Junior golf can contribute to important core values while the kids are having fun, like being creative, using their imagination and improving their self-esteem through social interaction. It is these extra special goals, and the effort used toward achieving them, that is the difference between just local golf activity and a Junior Golf Development Programme.
Your understanding of the important part we need you to play in this development is critical. We will provide the golf tuition but we look to you to support us by helping with the life skills that are just as important. They are:
- Encourage your child to spend some time, say 10 minutes, a couple of afternoons a week, to practice what we did in the last practice session. This will fast track their improvement, teach them commitment and most of all give them a sense of achievement.
- Teach them the courtesies of letting us know if they are not able to come to a practice afternoon. We prepare the content of each session in advance, assuming full attendance. When this happens we have to make last minute changes, especially when we pair them together for set drills. We are used to some not coming for various reasons, but it is important you let me know. Emails are not acceptable, only tel-ephone calls please. Messages can be left if we’re not home.
- If either or both Parents play golf, the temptation is to coach your child when you see them having problems playing different shots. This is natural, but can be very confusing, coming on top of what we have them trying to do. Their swing development is a slow gradual process. We don’t overload them with information—it’s structured to lead them one step at a time. If you’re able to attend the after-school sessions they will clearly show you the different stages.
- When the child starts playing on Sundays your presence is required. Amidst the fun of just playing they will learn the very basic rules and the etiquette of the game. As they progress they will also become responsible for scoring as well. It’s important you get excited and applaud their good shots, criticism or coaching is not acceptable and is very detrimental. The children “play to learn” as opposed to “learn to play” so it is important to let them try to make the decision of which club they should use for a shot first, before you offer any advice or suggestions—“what do you think you should use” is a good start. Sun-days are a free wheel day when our tuition is kept to a minimum, letting the kids do what they love best—just playing. It’s very important, they can’t wait for next Sunday to come.
- At our prize presentations on Sunday mornings, the winners are encouraged to give a short acceptance speech teaching them social skills. These are special moments in their development and you are expected to wait until this happens before heading home.
- We encourage as many as possible to play in the different Carnivals held through the year at other courses. We will have more about these as they happen. Competing in these really helps the child’s development, it’s wonderful experience for them. 6, 9 and 18 holers play in these. They will play with kids from other Clubs at the same level.
- Over time your child will be exposed to some of the positive values that golfing situations can provide for example, honesty, courage, courtesy, fairness, responsibility, appreciation and perseverance. These are equally applicable to the Rules of Golf all of which are based on fairness and equitable treatment.
- There is no better character building sport than golf. Your child will find it very challenging, we know what’s ahead of you and what is needed. Our part is to build the enjoyment, interest and skills level, your part is to support us by encouraging regular attendance and constant encouragement. Each child takes his/her own time to grasp the basics, but when it happens you’ll see the confidence level rise. There’s nothing like sharing all of this with your own.
If you have any questions or need explanation on any of these points do not hesitate to ask.
Welcome to our Programme!