Welcome to The Opening Tee Shot

We're in the thick of it with golf season and there's so much happening, I can hardly keep up! 

This week our son's competing at the 84th Sunnehanna Amateur. It marks an exciting time in his junior golf journey as he's never played at Sunnehanna before and only competed in a couple of amateur events prior to this one. Who knows what the week holds, but it's so fun moving into another phase with golf.

Of course it's also U.S. Open Week, which I think is one of the most exciting traditions in golf. I'd also like to send an early Happy Father's Day to all the dads reading this — I hope it's a fantastic day for you!

-Sara and Chili

Hole #2 at Sunnehanna Country Club course in Johnstown, PA — site of the 84th Sunnehanna Amateur

🏌️Junior golfer spotlight!

I promise you, you'll want to watch (and read) this week's junior golfer spotlight, featuring Emma Cowan from Baton Rouge, LA. She's a 7-year old member of the Class of 2035 that absolutely loves golf. She's just starting out her junior golf journey, but she's already making great progress. Make sure you follow Emma!

How did you start playing golf?

Started playing in my backyard with a Little Tykes club and ball. My parents eventually got me a U.S. Kids yard club that I would play with until I started hitting it over the fence. I am the only golfer in my family. No one else has clubs or has ever played. 

I mostly learned from watching YouTube videos with my dad and trying the drills in the yard. Last year I went to Golftec for a while until I found Coach Brian at the beginning of this year.

What is your favorite thing about golf?

Being outside with all the grass and trees and wildlife.

What part of the game are you working on now?

Putting/short game.

What is your best achievement in golf?

Earning my invitation to the U.S. Kids World Championships.

What are your biggest goals in the next 5 years?

Continuously improving and competing consistently. I want to start competing at Regional Tournaments and traveling to more golf courses and cities in the US. Eventually becoming the best golfer in the world.

Who is your golf instructor? 

Coach Brian Williams (he’s the best) @mindbodyswing_

What other hobbies do you have?

Competition Cheerleading @cheerforcelouisiana and drawing.

Who is your favorite singer: 

Taylor Swift.

And…your favorite golfer? 

Rory McIlroy.

🏌️Junior golf tournaments 

• We'll be closely watching Mason Howell as he competes on one of golf's biggest stages this week. Here's the U.S. Open viewing schedule and best of luck to Mason!
• The AJGA Wyndham Invitational is well under way and it features many of the top juniors from across the country.
• Registration opens Monday 06/16 for the Drip Golf Series "Ben Roethlisberger" and Friends Junior Open Experience taking place at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA October 11-12. It's for girls and boys and looks like an amazing event!

🏌️‍♀️Junior golfer news

• June 15th is not only Father's Day...it's a big day for the Class of 2027's golf recruiting season when they'll be able to speak with college coaches. I can only base my experience off what Hamilton went through last year, but I do know every junior golfer's recruitment journey is unique to them, so don't worry if yours doesn't look like those around you!
• GolfPass released its list of top public golf courses for junior golfers in the U.S. While I can't say I've been to any of these, I think it's a great reference list.
• This junior golfer from South Carolina is headed to play Pebble Beach thanks to The First Tee and his hard work on (and off) the golf course.
• This junior golfer standout returns to the U.S. Open, after spending a decade trying to make the cut at professional events.

A Clubhouse view at Sunnehanna Country Club

Thank you to UP Consulting for your continued support as a sponsor and drop us a line if you're interested in affordable sponsorship opportunities with Junior Golf Playbook.

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

Don't forget, you can always hit reply to this newsletter or email us at sara@juniorgolfplaybook.com.

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