>>The Opening Tee Shot

Welcome to the first edition of the newly-revised JuniorGolfUSA newsletter! You've likely noticed major changes already, but one thing isn’t changing – we are building upon the foundation of this junior golf community and excited for what’s in store.

JuniorGolfUSA has transitioned to its new name: juniorgolfplaybook.com. 

The new name encompasses the goal of this community -- providing junior golfers and their parents the most relevant content for all stages of the junior golf journey, nurturing the first swings to the biggest dreams. 

>>A Closer Look at Who’s Behind This Newsletter

So who are we, you ask? 

• My name is Sara Coleman, I’m a wife, mom, and a full-time writer and entrepreneur. I’m actually a freelance writer, which means I work for myself, contribute to multiple publications, and you can currently find my work in places such as Newsweek, TIME, U.S. News & World Report, and more. I personally don’t play golf, but I love watching it and love watching my kids play it the most.

• I’m married to Chili Coleman, who introduced me to the game of golf. He’s played golf for over 40 years and eats, sleeps, and breathes it. No, his real name isn’t Chili, it’s actually Charles, but Chili is his family nickname and as you get to know him then you’ll figure out it fits him perfectly. We also work together and are based out of Augusta, Georgia.

• We have three children: Hamilton (age 16), Jackson (age 14), and Caroline (age 11).

• Each of our children have a unique relationship with golf. Hamilton is ultra-competitive and has competed in junior golf tournaments since he was 7. Jackson plays golf for fun with his friends and it’s a major social outlet for him. Caroline enjoys playing with her friends or family occasionally, but enjoys watching golf in-person the most and supporting her brothers.

• We are passionate junior golf parents and growing this community to help parents (like us) who are supporting their children’s golf game but don’t always know where to start or where to go next. Whether your son or daughter has expressed a tiny glimmer of interest, is enrolling in their first tournament, or navigating the college commitment process, we are here for you.

• We will use this free newsletter each week for highlighting articles and news of interest for golfers, discussing past or upcoming tournaments, spotlighting products for junior golfers, and other valuable information for parents and juniors. 

• You can expect weekly newsletters and a new website launching in October. Be sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook!

>>Junior Golf Tournaments We're Watching This Week

Each week we’ll feature our favorite tournaments we either recently competed in or think you should know about.

We caught this beautiful view of the Oakland Hills South Course, overlooking #1 during an early morning practice in the U.S. Junior Amateur. 

This one didn’t happen last week but I can’t help but mention the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills. My son Hamilton qualified for it for the first time this year, so it was our first (but hopefully not our last) experience in the U.S. Junior. All I can say is wow – Oakland Hills was an amazing host and even more amazing venue. 

Congratulations to the winner Trevor Gutschewski and all the juniors who competed at the highest level of junior golf competition!

One of the other major highlights of the junior golf calendar is the U.S. Kids World Championship. I love the excitement this event brings to junior golfers all around the world each year. We attended the event for several years and fell in love with Pinehurst and the U.S. Kids World Championship competition. 

The junior girls did not disappoint and gave us quite a competition at last week’s 124th U.S. Women’s Amateur at the Southern Hills Country Club. Congratulations to Rianne Malixi for her incredible victory!

We’ll be watching the U.S. Men’s Amateur at Hazeltine this week and can’t wait to see the juniors in action. It looks like around 35 juniors are competing this week and I have a feeling we will see incredible competition.

>>Other Notable News in Junior Golf

• Speaking of the U.S. Kids World Championship, here’s a closer look at how big this junior golf tournament really is.

• Junior golfer Asterisk Talley tells Golf Digest how she deals with on-course nerves.

• Congratulations to Avery McCrery for winning the Girls Division and Baylor Larrabee, the Boys Champion at the 48th Junior PGA Championships.

• Application alert! The 2025 USNDP Grant Application is now open and due by October 31, 2024.

>>Junior Golf Products We’re Loving

I know as a junior golf parent it’s easy to get confused on where our money is best spent. Should we focus on training aids, new equipment, clothing, or all of the above? 

Each week we’ll use this section to highlight our favorite products we’ve either purchased or observed in action ourselves, so you don’t have to spend valuable time searching for the best junior golf products. 

*Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means I earn can earn a small commission for the endorsement or link at no cost to you.*

• Finding golf shoes for junior golfers can be tricky, from locating available sizes to accommodating rapidly growing feet. I've heard powerful testimonials regarding Sqairz Shoes. They were even named among Golf Digest's Best Golf Shoes of 2022. Let me know if your junior golfer tries them and what they think!
  • Sqairz are ideal for junior golfers who wear a size 7 or larger (in men and women’s sizes)
  • Helps with stability, grounding, and traction
  • Ideal for beginner to advanced juniors

• Ready to up your junior’s training game? A Skytrak launch monitor may be the key. My husband had to seriously convince me to invest in one, but once we did, it was a total game changer for our son’s practice. It’s an accurate launch monitor for the money and includes valuable feedback and games.
  • Ideal for beginner to intermediate junior golfers
  • Gives immediate feedback on shots
  • Fun for both indoor practice and group games

>>Our Sponsors

Interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities with us? Hit reply to this email or reach out to sara@juniorgolfplaybook.com.

>>Thank You For Reading

You have my sincerest thanks for opening, reading, and sharing this newsletter. 

Do you know another junior golf parent who would like this newsletter? You can send this link and remember sharing is caring! 

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