With the completion of the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow which has been an outstanding success, the numerous sports have certainly raised their profile with their teams performance with role models attracting future stars but with the many personal individual stories and performances by all competing.
Sport generally has never been so accessible for our youngsters with organisations possessing their sports plans from entry level through to the paid ranks. Our young children have never had such a variety of sports and challenges to choose from of which I am a fan.
However the one specific action that really stood out for me was the incredible interaction from Usain Bolt and the 4 x 100 metre teams from Jamaica and England. After their race the time the iconic teams spent communicating and interacting with the fans; signing memorabilia taking selfies and brushing hands with the spectators was incredible. The athletes during the past two weeks have certainly worn two hats, as class competitors but also amazing entertainers. It is these actions and more, that attracts future interest in the sport, sponsors and massive support from both avid and non sport lovers.
Golf is a different “style” of sport but we can still play with emotion, desire pride, passion and fun and become role models to our juniors within our clubs and beyond.
However, when coaching our youngsters and any new get into golf adult classes, as a PGA Professional I aim to recreate these values and understand the balance of coaching the technical element whilst allowing player’s to self learn but ensuring the players leave the session enthused and with that feel good factor.
I am very privileged to have spent time with the Titleist Performance Institute gaining the Junior L2 certification. I now really appreciate when to impart the various levels and at what stage to impart new skills. These skills combined with vital movement patterns for our juniors assist each individual golfer to maintain longevity, participation and that crucial fun element.
I can often be seen playing baseball and throwing various sized and shaped balls on the range which the juniors love! I do too, but certainly know I have been dribbling with the hockey stick the next morning.
Next time your son or daughter expresses an interest to give golf a try look out for coaches that develop your child as a person not only as a golfer.