DAVE'S NEW BOOK

Try not to be a coach and a parent. You have to know when to let the reins go and get them involved with a certified and trained golf coach.

Ongoing proper equipment checks are essential. Kids go through growth spurts all the time and they need equipment that will enhance their ability.

Hit the gym. For  more advanced juniors, you should get them physically screened and develop a personalized fitness program for them.

Have fun while playing golf with your kids. Limit your advice while playing to no more than one comment per hole. Natural ability will bloom when it is unimpeded by over coaching.

Come up with games that children have a chance to beat you at. Kids love winning. As an example, have them tee off from an appropriate distance so they can land the first shot on or near the green. This will help develop confidence.

Create a balance between time training in the practice area and playing on the golf course. Playing on the course will teach your kids how to score and put their fundamentals to the test. 

Get on the golf course. If you spend too much time on the practice range you can quickly lose interest. Put your skills to the test on the course. This will help you know what areas of your game need the most attention.

Walk the golf course. You can't develop your game to the highest potential if you ride around the course in a golf cart. If you're old enough to swing a golf club, you should be walking and strengthening your legs.

Great performances start with a great attitude. The foundation of a great attitude is having positive thoughts. All golfers hit bad shots. A junior golfer that can remain positive when they have a couple of difficult holes will set themselves apart.

Know precisely the distance each of your clubs carry the golf ball in the air. Once you have a reasonably accurate idea of the distance you can carry the ball with each club, a yardage finder will be beneficial on the course. For an experienced junior golfer, a yardage finder is essential.

There comes a time when you should seek out a certified junior golf coach that has been trained to coach kids, is experienced in coaching junior golfers, has a proven track record of success, and remains positive at all times.

Develop as an athlete. The better athlete you become the more likely you'll be a dynamic golfer. Multi-sport athletes have several advantages over single sport athletes. Play other sports even if it is just recreational. The new breed of junior golfers is fitter and stronger than ever.