You can’t kick a rock in Southwest Florida without hitting a golf course. And, tykes’ interest is only rising, thanks to an ever-growing number of local junior programs perfect for your future Masters champion.
First Tee
A national nonprofit with a Collier County chapter, First Tee teaches core golf skills as metaphors for life. The program, for ages 7 through 18, focuses on nine core values (including honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and confidence). Putting exercises may focus on perseverance, while role-playing sessions may have mini golfers respectfully navigate a scoring dispute. Find the program at more than a dozen courses. firstteenaplescollier.org
Andy Scott School of Golf
Prospective high school and college players find their A-game with Andy Scott, a PGA Teacher of the Year working out of Stoneybrook and Kelly Green Golf Clubs in Lee County. Andy and his fellow coaches start group and one-on-one sessions with goal-setting and emphasize mental training. Parents say the lively Andy’s a hit with kids, and about 60 of his players have received college scholarships.
Junior Golf Performance Academy
Founded by 14-time Junior World Golf Champion Spencer Graham III, the Quail Creek Country Club academy’s robust lineup includes a popular after-school program, Birdie Basics, for kids as young as 3, as well as a 20-player advanced curriculum and the Masters, which draws students from around the world. Academy co-owner Thor Parrish says the golfers are getting younger, too. “I get a call almost once a week saying, ‘My 5-year-old asked me to play golf. You would think it’s the mom or dad pushing them, but it’s the kid wanting to play,” Thor says. Keep an eye out for a new Fort Myers location coming soon.
juniorgolfperformanceacademy.com
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf
LPGA National Top 50 Teacher Katie Dahl knows confidence drops as girls get older, and playing sports can help. The pro (who’s earned a Best Young Teacher nod from Golf Digest) runs an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf club, for ages 6 to 17, out of Estero’s West Bay Club. To foster confidence during the pivotal tween and teen years, Katie gets the girls involved in leadership roles, like helping with planning and social media for the program.
Tiburón Golf Academy
Littles train on one of Naples’ top champion-level courses with this program. Located within The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón compound, the academy hosts after-school programs for ages 7-10 and 10-13 from mid-August through May. The weekly sessions range from one to two hours, and include nine-hole Sunday matches. When school lets out, juniors work on their game in summer camps and private and semi-private lessons. tiburonnaples.com
Parental pressure can take its toll and take the fun out of youth sports. Our pros share tips for being your mini’s No. 1 fan.
1. Find the right coach. Your child has to like their coach. If they don’t mesh with your first choice, listen and ask about switching. “Instead of pushing your child, be their advocate,” First Tee’s Derek Clemmensen says.
2. Let the COACHES do the coaching. Parents who uplift—rather than provide instruction—have the best relationships with their kids on and off the field. “Helicopter parents can drive kids to burnout,” Andy Scott says.
3. Prioritize fun. Learning skills and improving technique come naturally if they’re having a blast, so avoid long, grueling days. “Leave the course before they get tired and hungry,” West Bay Club’s Katie Dahl says.
4. Reward effort. Motivate them to do their best, but focus more on process than outcomes. Praise training and commitment, and follow field time with a treat so they learn it’s about playing—not winning or losing—the game.