Positive Golf Tip for Introducing Kids to Golf ---

If you are introducing a child to golf this holiday season with a gift of clubs or other golf gear, think about these wise words from Fred Shoemaker in his classic book, EXTRAORDINARY GOLF: The best way for you to teach your child is by example...If you want to make a difference in your child's golf game, make a difference in your own...If you want your child to view the game in a certain way and be a certain kind of person on the course, work on being that kind of person yourself. If you want your child to play courageously, play that way yourself. If you want your child to keep his or her chin up when things aren't going well, keep yours up...Be the kind of person that you want your child to be, and that person will show up in your child.

So, for the new young golfer in your life, there is more that you can do to get them off to a great start than giving them clubs or lessons. You can also give them the gift of a great golf mindset by setting a great example in yourself. You can inspire the child to be a positive golfer by being a positive golfer yourself, with an approach that is filled with belief in your abilities and potential, positive expectations, supportive self-talk, focus on golf-enhancing ideas (not past mistakes), and a can-do attitude. This is a gift that can truly "keep on giving" and make a positive impact on the child's game that can last a lifetime. We are happy to help you through the ideas and tips in our blog and our website, and we welcome feedback on your experiences.

Best wishes for great golf to you and the new little golfers in your life!

Rick Semple
Positive Golfer
Co-Founder, TheHeartofGolf.com
http://www.TheHeartofGolf.com

Positive Golf Tip for Kids Golf ---

Here's an item that my wife came across when she was looking back at the June 2007 issue of GOLF magazine:

In an article about Johnny Miller, by John Garrity, Steve Gregoire commented on the positive, encouraging way Johnny's dad spoke to his son when he was a youngster learning the game. (Gregoire was team captain of the junior golf team that Miller played on in his youth at San Francisco's Olympic Club.) Gregoire said that Johnny's dad always called him "Champ." "There was never a negative word. If Johnny hit a bad shot, his dad would praise his setup or something. By the time he was 12, Johnny believed hook, line and sinker that he was going to be a champion."

This is a great example of the value and impact of speaking positive, supportive "golf talk" to kids to help instill confidence and a can-do attitude. It's a good habit (used by many successful coaches too) to praise something even when the kids hit an errant shot. Focusing solely on an error instills the habit of focusing on the negative. "Blending" in a supportive correction along with praise for the proper moves helps to accentuate the positive and goes a long way in cultivating confidence. Never underestimate the power of praise for kids (and for yourself!).

Here's to great golf!

Rick Semple
Positive Golfer
Co-Founder,
TheHeartofGolf.com

Positive Golf Tip for Kids Golf ---

When teaching kids about the mechanics of playing golf, it's a great time to pass along tips about attitude too. I was really fortunate that my parents did that with me. They taught me the "can-do attitude" and encouraged me to think and say, "I can," at a young age when I was learning the game. This was such a valuable lesson that it inspired the development of the Can-Do Golf Program we offer at TheHeartofGolf.com. In the Can-Do Book that is part of the program, we list some Can-Do Golf Activities to help kids develop the can-do attitude while practicing golf skills. A couple of these activities are listed below. These are great to do with the kids during a family golf outing or as part of a golf camp. With a large group, you can put the kids into smaller groups to do Can-Do Putting Practice, Chipping Practice, and Full Swing Practice. The positive Can-Do theme helps develop confidence and inspires a feeling of fun. Let us know how it goes for you and the kids!

Can-Do Putting Practice: Put some golf balls in a circle one foot from the hole. Look at the hole and imagine the balls rolling right in when you tap them. Then say, I CAN DO THAT! before you putt. After putting these balls, move them a little farther away from the hole and putt them again, repeating the Can-Do Affirmation before you putt. Keep repeating this activity as you move the balls farther and farther from the hole.

Can-Do Full Swing Practice: Put a line of balls on the tee or the fairway. Pick an area or target to shoot for. Imagine your ball flying in the air right to the spot. Then say, I CAN DO THAT! before you swing. After hitting these balls, choose a different club or a different spot, repeating the Can-Do affirmation before swinging. Repeat the process as many times as you want.

Here's to great golf!

Rick Semple
Positive Golfer
Co-Founder,
TheHeartofGolf.com
http://www.TheHeartofGolf.com