Friday, August 6, 2010

The Value of a Good Golf Swing

S and J have just finished up a great five week golf program at our club called First Tee and I couldn't be prouder of them.  They both have fallen in love with golf, and I am thinking this might be the sport at which S really excels. Because they had such a great experience, neither son is interested in fall baseball as they would rather concentrate on improving their golf swing.  They will be completing the next level as well as taking lessons from the pro instead.  ...I am hoping they will also continue their focus on another aspect of the program.

Not only does First Tee teach fundamentals of golf, it incorporates nine core values (good old traditional values) in the instruction.  At the end of the program, they were even tested on them to see that they cognitively understand what they mean.

  1. Honesty - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive
  2. Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.
  3. Integrity - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence  Golf is a game of etiquette and composure.  Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.
  4. Sportsmanship - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace
    Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.
  5. Respect - to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem
    In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.
  6. Confidence - reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance  Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves.  Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.
  7. Responsibility - accounting for one’s actions; dependable  Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course.  It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.
  8. Perseverance - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles  To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.
  9. Courtesy - considerate behavior toward others;a polite remark or gesture  A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.
  10. Judgment - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration  Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.
What great lessons and values to take wherever they go!

Here are my two pros at the driving range of our club.



Golf clap... golf clap...

12 comments:

  1. I met my hubby at the GMO (a golf tourney in Milwaukee). He was an asst golf pro at the time. His family is big into golf. His dad was a head pro for 35 years and his brother is a golf pro.

    The boys just finished up their summer golf camp yesterday and they both took 2nd place in their division. It is a great sport! Now I just need to get my butt out on the course.

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  2. So glad they found something they both love!

    Blessings,
    Robin

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  3. A sport I have never played and always wanted to... one day!!!!

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  4. Golf is a wonderful sport ~ my entire family plays and totally enjoys!

    Jo

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  5. I love that this program teaches real fundamentals of sportsmanship--I don't play golf, but I love that it is a lifelong sport. We overlooked the 11th hole at Wild Dunes most of this week, and I know there were men in their 90s playing--and I mean their ages not their scores! Best to S and J!

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  6. Those are good lessons for all of us!

    So sorry that the last few weeks have been so stressful for you! I hope that your computer and electrical woes are behind you and that you are able to relax and enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

    {{hugs}}

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  7. How wonderful! Don't you love when kids activities incorporate lessons! It is prime time for teaching values. Your boys are darling! I LOVE the crab shorts!!!!

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  8. My son, B, the one headed to Clemson LOVES the gentleman's game and was a NATURAL from age 4! He had a neck injury at 13 and was banned from contact sports. His golf game and piano talent excelled!!!! For the last few years he earned plenty of spending money "teaching" children at golf "camps"....one of the reasons he headed SOUTH for college!! He hopes to teach part-time near Clemson while in school! I hope your boys develop that same passion! It would be great if our paths someday crossed!~

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  9. Isn't it great how that turned out? Golf was meant to be! As the granddaughter and niece of golf professionals, I can tell you this is a great sport in which for kids to get involved. Best of luck to your boys!

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  10. What a wonderful program to introduce the game of golf! Golf truly is a gentleman's game :)

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  11. Yeah for GOLF! I love how my boys look in their golf clothes as well. Your boys are darling!

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Thanks for your sweet comments... They make my day just that more Golden!