High School Golf News - Page 5 of 10

Best on course practice drills for a high school…

March 27, 2019
by Oliver Mauk

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Golf is a sport that takes practice, practice, and more practice. However, staying at the driving range and putting green day after day can be frustrating and boring for your high school golfers. Try some of these on course drills to spruce up your practices and get your players more engaged with their golf game.

1) The 3-club challenge: This is a classic golf challenge/drill that really works. I do prefer a modified version though, which actually allows for 4 clubs (4th must be putter) because I don’t see any real value in putting with another club. This drill will teach your players how to hit a wide variety of shots (irons off the tee, knockdowns, bump and runs, etc.) due to the limited club selection. It will also teach them course management and that sometimes the “typical” shot is not always the best shot. Some of your players might even score better then they do with a full set!

2) Play it forward: A great way to force your players to hit a wide variety of shots both off the tee and to the green. Play the first 4 holes from the longest tees, forcing players to hit driver and long irons. Then, the next 5 holes are played from the next set of tees up and so forth. The last 5 holes are played from either the most forward tees or the beginning of the fairway.

3) Build your own modified par-3 course: Before practice begins, head out to the course and set up 9 holes as a par 3 course. Move the tees into different spots and distances (maybe a 200 straight shot to an easy pin location followed by a 50-yard pitch shot over a bunker to a tucked pin). The shot variety will mirror that of an 18 hole round but will take less than half the time to play.

Try out one of these ideas during your next practice. Your players will not only learn a lot about their own game but will also have a lot more fun than bashing balls at the range. Do you have other ideas for practice drills? Let us know at chris@highschoolgolf.org.

March 25, 2019

High School Golf National Invitational

Reading Time: 3 minutes

On June 27th and 28th, the National High School Golf Association will host the inaugural High School Golf National Invitational in Orlando Florida. The event will showcase 348 of the top high school golfers from across the country in a 36-hole stroke play format. This event will provide high school golfers the love and recognition that they so rightly deserve. Public or private. Division 1A or 6A. This event will bring together the strongest ever field in high school golf.

Support and sponsors

We are proud to have the support and sponsorship of both the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) along with the Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS). The AJGA has graciously offered to host the pre-tournament dinner on Wednesday evening for players to kick off the Invitational. Junior Golf Scoreboard will recognize the Invitational on their rankings, which is the foremost ranking system of college coaches since 1998.

We will be hosting a college golf recruiting seminar on Wednesday morning in conjunction with the Junior Golf Hub. This event will provide players, coaches, and families an opportunity to become more aware of the steps needed to take if their son or daughter wishes to play golf in college.

States Represented

The high school golf season is split up into two seasons: fall and spring. From the invitations that were sent out to teams and individuals from last fall, 20 out of the 21 states that sponsor a boys state championship and 20 out of the 25 states that sponsor a girls state championship will be represented in Orlando this June. Be sure to check out the current field of teams and individuals scheduled to compete.

Why the Invitational is good for golf

High school golf is typically viewed as an afterthought rather than a forethought within the golf industry. Our goal with the Invitational and our continued high school golf rankings is that high school golf will be taken seriously by college coaches, junior tours and anyone else involved with the landscape. So many young golfers cannot afford to play in the national tours and events, and our goal is to provide a championship caliber event at an affordable price.

Additional opportunities to compete in college

There are 222,000 high school golfers who compete nationally. Only 7% of those golfers will go onto receive a golf scholarship and varsity spot in college. A goal of ours is to educate all participants and families on the National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA). The NCCGA is the governing body for non-varsity college golf in the United States, running competitive, social, weekend, co-ed golf tournaments for college students across the country. NCCGA is where over 10,000 college-aged golfers represent their schools and compete!

Future venues and outlook

We are ecstatic to host the inaugural event at Walt Disney World and Falcon’s Fire Golf Club in Orlando this June! Looking forward, we have the opportunity to bring the Invitational to a variety of top quality courses and facilities throughout the U.S. that will offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Our goal is to run a world-class championship event that will provide opportunities for participants to continue competing in college and making lasting memories for the entire family.

Have questions regarding the National Invitational? Email chris@highschoolgolf.org for more details!

Posted By: Chris Noble

March 19, 2019

LGBTQ+ resources for golf coaches

Reading Time: 3 minutes

High school golf teams are made up of players from different races, cultures, ethnicities and financial or social standing. However, sexual orientation and gender identity are frequently overlooked by coaches and administrators. LGBTQ youth and golfers are present within the game. Coaches don’t always know the best way to address and open up dialogue on having LGBTQ players on their team. A goal for any coach should be to create a welcoming environment for all players, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Below are resources to help high school golf coaches create a more inclusive and welcoming environment to LGBTQ golfers.

Understanding the terminology

LGBTQ is an umbrella term that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or (Questioning). LGBT and LGBTQ are acronyms that are continuously evolving to identify and include other members of the LGBTQ community.

Creating an inclusive philosophy

Before the start of the golf season, sit your team down for a discussion. The most important point to convey to your team members is that all are welcome on your team. State the fact that regardless of race, background, sexual orientation or gender identity – all are invited to compete. In reaching this goal, the You Can Play Project can serve as a great resource. The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion of all in sports – including LGBTQ athletes, coaches, and fans.

Ending homophobic and transphobic humor and slurs

The language used by other team members and coaching staff should remain in line with an all-inclusive philosophy. Be mindful of when other team members use insensitive homophobic or transphobic language specifically targeted toward a member of the LGBTQ community. Language like this can put other team members down and give a negative stigma toward being part of the LGBTQ community. Ending homophobic and transphobic language can help every team member feel welcome and safe, especially one who is not yet out or comfortable with their sexual identity.

Coaches do not always know how to create welcoming spaces to transgender athletes and golfers. Golf coaches are tasked with inviting and encouraging all athletes to reach their full poential on and off the course.

Mindful of heterosexual language

No two players on your team are alike. The game of golf has an ever-present expectation that the people who play are cis-gender and heterosexual. An example would be asking your boys’ team members if they have a girlfriend or for the girls’ team members if they have a boyfriend. A simple way to create more inclusivity and to avoid team members feeling isolated on your team is to ask if a player of yours has a partner or significant other. Keeping your language non-specific around sexuality or gender identity will allow all of your players to feel that they are valued on the team.

Opening up the conversation

In reality, this topic applies to each and every one of us, we all know someone who is LGBTQ, they just may have not come out yet. Understand that it is ok not to have all the answers when it comes to these issues. Asking your players, “How can we create a more welcoming environment to LGBTQ golfers on our team?” is a great start. Keep this an open dialogue and ongoing conversation with your players and parents. Outsports is a sports news website focusing on LGBT issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports. Junior golfers and coaches alike can read coming out stories of high school, college, and even professional athletes. Transathlete is a resource where golfers, coaches, and parents can find information on trans inclusion in sports at various levels of play.

Becoming an ally

Realize the influence that you have on all of your golfers and understand how many look up to and respect you. If one of your players comes to you with a question or statement on their sexuality or gender identity, listen. You don’t have to say much, rather, be an outlet for them to speak their mind and reassure them they have your full support no matter what. To be an ally simply means that you support and work toward inclusion for LGBTQ players, coaches or fans.

If you are a coach that wants to learn of ways to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ golfers, I would be happy to connect with you on ideas: chris@highschoolgolf.org. Together, we can continue to make the game of golf more welcoming to all.

Posted By: Chris Noble

March 14, 2019

Best short game drills for a high school golf…

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A high school golf practice can take place on a driving range, chipping and putting green or on the golf course. Coaches have noted to us that one of the most important topics to them is learning more about practice ideas and drills for their team. Golf teams can save more strokes from 60 yards in than any other area of the game. Below you will find drills that can help all of your team members sharpen their short game skills. Read more “Best short game drills for a high school golf team” →

Posted By: Chris Noble

March 1, 2019

Getting a college coach to respond to your emails

Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you are a high school golfer, chances are you have sent tens if not hundreds of emails to college coaches. However, for many of you, the number of emails you send does not always equal the number of replies you get. Check out some of the tips below to help ensure your emails to coaches are read and receive a reply.

Subject Line

This is possibly the most important piece of your email to a coach. College coaches receive hundreds of emails every day from interested athletes, make your subject line stand out. Remember, this is the first thing a coach sees when opening your email. Focus on putting tangible information such as stats, tournament averages, rankings or academic achievements.

Example of a good subject line:

Name – Graduation Year/State – Tourn. Scoring Avg. – GPA or ACT/SAT Score – Video

Length of email

Less is more! Your introduction email should only be about 3 paragraphs in length. The first paragraph is a quick introduction to yourself talking a bit on your golf game and academics. The second paragraph focuses on answering the question, why do you want to go to that school and why would you be a good fit for their golf team? The third and final paragraph opens up the dialogue by thanking the coach for their time and asking questions that require a response from them.

Swing video

Emails that do not include a link to a swing video are much less likely to be opened or viewed by a college golf coach. Keep in mind that you can make your own swing video and link back to it in your golf resume. It’s important to have a swing video if a coach has never seen you play before and wants to get an idea of your fundamentals and overall game.

Punctuation & Grammar

Nothing looks worse to a coach than an email filled with poor grammar or improper punctuation. Lean on your parents or teachers at school to help proofread your emails before sending out to a coach. Using resources such as Grammarly can help if you don’t have an adult to read your emails.

Time of day

The best time of the day to email a college coach is between the hours of 4:00 – 8:00 p.m local time. Coaches are typically winding their day down, finished with practice and cleaning up emails for the evening. Avoid sending emails on Monday, rather, try your best to send mid-week since coaches won’t be playing catch-up from the weekend.

Season

The two best seasons to send college golf coaches emails are in the winter and the summer. Golf coaches are their busiest in the spring and fall season, so be strategic if you choose to email when they are in season. Take a few minutes and review their schedule, avoiding sending an email on a day they are at or coming back from a tournament.

To be successful when contact a college golf coach, keep your emails short and to the point. Be sure to do your homework on a school or program to show your interest is genuine, and strategic on timing when sending off your emails.

Posted By: Chris Noble

March 1, 2019

What you need to know about high school golf

Reading Time: 2 minutes

High school golf is often an oversight by the golf industry but is an incredibly vital aspect of the community. It’s where many players, both casual and competitive, first begin to play the game and develop a passion for golf. The main purpose of NHSGA is to give high school golf the love, visibility, resources, and recognition that it rightly deserves. Here are the main items that everyone should know about high school golf.

1. Unlike most junior golf tournaments, high school golf is team and individual-based – Most junior golf tours like the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) operate tournaments where boys and girls compete individually. What high school golf offers is a real team atmosphere where you are practicing with a coach and your teammates every day.

2. There are over 220,000 high school golfers who play nationally – According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, there were 144,024 boys and 78,781 girls that made up the high school golf community in 2017-18. The high school golf community is one of the largest community of golfers within the industry.

3. Each state’s high school athletic association governs golf differently – Some states run golf in the spring, others in the fall, and a select few in both. Also, women’s and men’s are not always the same season. States host either an 18, 36 or 54 hole state tournament and either two, three or four player scores are used toward a team total. To learn more about differences between states, check out our blog article on high school golf seasons by state.

4. High school golf has never had a national competition, until this year – The first ever High School Golf National Invitational takes place this June in Orlando. The Invitational field will be made up of 224 boys and 124 girls of the top high school golfers from across the country.

5. Less than 7% of high school golfers go on to play at the varsity level in college – Many high school golfers are ultra-competitive, but others are just out there to learn the game and enjoy time with friends. While it certainly helps bolster college golf resume’s, high school golf is also a great place for the casual player to have fun and be part of a team.

6. Any former high school golfer can play competitive golf in college with the NCCGA – The National Collegiate Club Golf Association runs competitive and fun golf tournaments for non-varsity players. Scores range from 65-110 and are co-ed and open to all college students. If you are unable to play varsity golf at your dream school, you no longer have to choose between your education and golf.

Posted By: Oliver Mauk

February 21, 2019

Why families should join a country club

Reading Time: 2 minutes

For families that play golf, finding a home course or golf club is a major decision. Golf is expensive, and a country club may not always be the first thought when it comes to saving money. However, country clubs can provide an opportunity for investment, great playing conditions and tournament opportunities for the entire family.

Tournament & League Options

Junior and high school golfers are always looking for tournaments to compete in during the golf season. A country club typically will provide junior leagues and even a series of events for various skill levels to compete in throughout the year. Many of the tournaments are flighted by handicap and skill level which makes it enjoyable for all. From the youngest member of the family to the oldest, anyone can keep a competitive edge with events run at the club.

Course Conditions

Public and municipal courses can struggle with the conditioning of their golf courses due to budget restraints. At a country club, one will typically find pristine and consistent conditions throughout the year. When you join a country club, members are prone to fill their divots and replace their ball marks because of a sense of ownership in the course.

Let’s say you play at a mid-tier public course and pay $80 for a round of golf and you play only 25 times in a year. That’s $2,000 on only golf for the year. Country clubs provide more of an inclusive feel where the use of the driving range, swimming pool or other social events are included in your dues.

Investment

Country clubs come in all shapes and sizes when it comes to cost. Family and junior membership options are more affordable and a better investment option if more than one family member will be playing. Important questions to ask when looking to join: Are there food minimums, initiation fees, cart fees, guest fees, or other assessment fees?

Junior golf camps and clinics are put on throughout the summer by PGA professionals at country clubs. These camps can act as great introductory courses for a youngster just getting in the game and even an opportunity for parents to have some much needed time away from the kids.

Caddie Programs

Country clubs are known for caddie programs that employ high school age golfers throughout the summer. Many clubs are part of the Evan’s Scholarship program which helps put deserving young men and women into college with a full scholarship. Caddying in the summertime can provide high school kids a flexible schedule, chance to form meaningful relationships with area business leaders and even free golf!

In short, your family joining a country club this year can prove to be a smart economical decision depending on the amount of use you will get out of it. Evaluate how much you typically spend on golf related costs per year as a comparison to the cost of membership. Clubs are typically looking for new members and inquiring on “member for the day” options can provide a test-run before purchasing your membership.

Posted By: Oliver Mauk

February 19, 2019

Getting a golf scholarship – An expert’s advice on…

Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you are a high school student or parent seeking advice about college golf scholarships, you came to the right place. When most people think about college golf scholarships, they are only thinking about a skill-based playing scholarship which requires a student to play for a varsity golf team. Since getting a playing scholarship is not feasible for most high school golfers, below highlights some other options for getting a golf scholarship. Read more “Getting a golf scholarship – An expert’s advice on 5 alternatives” →

Posted By: Kris Hart |

February 15, 2019

Driving range etiquette

Reading Time: 2 minutes

If you are a high school player that is new to golf, there are some things you should know about how to handle yourself on the driving range. It’s a different atmosphere from other sports, so here are a few things to keep in mind next time you head to the range.

Read more “Driving range etiquette” →

Posted By: Oliver Mauk

February 7, 2019

How to create a swing video for your golf…

Reading Time: 2 minutes

One of the most important parts of a college golf resume is your swing video. College coaches can’t always watch you play in person, so it’s important to showcase all parts of your game in a 1-3 minute long video.

Posted By: Chris Noble