Distance learning in warm weather states over the winter

[ConcernedBoutCOVID]

It seems like quite a few junior golfers from northern states and colder climates did distance learning in warm weather areas over the winter, participating in local/regional tournaments.

 

Did they like the experience and does it make it more likely for them to move to those states permanently?

[leezer99]

Girl we know from Texas came here to Cali in March of last year to visit and just didn’t leave. Does that count?

[kcap]

I know off a lot of kids/families who did that. It was possible because parents and kids were remote work/school.  Everyone I know is coming back and not looking to make the move permanent. 
 

They loved the experience and were glad they did it. it would not have worked for my situation personally.  That said, I am more curious on how these kids perform after playing golf for 12 months without any break.  Most of the kids were  11-13 years.

[tiger1873]

Over the winter we are used to having a lot kids from up north.

 

the biggest difference I have seen this year is parents who spent the winter in Florida and thought the kids like playing golf.

 

A lot these kids don’t particularly like playing golf or tournaments at least.  I am this is based on random comments heard over the last year.
 

If the parents and kids like playing golf I notice they tend to be excited they can play in the winter.  In many cases they end up staying if they can.

 

It is all fine just a lot parents push things on kids that they don’t want to do.

Edited March 30, 2021 by tiger1873

[mjsmithfl13]

As long as the pandemic is still going on, there will be people venturing South and staying put until the US can be vaccinated/open back up. I work with juniors from all over the world and there are some countries like Ireland, Canada, the UK, and UAE (dubai) and others that are still in high levels of lockdown where there were times where they couldn't travel even if they wanted to. 

 

And to answer your last Q. Yes, it makes the % chance more likely.

 

Can we also discuss the idea that junior golfers in colder/more northern areas tend to play shorter seasons and perhaps play a wider variety of sports and may be a bit later to specialize? And players in warmer/more Southern areas tend to play longer seasons and specialize earlier? Do you agree? 

[ConcernedBoutCOVID]

13 hours ago, mjsmithfl13 said:

Can we also discuss the idea that junior golfers in colder/more northern areas tend to play shorter seasons and perhaps play a wider variety of sports and may be a bit later to specialize? And players in warmer/more Southern areas tend to play longer seasons and specialize earlier? Do you agree? 

I would agree with this.  I think earlier specialization helps significantly in college recruiting, and so junior golfers from colder climates are at a disadvantage in being able to play at the top programs, which may ultimately diminish chances of becoming a playing professional.