The Opening Tee Shot

Thanks for joining us here with another issue of The Opening Tee Shot newsletter. It's been another week of fabulous Fall weather here but honestly I'm not looking forward to the time change this weekend. It will mean less time on the golf course for our kids, which can present challenges with practicing or meeting up with friends for a round. Does anyone else feel the same way?

Our son's tournament schedule has slowed down significantly since the summer, but he is prepping for the AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions, which takes place in San Antonio in November. It's such an exciting way to cap off a season as he starts focusing on his goals for next year. He's trying to juggle so much right now, with school, friends, and activities--but having a tournament on the horizon pushes him to keep practicing consistently.

➡️ This Week's Junior Golf Spotlight

I'm moving up this week's Junior Golf Spotlight because I can't wait for you to meet Zoey Wright. Zoey was introduced to us by her coach and PGA Professional Andre Lacey, whom my husband has known for years. 

I love Zoey's story because she started her golf journey by simply having fun at Top Golf. Andre happened to be there and noticed her swing and he encouraged her to give golf a try. Well, let's just say Zoey listened to Andre because now she is a golf fanatic! I love how much she blossomed after a simple word of encouragement.

Make sure you follow @zoey_bella_wright and @andrefrantzgolfinc!

Who is your favorite golfer? 

My favorite golfer is Tiger Woods! I hope to meet him one day.

How did you start playing golf? 

I started developing an interest in golf when I was 5 years old after a visit to Topgolf in Augusta. A close friend of the Andre Lacey (PGA Professional) happened to be working there, and he gave me a few pointers. I immediately gravitated toward the game and told my parents I wanted to learn more. I began training with Coach Andre right before my 6th birthday, and now, after playing for over a year, I’m competing in tournaments and working on my individual development at The First Tee of Augusta.

What part of the game are you working on now? 

I’m working on my swing and getting more consistent with my putting. I want to make sure I can hit the ball where I want it to go every time.

What is your favorite part of golf? 

I love playing in tournaments, keeping score, and seeing my progress. I enjoy meeting new people and learning from them. One thing I’d like to improve is my scoring and getting more consistent with it.

What is your best achievement in golf?

My best achievement so far is seeing how much I’ve improved since I started. I’m proud that I can play in tournaments and stay focused, and I feel like I’m getting better every day

What is your graduation year? 

2034

What is you biggest goal in the next 5 years? 

I want to keep improving and hopefully win a big tournament! I also want to make sure I’m ready to play at a higher level by the time I’m a teenager.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? 

Strawberry 🍓

What other hobbies do you like? 

Swimming, acting. traveling, music, and anything involving art.

‼️ 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

➡️ Timeless Advice for Putting 

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 an amazing reminder for us as Tripp interviewed Dr. Bob Rotella. 

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

👉 Learn the simple -- but highly effective -- mindset you or your junior golfer should have as you visualize your putts.

In case you missed it, you can view last week's tip here featuring a mini-lesson on chipping.

➡️ 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! 

Hole #1 at Northstone Country Club in Huntersville, North Carolina

➡️ Don't Forget this Resource for Your Junior Golfer!

I shared the new resource we created for junior golfers to help them with their pre- and post-tournament routines, including goal setting. as a reminder, you can download for free here--simply enter your email address and it'll send it directly to you. 

🏌️Junior Golf Products We’re Loving

Here's a look at some of our favorite tools that our junior golfer is constantly reaching for and what might help your junior golfer too.

Golf Balls

🟢Have you heard of MERIT Golf Balls? 

MERIT Golf Balls are designed for swing speeds of junior golfers, not tour pros. So why not see if these can help your junior golfer see better results?

You can check out MERIT golf balls here and they're having a special of 20% off when you purchase 2 or more dozen.

➡️ Notable News in Golf

• Check out the latest statistics showing how strong the junior golf movement is.
• Have you listened to the Better Than I Found It podcast hosted by Baylor Men's Golf Coach Mike McGraw? He talks about all things related to college golf and the role junior golf plays in a player's development. Thanks to MERIT Golf Balls founder Sean for sharing this with me!
• Gary Player is looking for junior golfers from across the country to bring attention to a project close to his heart.

➡️ 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.

Do you know another junior golf parent who would like this newsletter? You can send this link.

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