"Twenty One" Chipping Game

Here is how it works:

You and a buddy (or three) play two balls each from a spot. The ball that is comes closest to the hole earns 2 points. The ball that is 2nd closest to the hole earns 1 point. The winner is the one who gets to 21 points right on the money. If you go over 21, go back to 11. Rotate back and forth to pick the spot, but make it fun, challenging and like the real game.

Note: You can always add "-1" point variations like (a) short of the hole is -1 or (b) outside of 3 yds is -1.

Good Luck! Steven

Let your juniors make mistakes!

Lesson with a youngster today! Only 9 years old.

His grandfather (who is not a golfer) came with adult clubs and during the lesson basically apologized for his grandson's lack of focus. During the lesson, the youngster hit shots on our short course and then ran to pick up the balls (approximately 80yds each). We focused on the proper grip during the lesson and my goal was not to "nag" the kid but let him experiment his way through different feelings. After he hit the ball too short / far, and after hearing the grandfather apologize for the kid's lack of touch, I finally had to say something. "Kids are kids and they need to experiment. They need to feel too long and too short. They need to understand the correct pre-swing fundamentals but in due time and only when they can handle the information according to their maturity level. This "little man" was off to a great start but will ultimately hit a road block if the grandfather steps in and tries to make his kid act like an adult.

My Advice: Let your Juniors make mistakes and learn their way through golf. Create a fun and educational environment, but then step away and let kids be kids!

Thanks! Steven