COACHING NOTES · JUNIOR GOLF

Helping your junior golfer grow

By Leslie Cloots · PGA & LPGA Class A Professional

A young golfer’s next step starts with a simple question: what makes them want to come back? That answer gives us a starting point for practice, lessons and eventually competition.

Start with the player in front of you

Some juniors love keeping score. Others enjoy making solid contact, learning a new shot or spending time outside. Before setting goals, ask what they enjoy and what they want to get better at. A beginner and a tournament player can both make progress, but they may need very different tasks.

In my junior golf lessons in Raleigh, we build from the player’s current experience. Contact, ball flight, putting, short game and on-course decisions all have a place. The aim is a clear next step the player understands and can work on between lessons.

Give practice a small, clear purpose

Instead of “hit balls for an hour,” choose one task with a target and a finish. Try rolling six putts toward a towel on the practice green. Count how many finish on it, then repeat from a different distance. Let your junior choose the next target and explain what they noticed.

Keep the challenge achievable. Change the distance or make the target larger when needed. The useful question is “what would you try on the next one?” A score gives practice a purpose; it does not have to become a judgment of the player.

Look for progress beyond the scorecard

Watch for a more consistent routine, a better choice of target, an improved response to a poor shot or the confidence to try something new. Those are useful signs of development, even on a day when the score does not improve.

After a round, try asking: “What was your favorite shot?” and “What would you like to practice next?” Give the player room to answer before adding your own observations.

Let competition be a next step

A junior does not need tournament experience to start coaching. When competition becomes a goal, we can work on preparation, course decisions and a routine they can rely on. Start with the player’s interest and readiness, then choose an appropriate challenge. Read my note on preparing for competitive golf.

This week’s takeaway

Let your junior pick one skill, one target and one short practice game. Finish by asking what they learned and what they want to try next time.

I’m a former Epson Tour player and UNC alum, and I coach juniors privately at North Ridge Country Club in Raleigh. More about my coaching background.

Want to discuss your junior’s next step? Schedule an intro call, or view current lesson options.