9 To 18 hole Jump

[hangontight]

Son just turned 9, so moving to 18 holes (regionals a above) for USKG. We also will work a few other non USKG tmnts in next year. Recreationally he plays 18 somewhat often, so not a completely new thing but still curious.

 

What did you learn? What to expect? Is there a clear separation of the field for the kids who can keep consistent through 18, rather than occasionally hit a good streak through 9? ——Nutrition, rest, patience, what else?

[leezer99]

You're all going through the same step up in holes. Just play, eat and keep hydrated. No big deal. You don't need to worry.

[JuniorGolfParent]

We noticed a significant difference. Some kids are not able to focus for that long a period. It's an adjustment more for some more than others.

 

Also consistency in ball striking and distance becomes much more important in determining the leader-board. Lots of kids can overcome a weak long game with above avg short game and putting over 9 holes. Harder to hide over 18 holes.

 

[BloctonGolf11]

Same boat as you this summer and my son was the same age. What worked for us was a small tournament away from home where he had zero pressure and he just played. Once he got the first one under his belt he immediately preferred playing 18. It has not been without its stumbles though.

[darter79]

my kid doesn't start 18 until the next fall and I was talking to with her coach about that recently. Said to start playing as much 18 as you can, even find some local tournament to get her used to playing 18. I can see focus being a huge issue, along with nutrition. I've heard locally that kids use the PGA section to get 18 as you can age up there at any point.

[TripleBogeysrbetter]

If they're able to do 18. I would say get them going. A little extra fluids, but its not like running an Ultra marathon.

 

Seen to many kids do good first few holes. Then lose it for 2-3 and then try to run someone down in the closing stretch.

 

Same is true for 36 and 54 holes events as well. I think one of the biggest parts is teaching the child to be patience. The scoring chances will come.

[wildcatden]

My 8YO (going on 9YO soon) has been playing 18 holes recently. On Friday, he played Poppy Ridge in Livermore, CA with a wonderful 42/48 on the front/back-9. On Sunday, he went to Diablo Creek in Concord, CA and followed up a rousing 44 on the front-9 with a smooth 48 on the back-9. It's fun to play 18!!

[kekoa]

My son rarely practices 18 holes, but we should definitely start. He's played a few 2 day (18) hole events and the results have been scattered. I feel as though the better players have an easier time transitioning. The kids who are developing have a rough time and just go more over par on the 2nd 9. Hydration, rest, and eating are key. All those elements affect focus and I've seen it happen to my son on a few occasions already. Especially when the pressure is on. He would hit shots/putts that I've never seen him hit before (in a bad way).

[Kcct82]

I still can’t believe my kid got through 18 holes (par 3 course) for 3 days in a row at Jr World when he was 6. Heck, I was tired and stressed and ready to go home.

[hangontight]

> @kekoa said:

> My son rarely practices 18 holes, but we should definitely start. He's played a few 2 day (18) hole events and the results have been scattered. I feel as though the better players have an easier time transitioning. The kids who are developing have a rough time and just go more over par on the 2nd 9. Hydration, rest, and eating are key. All those elements affect focus and I've seen it happen to my son on a few occasions already. Especially when the pressure is on. He would hit shots/putts that I've never seen him hit before (in a bad way).

 

Looks like he did good at Monterey! I picked a few past tournament results in the 9 year olds and it did look like frequently (but of course not always) the back 9 was not as good as the front. Just knowing my own son, REST and hydration & nutrition are key.....I anticipate keeping focused for 18 holes will be the biggest challenge. Got to think of some tactics & strategies to give the mind a break between shots. A solid pre-shot routine probably more important than ever.

[leezer99]