Category Archives: Junior Golf

Tips To Improve Your Child’s Swing Accuracy

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.

Junior Golf Tournaments in Atlanta

Aussie Kids Golfing Academy-Junior Golf Tournaments in Atlanta

Preparing for Georgia Junior Golf Tournaments

Besides the lifelong friendships that your child will likely develop with peers, parents, and instructors during their golf training sessions, they are also preparing themselves to compete for golf scholarships. If they are interested when the time comes to head off to college, your child could qualify for athletic scholarships that are based on their performance in junior golf tournaments. If you`re a resident of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, you can enroll your child as a member in Georgia Junior Golf where they can compete in golf tournaments as early as seven years old.
 
If you would like for your child to learn a fun sport as well as the foundations of sportsmanship, then Aussie Kids’ golf training programs are to be seriously considered. Young children who participate in our programs go to junior golf tournaments prepared to compete against and make friends with some of the state’s best future golfers.
 

Benefits of Early Golf Training for Children

The golf course has been and remains the primary place where deals are done in Western society. In fact, many details of mergers, acquisitions, and new partnerships are crafted on the greens long before formal boardroom meetings take place. One way to set your child up for success in the business world and in life is to get them interested in the game of golf early.
 
Golf training with a professional firm like Aussie Kids can start as early as three years old. While you may think that the age of three is a bit early to start grooming the next Fred Couples or Kathy Whitworth, there are many good reasons why your child should start developing his or her swing as early as possible.
 
For starters, golf training helps them to develop mentally as well as physical coordination. Since height and build have little to do with a golfer’s success, your child has the same opportunities to succeed at the sport as any other child who puts forth the effort to train. Just like any other sport, learning to golf builds confidence, and golf is a much safer activity than other sports such as football, soccer, and basketball.
 
Many successful people from all walks of life have been avid golfers. Heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, statesman Winston Churchill, actress Katharine Hepburn and even Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders were all passionate golfers. Subsequently, the golf course has been known throughout recent history as the place where successful people hang out. It definitely offers excellent networking opportunities for skilled players who exercise the right course etiquette. Aussie Kids can get your child on his or her way to developing the skills and positive attitude that they need to win on the golf course and in life.

<Click here for more information on why you should get your kids into golf today!

 

Kids Winter Golf Classes in Atlanta

Aussie Kids-Kids Winter Golf Classes in AtlantaAll children desire to be a part of a group, and self-esteem is vital to their success at all stages of their lives. If you are looking for a fun way to help your child build confidence, get in shape and meet new friends, you have come to the right place. Our team is proud to host the kids winter golf classes at Aussie Kids Golfing Academy for the chilly season, and we hope to see your child when we get started!

We gladly welcome children ages 4 to 17, and classes begin Monday, Nov. 27, and run until March 3, 2018. If you are curious about the benefits your child can gain from joining us, the following information will point you in the right direction so that you can make your decision with peace of mind.

Build Confidence with Golf

Rather than coming naturally, confidence is something that children must work to achieve, and we can help. Here at Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we teach children of all skill levels, and those who remain dedicated to the process will enhance their skills as time passes. When children can see the improvements in their abilities, they will know that they can also gain skills in other areas.They will understand that they can do almost anything to which they set their minds when they are willing to practice and put in the effort. The confidence boost that children gain from this process will empower them to chase their dreams.
Since we know it is tough to practice sports in the winter time, we set up a winter session for our little golfers that will help understand that they can do almost anything to which they set their minds when they are willing to practice and put in the effort. We don’t let the cold winter stop our Academy! The confidence boost that children gain from this process will empower them to chase their dreams all year round.

Golf Builds Social Skills

Whether it comes to going to college, getting a job, forming friendships or something else, social skills are a critical piece of the puzzle and will impact your child’s quality of life. Children who attend the Aussie Kids Golf Academy will spend time with their peers in an environment that promotes cooperation.

Our golf school facilitates the growth and interaction with others in a positive way and to form meaningful friendships that can last a lifetime. Meeting people from a range of backgrounds and walks of life will empower children to thrive in almost any social setting they encounter. When children are enrolled in a sport while they are developing their social skills at an early age, they will be armed with the needed tools to connect with others on a meaningful level. Additionally, golfing can teach them competitive skills, collaboration skills, and the ability to work in a team or individually.

Learn to Set Goals

Goal setting and achievement is a critical skill that you can’t afford to overlook.  Our coaches are trained and experienced in working with children of all skill levels and learning styles, they will always push students slightly beyond their comfort zones, empowering them to enhance their abilities. It is important for us at the Aussie Kids Golf Academy to show our kids that even though things may be tough to follow through with, it is always important to set short- and long-term goals. We teach our students to break their goals into small chunks that are easy to reach, and each milestone will serve to enhance their motivation. We know it’s not as fun or easy to participate in sports during the colder and crummy weather season, but we make it a point to keep our Aussie Kids active!

Enhance Focus

The ability to maintain focus is critical for anyone who wants to achieve sustainable levels of success, and learning to play golf is an incredible way for children to work on their focus. Mastering the sport requires students to pay attention to the lesson plan, but they will also need to focus on their grip, the location of the ball, the environment and more. Like a muscle, the ability to focus can be strengthened with practice, and we will guide them at each step.

Enrollment in Aussie Kids Winter Classes

Enrolling your children in the Aussie Kids Golfing Academy will give them the tools and skills that they need to overcome life’s many challenges. Not only will they build confidence and self-esteem, but they will also create memories. Allow your kids to learn the important skills in their life while having fun in the winter time!

How Old Is Old Enough To Start Your Kids Golfing?

Aussie Kids-How old is old enough to start your kids golfing
Getting your child interested in golf can realistically happen at any age. So, how old is old enough to start your kids golfing? There is no “correct” answer to this question, but most experts agree that the best time to begin is when your child shows curiosity about playing.
If golf is not already a sport that your family plays, you can always use golf simulator games to introduce the idea of the sport to them in order to see if there is an interest. The most important thing to remember is that your approach should initially be hands-off, meaning that you expose your child to the game and let the excitement come organically.
 

Let Aussie Kids Golf Academy Make Golf Fun For Your Child

At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, there is a variety of group and private sessions to choose from. We also offer camps and special programs for children of all ages. Contact us at one of our two locations today to schedule a tour or have your questions answered by one of our friendly staff members. Let’s start together!
 

What Age Range is Appropriate to Introduce Golf?

While most of us have seen the video clips of a toddler Tiger Woods on the green, it is not necessarily realistic to expect your own toddler to have that kind of coordination or patience. Remember, children are still experiencing leaps and bounds in their physical and mental development in their toddler years, so it is not unusual for them to have short attention spans or uncoordinated movements.
 
Of course, you know your child’s development better than anyone else, so if you feel like your child is ready to start swinging a club at age two or three then there is no harm in that. In fact, Aussie Kids Golf Academy even offers group lessons for children as young as three years old.
 

Getting Your Child Interested in Golf

If you or someone in your family plays golf, you can take your child to a driving range or tag along during a short game to foster excitement about the sport. If you’re an enthusiast who doesn’t play, consider taking your child to a golf tournament and see if that sparks an interest.
 
Another way to gauge your child’s interest in golf is to schedule a private lesson or two and let the instructor give you some insight about what the best plan of action will be. Some children will take to the instruction right away, but others may not be ready for structured lessons just yet.
 

Benefits of Formal Instruction

Again, this may be different for each child, but in general, once kids are old enough to start school or daycare, they are old enough to begin formal lessons. By this time, they typically have the appropriate level of focus and cognition that is necessary to benefit from golf lessons.
 
Giving children an opportunity to take golf lessons will do much more than simply hone their skills in the sport. Golf is a game that requires precision, discipline, and critical thinking, so all of these skills will also be developed as your child grows and becomes better in the sport.
 
In addition, golf can lay the foundation for positive character development and help your child acquire the skills necessary to succeed in other sports and non-athletic pursuits. To instill a love of overcoming challenges while your child is young will set the foundation for mental models that will be useful later in life.
 
As a parent, it is important for you to be encouraging and allow your child to have fun with golf. Once a sport no longer is fun, the child often loses interest and misses out on all of the benefits. We at Aussie Kids Golf Academy strive to make golfing fun, interesting and stimulating all year round for our kids.

6 Tips for Taking Your Kids Golfing

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.

Best Place to Buy Golf Clubs for Kids

Aussie Kids-Best Place To Buy Golf ClubsNot only will children make friends on the golf course, they’ll get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Unlike football and soccer, which involve physical contact with other players, golf is a relatively safe sport. Although occasional muscle injuries and sunburns can affect a young golfer’s well-being, it’s a low-risk sport that teaches so many valuable lessons and distracts kids from otherwise negative activities.

Junior golfers also acquire basic etiquette skills that will serve them well in school and business someday. Children gain self-confidence, improve basic math skills and learn how to problem solve while they’re on the golf course.

Since anyone can play golf, children learn about diversity and how to get along with others who are different than themselves. Proper behavior, including the ability to control one’s emotions, can improve a child’s behavior at school and help them make new friends wherever they go. When children have golf buddies, they aren’t as tempted to succumb to peer pressure or join a gang while searching for acceptance.

Last, but not least, kids who play golf with friends and family spend less time using electronic devices. You can’t stare at a phone or tablet when there’s a beautifully-manicured course in front of you.

As you can see, children who play golf have a clear advantage. The only thing you need to do is outfit them with the proper equipment and find a certified coach near you.

 

What To Buy
If you’re a parent without a lot of knowledge on the game of golf, you may be wondering where to start. Unlike experienced adult golfers, there is really no need for a young child to carry the standard 14 clubs. Many pros suggest simply starting with a wedge and a putter, then adding irons, hybrids and drivers as the child progresses.

You’ll want to pay a great deal of attention to the height and strength of the child when choosing clubs since young golfers often struggle to launch the balls a great distance. U.S. Kids Golf specializes in outfitting players ages 4-12. They offer nine club sizes ranging from 39-to-63 inches in height.

By the time your little golfer reaches age 10, they should have between 12 and 14 clubs. Look for a retailer that offers a buy-back program. U.S. Kids Golf accepts trade-ins when young golfers graduate to the next size up.

Stores that specialize in kids’ golf equipment, such as U.S. Kids Golf, are known for their ultralight clubs and their reasonably priced certified coaching. They also offer local tours, which is a fantastic way for your junior golfer to gain experience and make more friends. Compare U.S. Kids Golf equipment and prices with Taylormade. It’s worth adding that U.S. Kids Golf customers receive every sixth club for free!

By the time your child is playing in tournaments regularly, you’ll want to consider investing in titanium drivers. Aluminum drivers cannot launch the ball as far and will affect overall performance. Kids need golf clubs that are light but high-quality, like those found at U.S. Kids Golf.

When it comes to choosing a golf ball, go with soft compression balls. They are ideal for slower swings that do not generate much spin. Slow swingers (children who average slower than 70 miles per hour) will require compression in the mid-50s.

For more advice on choosing equipment and balls for your junior golfer, visit U.S. Kids Golf at http://www.uskidsgolf.com. You’re only a click away from your child’s brighter future.

Best Colleges for Golf Scholarships

Aussie Kids-Best Colleges for Golf ScholarshipsIf you want to get your children’s lives started in the right direction, planning for their college fund is a vital part of the puzzle that you don’t want to ignore. Even if you start saving now, paying for your children to go to college can place a lot of stress on your budget, but you can use golf scholarships to combat the problem. You can find many schools that will accept golf scholarships, and your children will get the education they need to chase their dreams. Before you make your final decision, you should review the top colleges, which will help you move forward with confidence.

 

Top Colleges for Golf Scholarships

Depending on the line of schooling your child wants to pursue, there are a number of Colleges and Universities that will accommodate a golf scholarship.

  • If your children want to obtain a career related to computer science, they can use a golf scholarship to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, and students who demonstrate exceptional golf skills can have their tuition reduced or eliminated.
  • If you believe that your children might want to try a private college, they attend go to Florida Southern College once they obtain a golf scholarship. This school is located in Lakeland and provides students with tools that will empower them to succeed in life.
  • If you have daughters who would like to benefit from a golf scholarship, you can send them to Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
  • If your child located in or is looking to head toward the west coast, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a great cirriculum for an array of subjects and majors for golf scholarship holders.

 

Benefits of Learning How to Play Golf
In addition to helping students earn attractive scholarships, learning to play golf offers a range of undeniable benefits. Since mastering this sport requires time and hard work, students will develop the self-discipline that will help them in every area of life. Improving their golf skills will show students the importance of setting short- and long-term goals, enabling them to understand that they can achieve anything to which they set their minds. Also, learning to golf allows students to acquire athletic skills that will help them succeed in other sports.

 

Aussie Kids

If you would like your children to have access to amazing golf coaches who will help them reach their goals, you will need to find a trusted golf school. At Aussie Kids, we have a team of instructors who are experienced with guiding children of all ages and skill levels. Our facility has a range of classes and pricing options, and you won’t have any trouble finding a program that is right for you, your children and your budget.

Whether you want standard or private classes, we can meet your needs in a way that you won’t soon forget. When you enroll your children into one of our programs, we will arm them with the knowledge and mindset needed to play with confidence, and the scholarship for which they have been hoping will be just around the corner.

 

Getting Started

Not only will golf skills help your children get into college, but they will also allow them to develop talents that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. If you want to get started and to give your children the boost they need, you can contact Aussie Kids for more information. When you speak with our team, we will answer your questions and address your concerns, and we look forward to serving you.

How To Prepare Your Child to Play Golf in College

prepare your child to play golf in collegeHas your child expressed an interest in playing college golf? If so, you may find that you have a lot of questions about how to help him or her find the right college, how to connect with recruiters, and what questions you need to ask them. The following information has been put together to show you how to prepare your child to play golf in college.

Connecting With College Recruiters

It may seem like a daunting task to even get started on the prospect of connecting with college golf recruiters and learning the appropriate questions to ask them. The following frequently asked questions and their answers will help you get a good start at the college recruiting process.

When should your child begin researching and visiting colleges?

Ideally, your child should start the process of visiting colleges and researching programs offered by the time they are in 9th or 10th grade. This is a process that takes a good amount of time in many cases, and your child will not want to feel they have to rush to make a decision.

It’s also important to not rule out visiting certain colleges simply because your child has a preconceived notion that he won’t be interested in attending school there. Visiting colleges even where there may be little interest currently can still provide useful tips and can be an important part of the learning process in deciding on a specific school.

What is Your Role as a Parent in the Recruiting Process?

The best thing as a parent can do is to be a source of encouragement for your child during this sometimes overwhelming and stressful transition. Provide your own success stories from your college days to show your child you understand what they’re going through and that you also overcame challenges to have a successful college career. Help them manage their time wisely and set proper goals to strive for. Help your child plan visits to colleges and attend with them when possible. Last but not least, help them develop a series of questions to ask when they meet with possible recruiters.

How Do College Coaches Work Junior Golf Tournaments?

Many college coaches spend as many as 30 days per year travelling with the intent of recruiting. During this time, they will attend a dozen or so junior tournaments to watch for talented young players that they wish to recruit. Coaches are watching for skilled players who are focused and have good techniques, and they will also watch how players respond to stress and how they interact with team members. Dealing with adversity and stress well and treating other players and coaches appropriately shows the level of maturity that these recruiters are looking for.

Do Golf Coaches Really Care About Academics?

College bound students remain students first and foremost, and athletes second. Coaches and recruiters do care very much about your child’s academic performance and career. College entrance requirements are such that students must generally score a specific amount on SAT testing to even be considered for entrance to the school, so maintaining a good grade point average is important. Additionally, students who are dedicated to their academic success show that they are reliable, hard working, and mature, all of which are positive qualities that recruiters look for.

As a parent, you serve the important role of helping your child on this journey to the next phase of his life. Helping him set goals, make good use of his time, and know the right questions to ask recruiters will all prove to be a guiding force as he takes the next steps and enters his college career. We hope this information helped you learn how to prepare your child to play golf in college.

Making the Transition to College Life

Transitioning to college life can be a daunting task for young adults. It signifies newly found freedom, but along with this comes the importance of learning to balance school studies, sports, and relaxation time as well.

Likely he will find himself with new responsibilities such as maintaining part time employment while juggling studying for exams, playing sports, and still making time for friends. Time management is important because we all are only given the same amount of time in a day. We have to prioritize what is most important to complete and plan our day accordingly. Teach your child to manage his time wisely so that he can meet the new demands that will be placed before him during his college years.

Balancing School, Work, Sports, and Entertainment

Dedicating oneself to a college sport means that certain sacrifices are going to need to be made in order to practice regularly. Time is usually taken away from parties, going out with friends, and other social events in order to further dedicate oneself to improving their skill level within their chosen sport. On top of these demands, many young adults work at least part time through college and of course they also have classes, homework, tests, and papers to keep up with.

Appropriate balance is needed to ensure your child doesn’t burn himself out but that he also doesn’t fall into the habit of overdoing the fun aspects of college life and letting important things slide.

Setting Appropriate Goals

If you instill in your child the significance and importance of setting smart goals, he will be fully equipped to better handle the challenges that college life will bring. Ideally, goals should be specific and measurable, allowing your child to see his success first hand by working hard and dedicating himself to the completion of his goal.

Why Children Should Attend After-School Sports Programs

Aussie Kids Golf Atlanta The After School Program for Kids

After-school programs provide children and families with a range of benefits. Children can better their academics, learn about responsibility, and have fun with their peers. Children who join after school programs learn how to work as a team, which will reward them for years to come. After school programs help children with their social skills, stress, and negative emotions.

Improving Social Skills

After-school sports programs help children to work together towards their goals. Children may not see the benefit of working with others at first, but it won’t take them long to start believing once they see positive results. They will not only learn how to work with their teammates but with their coaches and instructors as well.

Time-Management Skills

Effective time-management skills are a vital part of living a healthy life. Going to school, participating in their after-school programs and getting homework done on time is a lot to manage for a child, but with help from dedicated teachers and volunteers, your child will be on track in no time.

Self-Esteem

Even though self-esteem is a critical piece of the puzzle, not everyone understands it or how to build it. Setting and achieving goals is a powerful tactic for anyone who wants to take their self-esteem to the next level. When children see that they can achieve things they set their mind to, they will feel comfortable with taking on even bigger challenges. Many children enter after-school programs feeling unsure of themselves, but once they have engaged in their programs, they will walk away feeling more confident and positive.

Putting Everything Together

Golf is a respectful game that encourages its participants to use good manners, demonstrate patience, and work as a team. When taking a look at the whole picture, it’s easy to see the advantages that children gain from using after-school sports programs. The time-management skills they learn will help them maintain other responsibilities in their lives. Positive self-esteem and social skills will allow them to form meaningful relationships, as well as encourage the children to speak their minds and believe in themselves. It’s important, however, not to force children into engaging in activities they do not enjoy. For the best possible results, parents, sports coaches, and teachers should encourage children to move forward on their own. The children will gain much more from the process knowing they did this on their own. The lessons learned in these programs are just as important as anything that you can find in a book and should be a part of each child’s education. After school programs do not only provide benefits for children seeking to improve in sports or education but provide children with long-lasting benefits they can take with them for life.

How to Prepare Your Junior Golfer for a Tournament?

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.