I first picked up a golf club at the tender age of three. At this time, golf to me was riding in the cart with my dad and Saturday morning clinics at Melreese Golf course, with the Dade Amateur Golf Association. Saturday quickly became my favorite day of the week, where I was able to hit as many golf balls as I wanted. My parents watched over my sister and I along with the instructors who helped me learn how to take a proper grip, stance and set up. I now know how lucky I am I started golf so young.

As I got older, clinics and lessons became more frequent. I begged to quit other sports and activities to focus on golf. I had an excuse for everything, and by the time I was eight I was a one sport specific athlete.

As the years pass, my game evolved and my competitiveness grew. I started playing in local events the DAGA hosted across Miami-Dade County. Once I was successful in my flight I would move up. Eventually my parents were carting my sister and I to tournaments all across South Florida to compete with the best. The Okeeheelee Junior Golf Foundation had a 12-13 year old division, which played 12 holes. At 12 years old, the tournament committee agreed to allow me to play in the 18-hole division. I was ecstatic.

It was with the OJGF that I had one of my most memorable rounds of my life. It came down to the 18^th hole, and I knew I was on track for an 80. I kept calm and after a drive down the middle and an excellent approach shot that left me a 12-foot putt for birdie, it dawned on me, I could break 80! Guess what, I did and still have the golf ball to prove it.

Start simple, and keep golf fun! Follow the pace and interest of your junior golfer as you navigate various levels of competition. This is an important step and rung in the latter to eventually participate in in National Tournaments where most college coaches are in attendance.

Hope to see you at a camp and Geaux Tigers!!

Fairways and Greens,

Rebecca Butler, formerly Kuhn

College Golf Camps, Camp Director