The Opening Tee Shot

Welcome to the September 3rd, 2024 edition of the JuniorGolfPlaybook Opening Tee Shot. I can't believe we've turned the page on a new month and summer is almost officially over! I hope everyone had a wonderful, restful Labor Day for our readers based in the U.S.

➡️ My nerves are officially shot

It was quite the Labor Day weekend for our family and I'm excited to share this with our newsletter subscribers in hopes you can share it with the junior golfer in your life. 

This past weekend, our son Hamilton competed in the AJGA Junior PLAYERS Championship Presented by Rolex and played at the famous TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. 

Not only does he love playing this course, but I was especially delighted our entire family could make the journey down to Ponte Vedra to cheer him on (which doesn't happen as often as I like). I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing the immaculate grounds and walking around the spectacular clubhouse.

The first day Hamilton shot a 72 and was T-13 (I think) heading into the second round. On Friday he fired a 68 and finished in the solo 2nd spot and one shot behind the leader Mason Howell. On Sunday, Hamilton was thrilled to be paired with both Mason and Logan Reilly as they battled it out to be the last man standing in the final round.

Hamilton hitting a driver on #6 at TPC Sawgrass, he had to hit a stinger in Round 3 because the tee was further back and he parred the hole. Photo courtesy of Aaron Ward.

Heading into the second nine on Sunday, we quickly realized things were getting interesting. According to the online scoring - which wasn't updating very quickly and making me sweat even more - Hamilton had a two shot lead. 

However, as you all know, anything can happen at any given moment in junior golf, so I knew it was way too early to get excited. At this point, it was obvious Hamilton's dear friend Blades Brown was on 🔥, wasn't letting up, and was putting major pressure on Hamilton's lead.

Blades ended up shooting the low round of the tournament (66, with 7 birdies and 1 bogey in Round 3) and seemed unstoppable. When the 54-hole tournament was over, Hamilton and Blades were tied at -6 and headed to a playoff.

Blades Brown and Hamilton Coleman heading to the first playoff hole on #18 at TPC Sawgrass

Hamilton has been in a playoff a couple of times, with mixed results. He knew it was time to dig deep but it's not a situation he's found himself in very often. After the round, I asked him about his mindset as they headed back to #18 for the playoff and he said he was only focusing on one shot at a time, but of course he was nervous!

Just when I thought I couldn't handle anymore intensity of a playoff, Blades and Hamilton both parred and had to head back up to 18 for the second playoff hole. Hammy chose his driver once again and ended up in the fairway, but unfortunately Blades went into the water. 

Blades hit an amazing shot from the relief area and landed just short of the green, while Hamilton landed on the green with his second shot, about 10-12 feet past the hole. While Blades knocked it close to the pin from there, Hamilton was able to two-putt for the win. 

I'm not going to lie, it was thrilling to see our junior golfer claim the victory and was made even more special by the fact he and Blades are such close friends. I think one of the reasons it was so exciting for me as a parent was because I clearly remember all the long drives home where he wasn't the victor, where we had to encourage him and let him know he was working on all the right things but he would need to be patient. Now we can finally tell Hamilton "I told you so," ha!

The first place finishes seem to rarely happen in golf (unless you're Scottie Scheffler, of course), so let's find tools that help us navigate through the close calls and disappointments.

➡️ Setting Goals With Your Junior Golfer

What's one of the habits Hamilton does each year that truly makes a difference in his game? He writes down specific, actionable goals for the upcoming year.

His coach encouraged him to make them highly specific, such as achieving a certain swing speed, but also make them obtainable. Once you make the goals then you can add in the steps you think it will take for you to achieve them. 

Junior golfers can start by taking pen-to-paper and writing it down...which can be tough since they do everything on their phone!. Throughout the year, you can refer back to the goals and give something to point to for their focus, especially if they're feeling frustrated with their game or results. 

For 2024, Hamilton set a goal of winning one invitational event. But golfers need goals for all parts of the golf game, including:

• Distance
• Short game
• Iron play
• Putting
• Mental game
• Achievements and/or tournament wins

To make this (slightly) easier for your junior golfer, I created this free goal-setting worksheet you can print out and they have a spot to write their goals down. 

➡️ Other Notable News in Junior Golf

• I love this article from Golf Digest where they found an interview featuring Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Speith, and Will Zalatoris competing as junior golfers.
• This junior golfer needed a little push from her parents to get started - but it's proving to workout for her.
• Junior Golf Hub recently updated its ranking system and has even more enhancements.

➡️ 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?  Here are a few personal recommendations you might find helpful.

• I know there's a ton of golf training aids out there, but The WellPutt WellStroke is one of our favorites -- and perfect for off-season training. 
  • Focuses on creating a consistent putting stroke
  • More affordable versus other options
  • You can also purchase customized for your putting stroke and add your name
• If you're looking for a beginning putting mat, WellPutt also offers a 10ft Putting Mat perfect for beginners - and it's 20% off right now.

• The Foresight GC3 personal launch monitor works for all skill levels, but it's especially helpful for anyone who wants to seriously focus on fundamentals. We love this product because:
  • It provides the most accurate feedback instantly
  • Can use it for every shot on the golf course, or indoors
  • Comes with a wide variety of golf courses
  • Look into the UpNext Junior Development Player offer, which can help you earn a significant discount
     

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

➡️ 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. Here's to an amazing September for you and your junior golfer.

Don't forget to claim your free junior golfer goal-setting worksheet.

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