🗓️ Prepping the summer schedule (even when you're not sure where you'll be)
I feel like I've been planning the summer golf schedule for our son for over a year now. Just when I think we've got everything figured out though, of course
there's a change of plans.
As junior golf parents you've likely learned how being flexible with plans and schedules is key to survival in this sport. Whether it's last-minute qualifying for tournaments, dealing with unpredictable weather, or finding places to stay in cities you're unfamiliar with — we learn to adapt
quickly.
I thought this would be a perfect time to share some of my favorite tips on making summer schedules slightly more sane, especially when you have other kids in your household and busy careers.
- Build a “tentative” schedule first, don't stress if it's not perfect.
Map out your best guess early, knowing it will change. Know ahead of time that you will have adjustments and it's okay. - Prioritize your “must-play” events.
Circle the tournaments that really
matter for your golfer (rankings, exposure, fit for your player), then add in other events if there's room. - Leave breathing room between tournaments.
It’s tempting to stack events, but travel, weather delays, and fatigue add up quickly for the entire family. - Book refundable travel whenever
possible.
Plans change constantly in junior golf. Paying a little more for flexibility at hotels, airbnbs, flights, or rental cars, can save you a lot of stress (and money) later. - Coordinate early with the whole family calendar.
Between other kids’ activities, vacations, work schedules, and pets, getting alignment upfront
helps avoid constant conflicts later. Try creating a system to keep track of everything, like a shared calendar or spreadsheet. - Don’t forget to schedule downtime.
Burnout is real for both kids and parents. A few intentional breaks and downtime can actually lead to better performance later on. - Accept that “perfect” doesn’t exist.
Even the best-planned schedules will get thrown off. Roll with it and know it will all work out!
One last point: As hard as it can be for us in the summer, I wouldn't trade it for anything. As I head into our 11th year of
tournament golf, I look back at all the memories made with our family in fun (and not-so-fun) destinations, plus the growth we saw in Hamilton each summer as a golfer. It's 100 percent worth the effort and all the chaos it can bring.
👀 ICYMI
Here's a look at some of the latest headlines in junior golf that caught my eye this
week:
