think that it’s so important to start your kids off right when it comes to learning improve-childs-puttingto putt. By starting good habits at a young age, it will become ingrained in them as adults, and they will be able to drastically improve their game.

 

At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we design every aspect of our training so that it emphasizes the fun and excitement that comes along with the game. Because we want our kids to love golf and be excited by it, we employ teaching styles and techniques that foster a fun, positive learning environment. Putting is a concept that takes a lot of practice and focus to truly master, so we have compiled a few of our favorite tips below that will help your child build confidence in his or her putting skills.

1. Play More and Teach Less

 

Children have notoriously short attention spans, and that’s okay. When you’re young, you want to explore and experience things instead of being told to pay attention to someone lecturing you.

 

Keep your lessons short and simple. Use words they will understand. Get down on their level when you speak to them. Above all else, let them play. Show them that every aspect of golf is fun, and they will gravitate towards becoming more focused and interested in the nuances of the game on their own.

 

2. Lend a Helping Hand

 

You should absolutely let your child try and fail when it comes to learning a new concept. Nobody ever learns the right way until they’ve made a few mistakes. However, you should also remember that some of the things we take for granted as adults are major obstacles to a young child.

 

Don’t let your child get so frustrated with the small things that they lose interest in the game itself. Watch for signs of frustration, and be willing to help at all times.

3. Show, Don’t Tell

 

There’s a reason that children’s books are always filled with bright, interesting pictures. Kids are great visual and tactile learners, so your lessons should reflect that.

 

Rather than using proper terminology and long explanations, show your child the correct way to grip or exactly how your feet should look during a putt. You can point out the explanations as you go along, but it’s more important to give your child a visual to follow.

 

Games are a great way to do this too. Turning practice drills into games can change something tedious, like learning to control your putt, into something exciting.

 

One particular game called “two putt” is a simple way to make the lesson of control more fun. You simply need one golf ball and a putter for each of you. Drop your balls on the green, and choose a hole to putt towards. If you get the ball in one putt, that’s one point. A two-putt is zero points, and three putts costs you a point. By only rewarding the one putt, it forces the child to focus on controlling the speed of the initial putt.

4. Make Etiquette a Priority

 

Your child is never too young to learn proper putting etiquette. Not only will this instill good manners and respect for other golfers, but it will make sure everyone stays safe.

 

In spite of their excitement, kids should learn quickly that it’s never okay to run or yell on a golf course. Don’t nag or scold; simply give them gentle reminders about how the game must be played. This goes for rules of safety and courtesy as well. Children should learn early on to never step into a putter’s line, and they should understand what it means to tend the flag for fellow golfers.

 

Another important rule is dress code. Unlike many other sports, golf requires a more polished appearance. Help your child follow the dress code by getting a special outfit or two that can only be worn while golfing.

 

Finally, teach your child to take care of the golf course. Show your child how to use the divot tool, the correct way to rake sand in bunkers and how to repair divots made in the ground.

 

5. Give Praise Freely

 

For young children, it’s more important to reinforce positive feelings than give correction. Kids tend to think of things as either “fun” or “not fun,” and receiving constant critiques will make the game seem “not fun” because the child may feel like he or she is “doing it wrong.”

 

Rather than pointing out when your child makes a mistake, find something positive to say. For example, even if the putt was too forceful, you can praise your child’s form or swing. If your child’s grip was off, compliment the control of the putt instead.

 

There will always be time to correct mistakes later on. In the early stages, it’s much more important to foster enjoyment and interest.

 

Let Aussie Kids Golf Academy Improve Your Child’s Game

 

Our training programs are designed to help children as young as three develop a love for golf. We hold group lessons, private lessons and summer camps all focused on creating good golfing habits, building confidence and instilling the skills needed to perform with pride and success.

After School Sports, Girls Golf, Golf Tips, Junior Golf

6 Tips for Taking Your Kids Golfing

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Aussie Kids-8 tips for taking your kids golfingHave you always pictured golf as a game that only adults enjoy or benefit from? The reality is that young children can get a great deal of enjoyment and health benefits from playing golf as well. At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we believe that the game of golf has a lot to offer to children of all ages and from all backgrounds. Golf teaches important life skills in a fun and family-centered environment that promotes ease of learning and the development of many new skills. Please contact us today if you have questions or would like to discuss our various enrollment options. Here are 6 tips we’ve come up with for taking your kids golfing.

 

Tips for Making Your Golf Session More Enjoyable

The prospect of engaging in a brand new activity with a young child can be daunting. Children are prone to mood swings when they tire out or get hungry, for example. They may also be easily discouraged as they learn the ins and outs of a brand new sport. However, there are many things you as a parent can do to make the experience more enriching for everyone involved. The following list is a good place to start.

  • Bring Snacks and Drinks
    You know your child’s hunger and thirst patterns better than anyone else. If you feel your child might get hungry or thirsty while on the course, it’s best to bring along light snacks and hydrating drinks that you know they’ll appreciate.
  • Bring an Umbrella
    A large umbrella can protect you from the bright sun and any other weather elements that might crop up. Unprotected sun exposure isn’t recommended, especially for a young child’s delicate skin. Additionally, too much time in the sun could make your child restless or tired.
  • Bring a Friend or Sibling
    If you think your child would enjoy company, it may be wise to bring along a friend or a sibling. In between plays on the golf course, they can have a buddy to play with.
  • Purchase Special Equipment
    You can make the game even more exciting by purchasing some inexpensive gold equipment just for your child. It could be something as simple as bright colored gold balls that are all his own.
  • Dress Appropriately
    If you’re going to be on the golf course, you may as well dress the part. Golf professionals and newbies alike often prefer the comfort of collared shirts. The same shirts that are available in clothing stores all over the country as part of their back-to-school clothing choices will work just fine on the golf course as well. Old Navy and Gap are two of many stores offering these types of shirts.
  • Be Encouraging and Patient
    Perhaps the best thing of all that you can do as a parent is to be patient and to encourage your child to simply do his best and enjoy the game. Young children will likely run low on stamina and patience themselves. They may get frustrated, especially in the beginning as they are picking up new skills. However, they’re much more likely to enjoy the game and stick with it for the long term if they experience the joyous encouragement of their parents and other loved ones.

Golf is a safe, contact-free sport that offers many physical, emotional, and social benefits to children of all ages. Additionally, golf is a family-oriented game that parents and children can engage in together, creating the opportunity to expand on your existing relationship with your young children. Golf offers the further development of many social skills and teaches valuable life lessons that can benefit your child for years to come.

Golf Tips, Training

Youth On Course in Atlanta

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Youth on Course – Play Golf For Just $5

Youth on Course is a program of the Georgia State Golf Association. When you join, you will receive an official GSGA / Youth on Course membership card in the mail. Simply show membership card at participating GSGA clubs and play golf for just $5!

Youth on Course Offers a Unique Golfing Experience

youth on course atlantaYouth on Course is a unique golf centered program aimed at helping children between the ages of 6 and 18 years to have access to affordable golf courses in a wide variety of locations across the United States. Youth on Course was created because of the belief that the game of golf can impart vital life skills to kids of all ages, and that no child should be prevented from being able to play golf simply due to a lack of affordability. This program is a great supplement to your kids’ camps and after school programs at Aussie Kids because it provides them an opportunity to continue to practice and refine their learned skills.

The Background of Youth on Course

Youth on Course started in the state of California in 2006 and was a byproduct of the Northern California Golf Association. It simply began as a way to increase the accessibility of this game to children of all socioeconomic backgrounds and ages, as well as to provide life changing opportunities for scholarship programs, paid internships and many more similar types of things that can set kids up for a successful career.

Since 2006, the Youth on Course program has exploded due to its popularity at providing the skills the game of golf offers at the price of only $5 or less in most of their locations. There was such a warm reception and an increased demand for the program that it spread from the state of California to many other locations across the United States. Youth on Course programs now exist in 12 regions and they have provided more than 400,000 rounds of golf to children across the US, as well as awarded a whopping $250,000 in scholarship funds to deserving youths every year. Youth on Course in Atlanta is just one of dozens of locations offering this exciting privilege to area children everywhere, providing the opportunities to learn life enhancing skills.

Youth on Course and The First Tee

The First Tee is a program that introduces children to the game of golf and provides them with the life skills they learn by interacting with others on the course as they learn to play the game. These two programs work together to provide additional benefits aside from the amazing opportunity to play golf on over 330 golf courses across the US at a cost of just $5 of less.

Youth On Course in Atlanta can provide your child with the unique opportunity to play golf on some of the finest golf courses throughout the state of Georgia at an affordable rate of just $5 or less. The skills that are learned through this unique program can provide lifelong benefits to your child.

Golf provides the opportunity to form lasting and unique relationships with other players and professionals, as well the training and mindset to overcome adversity and grow through challenges. The following are some of the other types of benefits that playing golf can provide:

* Golf Teaches Maturity

Bad plays occur on the golf course, and it can take a great deal of determination to bounce back from them. Additionally, young people aren’t necessarily equipped with the best self control or maturity levels, but with practice and learning to deal with set backs experienced while playing golf, they can become more mature in the way they respond to these events.

* Golf Increases Patience

Unlike some other sports, golf is not a fast paced game. Much like maturity, patience is something that is learned and the experiences that golf offers can do much to support this learning process. You can’t rush or force a great shot, and standing by and patiently lining up a good shot or waiting for another player to take their turn is a great learning experience for children.

* Golf Teaches Acceptance

Accepting the consequences of our actions is something we all have to learn, young and old. When a child makes a poor play on the golf course, he learns through trial and error to accept and learn from that play. In concert with this, when he makes an amazing play, he experiences the joy that comes along with it.

* Golf Provides a Unique Perspective

No matter what a child decides to do in life, there will always be people out there that are better than he is. On the flip side of that, he will also always be better than some other people at those same skills. Life isn’t about constantly comparing ourselves to others but is more about being the best that we can be in the things that matter most to us. Golf can help increase these unique perspectives about focusing on becoming the most authentic versions of ourselves with the realization that players of all skill levels exist.

The game of golf is well loved and respected for many reasons. Children and adults alike have loved the game of golf for decades, and it provides the development of many lifelong skills that can serve a person well in many aspects of their life.

Join Youth on Course today and start playing golf for as low as $5 dollars!

Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Performance, Training

How to Prepare Your Junior Golfer for a Tournament?

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How to Prepare Your Junior Golfer for a Tournament?Parents! You know your kid more than anyone else, and how the pressure of competing in a tournament might affect their emotions and, ultimately, their game. As golfers, we’ve all felt the jitters of getting on a course for competition. But with a kid, it takes even more diligence to ensure they’re physically and mentally ready.

First and foremost, it’s important to remind your junior golfer that the game is all about having fun out there on the fairways and greens. Once you can reassure them that the results don’t matter as much as how much they enjoy playing golf, you’ll put their mind at ease and then you can focus on preparing them for the tournament.

While registering your junior golfer for a tournament sounds easy, it takes the proper equipment and a lot of practice and preparation to ensure you both are ready for the big day. With that said, here are five simple tips by Aussie Kids Atlanta to help ensure your junior golfer’s first tournament is as memorable for them as it is for you.

Practice Makes Perfect: Prepare Before You Register

To make sure your junior golfer is ready for a tournament, it takes hours of instruction and years of practice. Otherwise, walking onto the course could spell disaster as far as their confidence. When registering for a tournament, talk with your kid and ask them how they feel about competing at the next level. Study their game during practice and analyze how it has evolved. If they’re comfortable enough to enter and you feel like they’re ready, then it’s time to start the real preparation.

Study Like It’s a Math Test: Get to Know the Course Beforehand

If it’s possible to visit the tournament’s course a week or two prior, spend time with your junior golfer walking and assessing it – or even better, play a practice round. Take notes about important game-day factors like terrain, bunker locations and other hazards that could impede their game. Check for a map of the course online, and use it at the practice range before tournament time to set a solid strategy. Every piece of information and detail you can find out about the course can come in handy.

Rest to be Your Best: Sleep will Help with Focus and Fatigue

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a teenage need at least eight of sleep for optimal health. This is especially true when they’re physically and mentally preparing for a challenge like a golf tournament. While those jitters might get in the way of a full night’s rest, take every step you can to ensure your junior golfer gets enough sleep so they can focus on tournament day and not become fatigued. Darken their room, have them take a hot shower and get them to bed as early as possible.

Stay Out of the Water: But Don’t Forget to Drink It!

Staying hydrated is as important as anything else when preparing for a golf tournament – before, during and after it. Teenagers, both boys and girls, should drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day. If it’s an especially sunny and hot day, it doesn’t hurt the drink even more. Remember to also provide them with fluids that contain electrolytes, like Gatorade.

Visualize Victory: Mental Toughness is the Key to a Good Tournament

There are many ways golfers can become distracted on tournament day, whether it’s their own thoughts or something externally. Teach your junior golfer to clear their minds and think about completing the course successfully – and even holding the trophy. Before bed every night until tournament time, have your junior golf spend five quiet minutes picturing them swinging seamlessly and having fun.

Training is a major part of preparation. At Aussie Kids Atlanta, we know what it takes to prepare junior golfers for a successful lifetime of golfing, whether it’s on a part-time or professional level. Contact us today for more information about our programs.

Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Performance

Competing In Junior Golf Tournaments

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Competing in Junior Golf Tournaments Aussie Kids
Once your junior golfer has been playing for a while, they may become interested in the idea of competing in tournaments. It’s a natural progression for the serious young golfer and a great opportunity to get a feel for what it’s like to compete. In order to give your child the best chance for success, there are a few things to consider.

Kids can start to compete as young as just six years old, with many tournaments having fairly broad age groups. The reason why this is important is that seven year-olds could be competing with ten year-olds and their different emotional and skill levels can have a big impact on how they handle competition. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your young golfer gets the most out of the competitive experience.

 

1. In the weeks before the tournament, have your child practice frequently. The more they play, the more comfortable they will be, which will allow them to play their best.

2. Make sure they get enough rest. If they are tired, they will have trouble staying focused.

3. Have them eat a good breakfast. Lack of nutrition can have them feeling weak or distracted by hunger.

4. Learn the golf course. If they have the opportunity, walking or playing the course can get them familiar with it, which can help them to relax.

5. Focus on fun. When kids are starting young, they will develop skills as they play. The most important thing is to make sure they are having fun.

6. Don’t worry about their score. It’s normal when playing in a tournament to be thinking about the score, but when first starting out, it’s best to just let them play.

7. Stay positive. At first, competing isn’t comfortable for many young golfers so it is important to be positive and encouraging no matter how they are playing. Sometimes it just takes a little time.
The goal for that first tournament should be to have fun and get a feel for competing. If your child decides that they enjoy it, they will improve over time.