I decided to do the putting challenge again because I enjoy seeing individual creativity. No matter how old, we all can find joy in building something that was once only a thought.  As I watched the videos, I remembered how this activity also brought families together as they watched their golfer independently create, or work together with siblings as their creation progressively took over the home.  It also provided an opportunity for the golfers to overcome challenges, persevere and celebrate victory with their family.  It is truly awesome to see!

The Town-Crier just published an article about my homeschool program.  I am honored and thankful.  The digital issue can be accessed here, it features a group shot that was taken on July 21, 2020.

There are days when I teach and I feel accomplished but the best days are when I get surprised by my students.  On this particular occasion my surprise came when I opened an email at the end of a long day.  It was a video of one of my homeschool students who was having fun with putting.  I laughed, I smiled and I was thankful that he got it.  Golf is fun!  He was having fun, he was creative and he was playing golf. 

I was then inspired to create a putting contest for the homeschool group.  How great would it be if they all experienced the same kind of joy that Timmy did in his video!  Timmy was not able to attend today when I made the announcement but I did let his family know that his video set everything in motion.  

As for the contest, I challenged each one of my students to create a putting maze.  Their parents can help them build it but the student must make the putt and submit the video for judging by independent evaluators.  The winning video will be announced during our last class next Tuesday.  The prize is a $50 gift card that can be used to treat Mom and Dad to a special dinner. 

These video submissions are amazing examples of living out the First Tee Healthy Habit of Play.  Play is all about teaching junior golfers that a variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and be fun in the process. Sleep and other forms of “re-charging” allow one to engage in play on a daily basis.  

This is the final video in the USGA and NBC series.  I saved this video for last because too many of my students focus so much of their energy on the long shots that they neglect the technique needed to get the ball on the green close to the hole.   I have another group of students who can get the ball on the green only to see it roll away from the hole for a long putt or even roll off the green.  These situations can be frustrating but with practice and dedication you can turn things around. 

Buying golf clubs is an investment but unfortunately most golfers do not think of the purchase in those terms.  In a previous post, I shared how buying clubs "off the shelf" is not the best approach. If you really want to have a fighting chance of playing good golf  your golf clubs should reflect your physical ability not just your gender or height.  The videos below provide a very general introduction into the technology that is involved in the creation of golf clubs.  Keep in mind that technology continues to advance.