Golf Tips for Junior Golfers

Putting

Putting

• Line up with your eyes over the ball
• Keep wrists firm
• A short stroke back and a long smoooth follow through
• Smooth rhythm and tempo are important
• You must keep your head and lower body very still
• The length of the stroke, terrain and grass height are all factors that will determine the distance the ball will travel.

Judy Mason
Golf Professional at Michaywe

Pre-Shot Routine

Besides being a junior golfer in the past, I now teach juniors and have observed junior golfers on many occasions.  So, to all the kids out there that are a part of GAJUGA, I have one thing to say that in my mind will help you out the most;  SLOW DOWN!

To play faster in my mind is to hit fewer shots.  To do this, try and slow down.  All too often I've noticed that young golfers have a hard time taking enough time over the shot they are about to hit.  The young golfer will wait patiently for someone else to play their next shot (and after they realize it's their turn) they simply stand or run up to their ball and hit away as quickly as possible.  My suggestion would be to start learning a pre-shot routine now.

A simple pre-shot routine would include:  standing behind th ball and looking at exactly where you want  to hit it.  Walk slowly up to your ball and set your club down behind it.  Take your grip.  Adjust your feet and body until you're comfortable and have one good last look at your target before you swing.

If you are not doing this now, try it out.  I bet you will play faster and better by slowing down and thinking about exactly what you want to do with your golf shot before you do it.

Doug Hand
Golf Pro at "The Natural"

Pre Swing / Set-up

Grip - Hold the club with 2-3 knuckles of your front hand visible, with consistent pressure, positioning and precision.  Hold the club in your fingetips.  The last three fingers of your front hand hold the club firmly.  The rear palm should overlap the front thumb.  Select your choice of overlapping, 10-finger or interlocking grip.

Posture - Knees should be slightly flexed, back straight, chin-up and shoulders square, bending at the hips.

Alignment - The club face must be square to the desired line of flight, with the feet, hips and shoulders in a parallel line to the line of flight.

Ball position - A seven iron should be near the center of your stance.  Longer clubs (6 iron through driver) should move progressively forward, and shorter clubs ( 8 iron through sand wedge) should move progressively back in your stance.  Your hands should always be ahead of your club.

Judy Mason
Golf Professional at Michaywe

How to hit a drive

Start slow back swing along target line with extended left arm.

Shift weight to right side and bring club back parallel to ground.

Shift weight from right to left on downswing allowing arms to follow.

Turn left hip out of the way to a balanced TV finish.

Jim McGuigan    T
Treetops Director of Junior Golf