Question(s) about USKG Worlds

[jigsaw1011]

My son, 12, qualified for Worlds this year He really wants to go but us (his parents) not so much. I have been his caddie for all his USKG tournaments. Because I know very little about golf, he does it all by himself. My role has been to push his cart and keep him hydrated and eating. Often times at USKG tournaments, it has felt like he has been playing against the junior golfer's caddie. Worlds, I gather, can be like this on steroids. My first question is it fair to put him in a situation like this? I don't want him to feel demoralized when other golfers have their coach/pro/dad and he has me. He did play in a very competitive age group to qualify and did it without anyone's coaching so he does have talent.

 

My second question (if we decide to go) is a practice round necessary? We are from the Northeast and have heard Pinehurst greens are very different from what he is used to playing.

 

 

Thanks for any input/advice.

[bwbw]

Just my opinion: Go.

 

Don't worry about the caddie/player relationship. Don't focus on results. Let him go experience playing with people from across the US and the world, enjoy playing a Pinehurst resort course (I think the boys 12 still does), and you go do what you have done so far: Push his cart, keep him hydrated and with snacks. Enjoy meeting the other players and parents. Don't focus on what you don't know and don't contribute.

 

My daughter was DFL and still talks about the experience. To me, that was worth it.

 

Also, do the practice round. Let him enjoy a round of playing that is not competition. Let him learn the greens, where to hit/not to hit, and just enjoy the day with your son.

[mrshinsa]

I didn't know a single thing about golf until my son started at age 8. I read books and watched videos to learn.

 

Yes, you can learn basic stuff really quickly to help out your son.

Yes, you are at a disadvantage playing against golf pro parents.

As long as the other group is not being a bully (I've seen/heard the worst), it shouldn't be a big deal.

 

Change of greens is only one of several things kids will need to learn to adjust to becoming a better player.

For us, it will be the 5 hours flight, waking up 3 hours earlier each day to adjust from west coast time and all other logistics that go along with it.

[darter79]

Go its a blast. If he earned it let him enjoy the ride. I would say yes play a practice round go to the parade take it all in. It’s a great experience.

[hangontight]

If he loves to golf , then 100% go. You may be surprised how some of the parents of the better kids you will play against at Regionals and worlds are actually less involved than the parent of your average kid at the local level (not all , but some). My son is 8, and each year I’ve noticed this more and more. At this point, I think I’ve read only one putt for my son in the last 3 Tmnt rounds (all he has played this year), and that only because he called me in for a second look. I wouldn’t worry about you making him look bad. Honestly, it’s my opinion that the over involved super daddy caddies during the round are the ones that look bad.

 

When my son was 5, he qualified for worlds (to our surprise). He wasn’t good then and we really considered not going, thinking he would be over his head (literally , he shot his best 9 hole score ever in the last local Tmnt that year, a 48 !!!!, to even be eligible meeting the min scoring requirement for status! I knew he would get smoked). Anyway, we decided to go for the experience. As expected , he finished around 50th or so, BUT that trip really was an ignition point for him loving golf . (yes, he is ONLY 8 now, I know ). So glad we did it. We’ve gone three years now and it has become something he really looks forward to and works toward. Yes, it’s an expensive week, but it’s really neat to see him work and practice to be his best and , so far, has reaped the rewards by improving each year. Who knows how long he will even like golf, but he will take these lessons on hard work , practice, and passion with him whatever path he chooses. I don’t know how many more years we’ll go, but for as long as he enjoys it and continues to be a good kid then we’ll keep going. Not to mention it’s a fun vacation- golf, pool time, meeting new and seeing friends he has made over the years is pretty neat.

[DaddyCaddieIU]

If you read enough on this forum you will find your caddying/parenting style is the preferred method. We are also first timers going this summer in Girls 7 and Under division.

 

3 Questions for People who have been to worlds:

 

1. When do cookout tickets typically become available?

2. When can you schedule practice rounds?

3. Did a lot of kids have a pin or something to trade with other kids they met, played practice or competitive rounds with?

[Pinewood Golfer]

If you read enough on this forum you will find your caddying/parenting style is the preferred method. We are also first timers going this summer in Girls 7 and Under division.

 

3 Questions for People who have been to worlds:

 

1. When do cookout tickets typically become available?

2. When can you schedule practice rounds?

3. Did a lot of kids have a pin or something to trade with other kids they met, played practice or competitive rounds with?

 

You can schedule practice rounds now at most courses

Yes kids have trinkets to trade but all the trading is done at the parade of nations

I haven’t been to the cookiut

[leezer99]

My son qualified but we're probably not going. Feel bad though since the kid we beat really wanted to go.

[kekoa]

IMO, its not a question about being fair. You will see kids and parents from all walks of life at worlds. Some treat it like a pga event bringing along coaches, nutritionists, trackman etc. Others go for the experience and try their best. You will be fine and I’d urge you to go at least once.

 

Yes, I suggest a few practice rounds. The greens and difference in conditions will kick your a** otherwise. There is no point spending that much money if you dont’t plan on preparing your player.

 

Best of luck and I think you guys will enjoy it. Worlds is one of the best run events for a junior.

[tiger1873]

Some treat it like a pga event bringing along coaches, nutritionists, trackman etc.

 

I know this doesn’t bother a lot people and for the most part there wasting their money. Having said that I have a really have a hard time understanding the parents who goes over the top on a 7 or 8 year old.

 

 

[hangontight]

One other tip – book a hotel room ASAP/Now, if you have not done so already . Lots of folks book for the next year when they leave and it’s probably tough, even now, to get a room. What you don’t want is to have to have a hotel 35 miles away, that really takes away from the experience of being in town with all of the action. You can always cancel most hotel rooms anyway, just pick something up even if you change later.

[darter79]

If you read enough on this forum you will find your caddying/parenting style is the preferred method. We are also first timers going this summer in Girls 7 and Under division.

 

3 Questions for People who have been to worlds:

 

1. When do cookout tickets typically become available?

2. When can you schedule practice rounds?

3. Did a lot of kids have a pin or something to trade with other kids they met, played practice or competitive rounds with?

 

We went last year in girls 7U, one the cookout is a cluster f%^& to say the least. Its way over priced and honestly one element we didn't enjoy very much. The lines to get food were way too long. We wasted that money on that event.

 

I scheduled practice rounds about a month in advance, as I wanted to make sure golf was first then and then done since that was when the tournament times were. We didn't do any of the trading but my daughter did get things at practice rounds/tournament rounds of people she played with. Probably will do something small this year.

[hangontight]

If you read enough on this forum you will find your caddying/parenting style is the preferred method. We are also first timers going this summer in Girls 7 and Under division.

 

3 Questions for People who have been to worlds:

 

1. When do cookout tickets typically become available?

2. When can you schedule practice rounds?

3. Did a lot of kids have a pin or something to trade with other kids they met, played practice or competitive rounds with?

 

We went last year in girls 7U, one the cookout is a cluster f%^& to say the least. Its way over priced and honestly one element we didn't enjoy very much. The lines to get food were way too long. We wasted that money on that event.

 

I scheduled practice rounds about a month in advance, as I wanted to make sure golf was first then and then done since that was when the tournament times were. We didn't do any of the trading but my daughter did get things at practice rounds/tournament rounds of people she played with. Probably will do something small this year.

 

Also consider the estimated tee time block for your kid - ours has always been early on Thursday morning. We're all for having fun during this week, but the kids work hard. Playing hard at the pool until 9:00 the night before a 7:30 tee time probably not the best idea.