It has been awhile since I shared my thoughts on how to adapt beaver characteristics to golf. Today, I am reminded of how beavers live in a colony which is basically a fancy term for extended family. They play together and they work together to build and protect their homes which are of course dams. Teaching golf to juniors of all ages has given me the opportunity to create a community for my students. Just this morning I was teaching three of my female junior students in a group lesson. I suggested it so they could get to know each other, offer each other encouragement and hold each other accountable. They enjoyed it a lot. Afterwards, they stayed to help me with the homeschool group class. Jayda, Prep Tour Player of the Year, demonstrated how to swing the club. Her accomplishments offered encouragement to the younger female golfers. Leila and Annika stepped in as coaches and cheerleaders very easily. They are an awesome addition to the group. I personally, believe community for these young golfers is more important than ever. Covid-19 has already changed our lives in so many ways and it has the potential to isolate people. But isn't golf an individual sport? Yes, you are responsible for your own score but 9 times out of 10 you are playing your individual sport with someone. It is my hope that one day the younger golfers will feel comfortable playing a round with Jayda, Leila or Annika. I am quite confident that if asked they would gladly accept the offer.
I cannot count the amount of times, I have had to remind my students that the ball just gets in the way of the swing. In order to help them understand this, I tell them to practice their swing without a ball. This allows them to focus on feeling the club and then following it to complete the swing. If they can do this and appreciate what I am trying to teach them, they will improve. Recently one of my student's shared an article that was posted in Golf Digest back in February 2012 by Managing Editor Roger Shiffman that echoed the benefits of practicing your swing without a ball. It is a great read. The Why The How
When it was confirmed that the new management at Okeeheelee and Park Ridge Golf Courses would not be inviting me back to teach, I had to get creative in how to provide lessons. My junior students became especially anxious when the PGA South Florida Section Junior Golf tournament schedule was announced.
Of course, the real discipline happens after they leave the lesson. Do they practice at home with the same focus and attention? Do they approach the golf course with the same awareness of how their preparation impacts the outcome? Only time will tell but I am honored to be along for their golf journey.
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