Welcome to The Opening Tee Shot

Presented by Line Lion

Be clutch every time.

Happy Wednesday my friends, I hope your week is off to a great start! We are preparing for Ice Storm 2026 here in Augusta — though I have no idea if we're expected to get hit or not. Either way, the frigid temps likely mean there won't be too much time spent on the golf course, and that's okay, it's great to have a little down time. I hope you stay safe this weekend!

I wanted to take a quick second and thank you for subscribing to the Junior Golf Playbook newsletter and welcome you for all those who are new here. The goal with this newsletter is to bring attention to subjects or events that impact junior golf, so you're better informed as you're raising your golfer.

We are also working on a new project that (fingers-crossed🤞) will be unveiled by next week. I'm excited to bring another resource to you. Until then, stay warm!

-Sara and Chili

💡 Junior golf spotlight

Junior golf feels bigger than ever right now, which is why I love highlighting up and coming players. This week we're showcasing the talents of Olivia Barnes, an 11-year old from Saint Johns, Florida. She already has an impressive golf resume and is laser-focused on her golf goals both now and in the future.

Make sure you're following Olivia and checkout this highlight reel here!

How did you start playing golf and at what age?

5 years old, at Top golf and a golf camp in Pinehurst. 

Who is your swing coach?

Was my dad until this year… now Jackson Koert. @jacksonkgolf

Who is your favorite influencer?

Girls Golf Games.

What are some of your goals for this year?

200 yard driver carry, get stronger, Break par from 6000+ yards. 

What are some of your 5-year goals?

Qualify for a USGA junior event, Keep enjoying golf, and get invited to be a member of U.S. National development team.

What is your biggest achievement in golf?

2nd at U.S. Kids World Championship in 2025 and Won LPGA Girls golf championship in 2025, shot a 29 in Red white and blue U.S. Kids tournament at 8 years old.

What are you working on now?

Swing setup and takeaway, getting stronger in the gym, and playing tournament up in age group to get used to longer yardages

What is your favorite restaurant?

Asian and Ramen restaurants 

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Chocolate 

Who is your favorite singer?

Katseye.

What other hobbies do you have besides golf?

Singing, drawing, editing videos, and bike riding.

🌧️ When the rain comes down...

With such crummy weather taking place all over the country, it's a great time to talk rain gear for junior golfers. 

On a personal note, it was years before our son was able to fit into a FootJoy rainsuit and we had the hardest time finding this essential piece of golf clothing in his size. We spent an entire day driving around Charlotte, NC trying to find him one when he was around 7 or 8-years old and I remember thinking it shouldn't have to be so hard.

I pulled together a list of brands and styles for youth-sized, golf-course appropriate rain gear. Let me know if you've tried any of these and had a great (or not-so-great) experience!

• Garb Jilly Youth Girls Golf Rain Jacket
• Adidas Provisional Golf Jacket
• Garb Autumn Girls Youth Golf Rain Jacket
• Columbia Boys Watertight Jacket
• Calvin Green Rafael windproof and water repellent golf jacket

⏰ Time-sensitive

I pulled up a few announcements, but don't delay...these can fill up quickly.

• The PGA Jr. League registration is now open for 2026! This is a great option for introducing your junior golfer to competitive golf, without the pressure of an individual score.
• If you want to play in any of the U.S. Kids Teen Series events, make sure you register soon. Many entries close within the next couple of weeks.
• Many of the UnderArmour Junior Tour Spring 2026 sessions are now open for registration all across the country. 
• Don't forget to download the free 2026 goal tracker here before it goes away!

Thank you to UP Consulting and Line Lion 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 [email protected].

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