The Opening Tee Shot

Thanks for reading another issue of The Opening Tee Shot newsletter. It was hard not sending out a newsletter last week, but we felt like last Tuesday most people would be more interested in the election, versus reading a newsletter...so we decided to take a short break. 

Meanwhile, here in Augusta, the weather has been near perfect and such a welcome break from the hot, steamy days we face from May through October. 

On a separate note, I drove by Augusta National yesterday and as I was driving down Berkman Road, I was shocked at the number of trees I could see were now gone, thanks to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. While I have full confidence Augusta National will have it in tip-top shape in no time, it'll be interesting to follow the progress and see how it looks by the time Masters Week comes around.  I'll try to grab some pictures next time!

➡️ Need a new putting technique? Give this one a try.

Former PGA Tour Pro and Golf Channel Analyst Tripp Isenhour created content exclusively for our Junior Golf Playbook audience and this week's tip showcases another style of putting.

‼️ As a newsletter subscriber you get the first look at Tripp's weekly tip‼️

👉 This week Tripp shows us what a pop stroke looks like in putting. Is this a technique your junior golfer would take advantage of?

In case you missed it, you can view last week's mental focus tip on putting right here.

➡️ Don't forget, as a subscriber of Junior Golf Playbook, Tripp offers you a 15% off code for a yearly membership. Simply head to GAPGolfcoach.com and enter code JGP15 for 15% off! 

Speaking of Tripp, check out these beautiful photographs he took and sent to me of Quail Hollow and part of the Green Mile. It's so neat to see the course in the Fall, versus when we see it in the Springtime during the Wells Fargo Championship.

➡️ A Lesser-Known Benefit of Junior Golf Coaching

I want to switch gears just a bit and bring up a topic I've thought moreso about in recent months. As we spotlight different junior golfers from around the country and our experience of watching our son's game develop, it's become clear how vital a coach is for these individual golfers.

I could list dozens of reasons why a golf coach is so critical when developing young players and many of you reading this understand the advantage a coach can bring. But I didn't realize one of the benefits until this past year that I personally think other parents may not realize either.

As your son or daughter gets into high school and they're eyeing playing college golf, the NCAA recruitment rules have clear communication limits with individual players. However, college coaches can communicate with golf coaches, which can be a huge advantage when you have someone speaking on your son or daughter's behalf. 

While a college career may be way down the line for you, I encourage you as you're identifying a potential coach to ask about their college coach connections (if they have any) and how often they are contacted about their students. 

We're going to dive further into this in coaching benefits in upcoming months in the newsletter and other outlets, so don't worry if you're not convinced the coach is the way to go. We will keep looking at it from many perspectives. 

➡️ This Week's Junior Golf Spotlight

We have another fun spotlight for you this week featuring Hudson Justus. He's a 12-year old from Gainesville, GA and chances are, you'll hear his name soon if you haven't already. 

Hudson's racked up a number of impressive wins including 4 U.S. Kids World Championships and 2 Future Masters Champtionships. Oh, and did we mention he's making his second trip to Augusta in 2025 as a Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalist?

Who is your favorite golfer? 

Justin Thomas.

How did you start playing golf?

My sister, Layton, is 2 years younger than me, so my Dad started taking me to play golf with him before I was 3, so that he could give my Mom a break. The first time he took me, he thought we would only make it 9 holes. When we made the turn, we had a hot dog and I wanted to go back out for the back nine. 

What is your favorite thing about golf? 

I love traveling to new places and meeting new people. I’ve met some of my best friends through golf.

What part of the game are you working on now? 

Putting. I’m going to take another Aim Point class this weekend. 

What is your best achievement in golf? 

Winning USKG World Championship 4 times, Future Masters twice and qualifying for DCP twice.

What is your graduation year? 

2030.

What is your biggest goal in the next 5 years? 

Win an AJGA, hopefully more than one! 

Who is your golf instructor? 

Mike McCall, Innisbrook Golf Club 

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? 

COOKIE DOUGH (emphasis added by Hudson)

What other hobbies do you like? 

I play middle school basketball and I like to play pickleball when I’m not at the course or on the court.

‼️ Do you want to recognize a junior golfer on our Instagram page or in our weekly newsletter? Here's how you can get in touch with us:

• Hit reply to this newsletter (it comes directly to me)
• Send me an email sara@juniorgolfplaybook.com
• Tag us on Instagram @juniorgolfplaybook
• Shoot us a DM on Instagram or FB

➡️ Notable News in Golf

• Check out this interesting read from Golf Digest and how NIL is impacting junior golfers around the country.
• The U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) keeps expanding and 2025 promises to provide more opportunities for elite junior golfers. 
• Congratulations to these inductees into the Edmond, Oklahoma Junior Golf Hall of Fame. 

➡️ 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

Thank you for reading along with our latest edition.

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