Do You Have Passion for the Game?

Time for a reality check with yourself

Speaking with literally dozens of college coaches about the students with whom I work, one topic that was universal was a question about the young players’ “passion” for the game. It is so vitally important that a young player have the opportunity to determine for her or himself how much or how little they want to participate and compete in golf.

There are far too many juniors - even among the elite juniors - who are competing without a “fire in the belly”. Too many young golfers seem to feel like they’re stuck in golf now, as their parents have spent so much money on lessons and tournaments and travel, or they’ve invested so much of their own time in the game. Others approach practice and sometimes even tournaments with the same grim face and attitude that typically accompanies a trip to the dentist!

The truth is that the healthiest and most successful athletes in any sport play the game because they love it, they love the competition, and they love the challenge of getting better every day. If you are a junior golfer and this does not sound like you, then perhaps you might get honest with yourself and with your parents about why you are playing the game.

It is essential that a junior player’s opportunity be matched with the level of enthusiasm they have about golf. If a player loves it, then take advantage of every reasonable opportunity. If a player really doesn’t love it, then what regularly happens is conflict between parent and child, dissatisfaction on the part of the player, and a player going into the college ranks that is already “burnt out” on the game or nearly so.

While having this “reality check” with yourself and with your parents may be difficult, it may also help you create a golf environment that is more in line with what you want out of the game- allowing you to enjoy it more!