Andrew Rice gives wonderful guidelines for developing junior golfers. Continue reading!!

Andrew Rice Blog – 4/28/14

I have so much to say to junior golfers – they are the future of the game. Here is a summary of what I believe to be the most important points for them to observe:

Always walk versus ride! Golf carts have been forced into the game primarily for financial reasons. They do not speed up thegame; they do not provide the golfer with a better experience; and they do not improve the design of golf courses! Do yourself a favor and commit to never riding again unless it is absolutely called for.

Compete, casually and seriously, as often as possible. One of the primary reasons boys are much better chippers than girls is because they love to compete and try unique shots around the practice green. It is this competitive environment that stretches them to create new and better shots. Apply this philosophy to every element of the game.

Give your young golfers a chance to have a great time playing and practicing the game. This way they will learn to love the game and when they love the game they will come back to it over and over. This is the only way they will ever reach their full potential – if you will allow them to have fun while playing golf!I have seen the game become work and a career for too many 12 and 13 year olds. I taught perhaps the best female junior golfer of all time in Aree Song. At 13 she had won the US Junior, the very first AJGA event she played in, finished in the top 10 in an LPGA major and was a first team AJGA All-American. Aree, now in her late twenties, no longer plays on the tour. She should be a dominant force in the prime of her career! We can all guess why she no longer has a passion for the game. Trust me; I have seen the right way and the wrong way; tread lightly and let them have fun.
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