Who would have bet that Charl Schwartzel would birdie the last four holes on Sunday at Augusta to win the Masters?  Well, he probably would have.  I’m sure you are thinking that even Charl didn’t think he could do something like that, but the fact is, the reason tour players are as good as they are is due in large part to their ability to believe in themselves when the tournament is on the line.  I often tell my students to try and make every shot they hit.  Is it likely? No.  Is it possible? Within reason, yes.  If you are chipping, should you try to chip it into a three-foot circle or directly into the hole? Try to chip it in.  Try to make that 30-foot putt, even if you have never made one before.  You may not make the miraculous comeback or pull off the unbelievable golf shot every time, but if you believe that it is possible, then you just might.  Charl Schwartzel did, and he has a green jacket to show for it.

Have you ever asked yourself this question, “Why isn’t this fun anymore?”  Most of us started playing golf for one reason…to have fun.  So, how and when did it stop being fun?  It probably happened the moment that it seemed like the work outweighed the reward.  One or two good shots a round is fine if you are just out to have fun, and you are able to keep it that simple.  When you start to think so much about the mechanics of the golf swing that you stop thinking about the target or goal, then it becomes a very frustrating game.  EAGLE Junior Golf specializes in teaching kids, and sometimes the parents need to learn from how kids approach the game, with target focused, goal oriented, reckless abandon.   Sometimes it becomes necessary to train this way of approaching the game.  Train yourself to have perspective.  It may require that you go play an actual round of golf with a goal in play to hit each shot with no practice swing and a simple focus on the target.  Why put so much pressure on yourself?  When it comes down to it, how important is that ten foot putt?  If your child misses it, he/she just walks up and hits it again until it goes in.  Try to bring out that inner child on the golf course and make it fun again!

Let's Hear it for the Girls!

February 2, 2011 marks the 25th National Girls & Women In Sports Day.  Today, strong girls and women excel in many areas of athletics, even in traditionally male-dominated sports like golf.  Females reach their goals, break records and win championships. Participating in sports creates champions on and off the field. These champions not only lead in their respective sports, they lead in their homes, in their schools, at their jobs, and in their communities. They lead on a path that has been paved by skilled and accomplished women who have gone before them. 
This event is an opportunity to honor the women who have overcome adversity and pushed through barriers.  So celebrate today with your daughters and sons, and encourage them to participate in sports for fun, for scholarships, and for their futures.

The ABC's of Golf
New to EAGLEjuniorgolf.com is our Children's Golf Dictionary.  This downloadable kid friendly aid will go through all the basic terms we review in our Elementary School Programs - it may even help our parent's game!  Confused on the parts of the golf course, types of clubs, or even course etiquette?  All the answers are in the Class Materials section of our website.