Competing against the best

[Kcct82]

Yeah why not? I’m throwing my kid in Cal Junior NexGen (10-11) as soon as he turns 9. Two days 36 holes walking no caddy. 

 

Good luck this weekend!

[ConcernedBoutCOVID]

Before my oldest turned 11, she asked to "play up" to the Future Series division even though she couldn't win at the Discovery group.

 

Her coach realized she was just trying to avoid competing against someone she always lost to, and he said not to be afraid to play against the best.  (he also later said it's better to be trying to shoot under par from the appropriate distances than barely breaking 80 from longer yardages)

 

Fast forward 6 years and she regularly beats that same player she was trying to avoid (who is a fine player in her own right).  Sometimes playing the best is playing kids your own age.

 

 

[kelpie]

For kids its all about Personal Best. If they are continuing to improve their own scores, their own stats, then they are winning. Winning doesn't always mean that you take home the trophy. Even at the professional level, going through that process is critical for everyone, especially those going through, or coming out of, a slump. With kids it's too difficult to judge because kids mature earlier than some, have mental growth issues, etc. Set their own goals, enjoy and learn from the competitions. And celebrate their own little victories after every event. 

[leezer99]

Just wanted to follow up on my son's tournament last weekend.

 

Started on 10 day one and played 10-18 in 11 over.  Completely pooped the bed.  Played the next 27 holes (two day event) in even par with two double bogies late on Sunday.  Was almost last in back nine scoring for the weekend but 2nd in front nine scoring.  He was pretty down after round one but after round two where he had it at 4 under at one point he is encouraged to go prove himself again.

 

Best part was that two of the high school boys that finished top five invited him to play yesterday at a local track and they had a great time.