Andy's GRIP Golfer Blog!
5 of the best tips I have for caddies...
by Andy Nisbet, PGA Professional on 01/21/12
So many parents caddy for kids and don't realize that they are actually hurting more then they are helping! Here are a few tips for caddies to really improve your skills:
1. Use the "how many out of 10 rule"- If you encounter a difficult shot, or ask your child, "how many shots out of 10" they could actually execute the shot they are thinking about. If the answer is 5 or below, use that as them saying they are not really that comfortable or confident in the shot. If the answer is over 5, they are confident and ready to hit the shot. As a caddy remember that the decision is THE KIDS! Whatever decision they make, it's right! (See Good Bogeys)
2. Good bogeys - If your child hits a poor drive or second shot, your mindset has to shift from "aggressive" to "conservative". For example - A bad drive on a Par 4 where your next shot is over water. Don't try to be aggressive here! Lay up, get the ball on the green, 2-putt and make a "good bogey".
3. Use comfort clubs/OVERCLUB - Tournaments are NOT the best time to try new clubs and shots. If your child is not comfortable with a fairway wood, DON'T HIT IT! You can use the "10-shot rule" above.
OVERCLUB - All kids think of distance in regards to 100% of hitting a shot. For example, Billy hits a 7-iron 100 yards when he hits it perfect. So when Billy is 100 yards away in a tournament, he thinks, "7-iron!"
WRONG!!!!!!!! Overclub in these situations! Focus on overclubbing, and underswinging. Don't swing 100% at a ball when all that is needed is a controlled shot.
4. Boring golf is good golf - Fairways and greens are good. Pars are good. Bogeys are good. I know the kids want to make birdies and hit it close, but think more about position and angles. If a flagstick is on the right side of the green, make sure your child's target is left side to leave the best angle. Leaving yourself good angles makes "boring golf" much easier.
5. Personal Par - How many people can actually shoot even par? Not that many. If a player gets into a tournament that is longer then normal, then for that player the par is no longer 72. If a there are 8 holes that your child cannot get to in regulation, then add 8 to the par and make it a par 80. If your child shoots 79, then they shot 1-under their personal par!
You can do this for individual holes as well. If you are playing a Par 4 and you know your child can get to the green in 3 shots, then add a stroke to the Par and make it a Par 5. Remember, confidence is key!
Veritas?
by Andy Nisbet, PGA Professional on 01/20/12
Many parents have asked me about this Veritas tournament coming up in L.A. While I do think it is a fantastic idea, in doing some research I am not sold on it. I had a chance to talk to the JGANC yesterday and we are all puzzled by this tournament. I think in theory 3,900 kids is a great goal, long term, and I think the importance of having the tournament run well is more important then size. This event does not, "smell" right. I have been involved with junior golf for a really long time and the logistics of these big events are crazy! The volunteers needed would exceed 1,000 for an event of this size! THE US OPEN DOESNT HAVE THAT MANY!
1. Why would a tournament require you to register 6-months prior to the event when the golf courses are not even set yet?
2. Veritas is being run by 1 guy. This guy is replying to emails, setting up courses, and doing everything! It just seems like a lot.
3. What courses? Your event is 5-months away and you do not have but 1 course set up??!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?
I have been instructing my parents to wait a while for this tournament. Let's see in a few months what is going on. I will keep everyone updated because I am digging deeper.
We need better competition...
by Andy Nisbet, PGA Professional on 01/18/12
Why oh why are parents putting their 10 and 11 year old kids in events with 17-year olds! What do I always hear, "We need better competition!"
All I have to say about that is, "Ugh..."
Kids HAVE to develop something that NOONE can teach them, CONFIDENCE! Your child may shoot a great score in the tournament for there ability, and get killed on the scoreboards.
Now I think the experience is something that may help some kids, but PLEASE do not expect them to be able to compete with kids that are 5-years older than they are! Good competition is important, but confidence is the key to long-term improvement.
Too much, too young...
by Andy Nisbet, PGA Professional on 01/18/12
I have seen some parents look at their kids playing golf as an "investment". The parents look for a ROI and when they do not get it, they get upset.
Well let's all take a breath. First and foremost, there is no correlation between a child winning at a young age and making it to the PGA Tour. All kids blossom differently, and it is important for parents to realize that they are trying hard out there! A child has to learn to love the game first, so they develop the passion for the game later.
Failure is the key to success! Parents have to let their kids fail, and use these as "teachable moments" for future events. Do not use these events as a chance to yell or scream, have the kids write down what happened and learn from the mistakes.
How do you aim? NOT WITH YOUR FEET!
by Andy Nisbet, PGA Professional on 01/18/12
Goodness gracious I have seen so much poor aiming in the last month I had to blog about it! Who teaches aiming with your feet anymore in a golf swing? Well obviously EVERYONE!
Look at any professional golfer. It is always, aim the club first, set the body second. Look at most kids. It is always feet first, then club. This forces them to stay over the ball for a long time and look SUPER uncomfortable.The body should be in-line and parallel to your feet line, but your feet are NOT the deciding factor to aim!
