I haven’t posted to this blog in a few weeks – such a strange time in the world, as we all deal with issues related to COVID-19. I haven’t felt terribly motivated to write about Junior Golf. So many other, more important topics come to mind.
Thanksgiving & Golf (We Love A Turkey in Both)
What are we allowed to do? What should we be doing? When will this crisis end? How will we return to normal? Will it be a new normal?
Unfortunately, I am not qualified to answer any of these larger questions – some might argue I am not qualified to write about junior golf, but I digress.
I would like to say thank you to all of the people around the world fighting this virus – I can’t imagine what it is like working on the front lines. If my biggest complaint, is that I am tired of sitting around the house or I am tired of listening to my boys argue, I am one of the lucky ones and I know that.
Tournament Spotlight – Donald Ross Junior
Since I am not smart enough to intelligently comment on the coronavirus, I am going to stick to writing about golf.
DOES JUNIOR GOLF EXIST RIGHT NOW?
Well, I doubt you are playing in any tournaments, but can you play at all? We are lucky enough to live in an area where the golf courses are still open, with certain modifications. No water coolers, No rakes, No sharing a cart, Upside-down holes, Flag stays in, and no more post round handshakes. Maybe an elbow bump, but most of the time it is a simple “Enjoyed it”, while walking different directions.
It is great to still get out in the sun and take you mind off things for 4 hours. Still enjoy the time walking with the boys, but we are starting to get tired of only competing against each other. Sadly, we all miss the tournaments. I miss the travel, the dinners, the hotels, and watching my boys play. My boys miss seeing their friends and grinding for a score.
On a positive note, if you are a junior golf parent and your player(s) were signed up for a bunch of Spring events, you probably have a new income stream. Tournament entry fee refunds. A weekly hardly goes by when I don’t get a credit to my card or a paypal refund.
HOW CAN A JUNIOR GOLFER STAY SHARP?
If you are still able to play, you are fortunate, so take advantage of it. Fresh air and exercise is never a bad thing. Follow the new rules of interacting with your playing partners and work on your game.
Do you wonder what you are working towards? When will you get a chance to tee it up again for real? No one knows for sure, but hopefully later this year. Try different things – we have been playing from different tee boxes. Instead of simply playing from our normal “age and ability appropriate” tees, we will all play the Ladies tees one day and the next day play the tips.
If you live in an area where golf isn’t allowed, keep the faith. It will return. In the meantime, you can always become the best putting mat or carpet putter in the world! Once your course re-opens, no one should be able to compete with your “strokes gained putting” stat.
THIS TOO SHALL PASS……
If you can play, take advantage of it, if you can’t, stay strong. Junior golf will return and life will eventually be back to normal. Stay safe! Follow the appropriate guidelines and keep you love for the game alive!