In golf and in life we have to make choices.  When evaluating your choices, it is important to consider all of the possible outcomes of those choices.  This is where judgment enters the picture.   On the golf course, you have to make the call about club selection, target selection and tempo to name a few . 

The more you play the more you develop information about your abilities and how to approach the shot or putt at hand.  While the goal is simple, get the ball in hole in the least amount of strokes, the strategy to accomplish that goal requires you to be clear of mind so you can apply judgment before making a decision.  

When I teach beginner golf students, the most common feedback I hear is "this is harder than it looks."  While this may be true, by the end of the first lesson, they leave with more confidence in their ability to learn and eventually play the game.  I fully believe when you have experienced some level of success you will be motivated to get to the next level.  It is my goal to help all of my students get to the next level and become more confident in their abilities. 

The core value of courtesy is a building block for sportsmanship.  In other words, you are incapable of displaying sportsmanship without courtesy which is defined as 'the showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others'.  This is especially important in life which is why I am very supportive of parents who cancel lessons when their junior golfer has not been courteous to them.  I will also do what I can in the following lesson to encourage better choices at home. 

When I posted the first core value of honesty, I explained that it is part of my coaching strategy for juniors but I believe adult golfers could benefit from a refresher on all of the core values as well.  I have seen many adult or veteran golfers completely show disregard for the course they are privileged to play by not filling their divots, ignoring the "cart path only signs," and not returning golf carts to the proper place.    This is NOT respect!   

Now that the courses are open again, it is more important than ever to follow the rules of play.  Let's remember to show respect to each other during this unprecedented time.

After 33 days, the golf courses around South Florida reopened today and Palm Beach County golf courses are expected to open on Monday.  Play will look different but it is a small step towards returning to usual play.  Congratulations golfers!  You have persevered through the temporary closure and hopefully your golf game has not suffered in the process.  

I know many of you are anxious to get back to your lesson schedule but practice facilities remain closed at this time with no estimated start date.  In the meantime, I encourage you to keep practicing, play a round or two and become flexible as a new normal for golf develops.  

As always, please continue to send videos and I will send you feedback.