Last week, I explained why I became affiliated with the First Tee of the Palm Beaches.  This week, I received some pretty awesome feedback from a Mom which confirmed my decision.  

If you watch professional golf, you may have noticed that the players regularly refer to a book that they keep in their back pocket. This is called the yardage book and it is where the golfer's keep their notes on each hole.  As a participant in First Tee, each golfer receives a yardage book that they are asked to carry with them to class and throughout the week.  This book contains information about the 9 core values and other golf related information that they will eventually be quizzed on to move on to the next level.  Since I have a mixed group, I did not set any specific due date for completion of the book.  I actually prefer that each golfer determine the pace of their development. 

I did not have the books when the class started but was able to distribute them last week with the hope that they would review the first section prior to today's class.  This morning I was informed that two golfers (siblings) took their yardage book very seriously.  They took it upon themselves to read, practice and quiz each other for several days. No parental motivation was needed.  Their preparation paid off as it earned them the first prizes of the day.  

Looking forward to hearing more stories in the future!

Forest Oaks Golf Club is an older course located on Lake Worth Rd.  I believe this is a hidden gem that most golfers ignore.  I discovered it recently and I really like the tighter and narrow fairways.  While I rate the undulating greens a 5/10, they are smaller and challenging.   I also enjoy the dog legs and the extra par 3 holes which I recommend playing from the tips.  If you decide to play a round, be warned that some tee boxes are under repair. 

I recommend calling in the morning for a same day afternoon tee-time.  If you tell them Coach Glen Beaver suggested you play a round you will receive a reduced rate.  Juniors can play for $10.

The First Tee 9 Core Values have been apart of my junior golf programming for years.  When I taught Level 1 Golf, I opened every session with a short discussion about each one and I have made them the foundation for my homeschool group golf series.  For me, it was a simple and concise way to teach some basic concepts that are not only important in golf but also in life.

During the Covid-19 "stay-at-home" order, I decided to explore the First Tee program in greater detail.  After a couple of meetings, I decided to become a certified First Tee Coach and I encouraged my team to become certified Assistant Coaches.  

All in all, my affiliation with the First Tee provides additional resources for my junior golfers. Resources that will allow me to further partner with parents in developing their golfers into people of character. 

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.  

During the "stay-at-home" order, I posted a couple drills that you could do without a golf ball.  Now that the golf course and practice facilities are open it seems the lure of the driving range and smashing balls is more exciting.  I'm not saying don't go to the range at all, it just can't be your only practice.  

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 great read.