Last year, I received a hat that was personalized with my logo.  I was quite surprised by how cool it looked and I started wearing it.  I ordered some to distribute to my homeschool students and then soon I was getting requests from other people who wanted to place an order for a hat. 
I did not seriously pursue the idea of selling anything until I realized that it could be a great way to give back. The first thought that came to my mind was finding an organization that helps children with Down Syndrome. ​

My student, Ben, is 10 years old and he has Down Syndrome.  When I first started coaching Ben about 18 months ago he just wanted to putt but now he has become more of a well-rounded golfer and we are currently working towards playing in the Special Olympics.  
After speaking with Ben's mother, I learned that Gold Coast Down Syndrome has been a tremendous resource for their family.  I then contacted the organization with my idea and recently received approval to move ahead with raising funds.
​Now, with the help of someone smarter than me, I was able to create three additional golf-themed characters.  Each of them is available in a youth polo or t-shirt.   ​​

Jayda and Vrishti (second place finish) are amazing examples of dedicated junior golfers.  They are both willing to come early in the morning for their golf lessons, sometimes before the sun is up and they are very committed to their academics.  I firmly believe their efforts will yield college scholarships.  I am honored to be their golf coach.

When is the best time for your junior golfer to start playing tournaments?  When they are ready.  I assess readiness differently for each of my students because they are unique.  It is not about age it is truly about confidence in their game and their ability to make decisions on the course. 

I have been teaching Mateo since he was 5 years old, after a year I encouraged his mother to register him for local tournaments and then this past summer he joined the PGA Jr. League.  He was the youngest player on the team but he played his heart out and his teammates loved having him around.  

When I learned that the South Florida PGA Junior Golf tournament series had added the Junior Links Tour, I was excited to discuss this option with his mother.  The Links Tour  makes individual Jr. PGA Tournament play accessible to golfers ages 6-8.  The series of 9-hole events expanded into Palm Beach County this weekend with its first tournament at Johnathan's Landing-Old Trail this past Sunday. 

Mateo persevered through some extremely windy conditions on the front nine of the Hills Course (1,895 yards).  He overcame some struggles on the first four holes to close with a 45 and a first place finish.  I could not be more proud.  He has won other tournaments before but this one was special because it was his first PGA Tournament. 

As June comes to an end and July starts, I am honored to have the privilege to coach junior golfers.  While many recreational players in Florida are avoiding the hot and humid conditions of the golf course in the summer, a number of my junior students are in involved in leagues and playing in tournaments.  They are even scheduling their vacations around their golf commitments.  

Whether it be the JGFA, U.S. Kids or PGA offerings like the Prep Tour and Junior League, my students have chosen have elected to test their skills on the course and play with other young golfers this summer.  I am inspired by their dedication and I am awed by their willingness to learn from every experience that is placed in front of them.  

Sadly, I cannot be present at so many events to see them in action but I am thankful for the parents who send me pictures and videos.  Knowing that they are out playing, having fun and doing their best makes me happy.  

I happened to be coming back from lunch when I spotted some familiar faces on the green just ahead of me.  Four of my homeschool group golf students decided to put their skills to the test by playing 9 holes at Okeeheelee Golf Course.  When I walked up I experienced the feelings of a proud dad.  In less than a year these boys had learned enough to feel comfortable getting on the course and tackling what I call big ball syndrome...this is when the confidence you developed practicing on the range gets eaten up by the vastness of the actual golf course. 

The boys were having fun and that's my main goal when teaching junior golfers.  Additionally, I was told they were hitting some great drives, approach shots and they were very diligent is filling divots.  One of the Moms is also my student so she was serving as their "coach" for the round.  Another Mom was taking pictures while the other Moms were watching from the carts.  It was really amazing to see.  These are memories that these boys will cherish and I can only imagine how the Moms felt watching their young golfers progress through the course.