We are nearing the end of July and this can mean only one thing. Golf tryouts for middle and high school kids will be starting in a week or two. I have several students that I teach that will be venturing out to make the journey to achieve the goals that we have set for them. Some are just trying to make the team, some are attempting to make varsity as freshmen and others are seeking to be the number 1 player on their team. Each of these goals are ones that myself, their parents and the student themselves have had a say in. This joint goal setting makes it so much easier to work with the student through the summer and the whole year as well. Each of the parties involved has to be accountable for their part in the development of the child. The parents have to be supportive, encouraging and provide (when applicable) the resources to help the child in their venture. For the student / junior golfer it has to be their endeavor. Now their parents or guardian and the instructor (myself) need to push the student to become what we think they can be only as long as it is in line with what they want for themselves. Myself as the junior golfers coach is required to utilize every resource that I have at my disposal to help this young man or woman realize their dreams and goals. One example is I have them get involved in summer tournaments and in some cases year round tournaments so when the tryout week comes around they have decreased levels of anxiety. An instructor or coach should assist them in becoming a well-rounded golfer and person. For golf performance we will focus on the technique / fundamentals, mental strategies and focus, as well as physical conditioning. As a former The First Tee of Columbus golf instructor and participant I know first hand that golf teaches kids many tools they can use in their everyday lives. Tools such as patience, determination, integrity, good judgment, respect, responsibility and hard work will all be invaluable to them, as they become adults. It is a challenge to balance athletics, academia, social and family life. This is why it is so important that everyone involved be held accountable for their end of the bargain when comes to preparing a high school and potentially one day a college golfer for what they require to make it at that level. Each junior golfer is different so one approach will not work; developing a positive and open relationships with them is far more beneficial to everyone in the long-term success on and off the course.

Eric Thielsen, PGA Certified Professional
Eric Thielsen Golf