I was just starting a new series of homeschool group classes when Palm Beach County started to experience the impacts of Covid-19.  As things progressed,  the decision was made to postpone and resume at a later date.  When Governor Desantis lifted restrictions on summer youth activities, the next step was to receive permission to begin group golf instruction in Palm Beach County.  I am pleased to announce that we will resume those classes later this month.

While these permissions have been granted, I am fully aware that the ultimate permission lies with the parents of the junior golfers.  These classes are resuming for those families who feel comfortable.  Fortunately, the set up I use for group golf lessons already provide social distancing.  The major difference will be the mandatory temperature check that will be administered with an infared No-touch forehead thermometer during the check in process.  Parents should plan to arrive early for this extra step which requires a signature verification as well. 

Credits for unused classes will continue to be extended for those families who choose to wait until the fall.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

The golf courses have been open for almost a month, the first live golf event was televised last weekend and the PGA South Florida Section Junior Golf recently announced that it will be resuming its tournament schedule next month.  The golf world is doing what it can to help people start living life again.  It's exciting to see.

Two of my youngest students were back on the course this week as they are eager to compete in the Links Tour which kicks off on June 15, 2020 at the Country Club of Coral Springs.  Sarah is playing really well and has even come close to beating her Dad.  They are looking forward to playing in tournaments on both the east and west coast this summer.  It's all about getting her experience and building her confidence.  

Mateo just received the Player of the Year Award for 2019 which was the final season for the Junior Golf Foundation America, Inc.  He is looking forward to competing again and meeting other golfers.  He made a new friend in a younger, talented golfer at the last tournament in March but has not been able to see him since.  Mateo walked away with the win that day but admits that his new friend really pushed him.

Both of these junior golfers have aspirations of competing on the Prep tour when they are nine. For now, the Links Tour provides them with an opportunity to gain experience and get prepared for playing without a caddie.  Most importantly, they are getting a chance to live out the core values on the golf course.  I am looking forward to seeing their growth this year.