Introduction By: Bruce Munch

Head Professional, White River Golf Club, Rochester, Vt.

A few weeks ago, I had a school at White River consisting of 4 adults and two children. Since I limit the size of schools to 4 people and I had previously worked with the adults, I called Dave Pfannenstein at Killington and was able to secure the services of Chip Dwyer, one of Dave’s assistants, to work with the children. Chip has children of his own and extensive experience working with juniors so I knew he would be a great addition. He did an unbelievable job and created an instant rapport with the kids. His use of putting games had the children enthralled and having fun learning golf. He was so well received that I asked him if he would like to write an article about coaching juniors. The following article by Chip contains his philosophies, drills and games for juniors. I am sure you will find it interesting, informative and it should be useful in helping your kids off to a good start.

By Chip Dwyer

Teaching Professional

Killington Golf Club, Killington, Vt

When coaching junior golfers, let them know right away that to safely swing a club you must always look around before swinging to be sure the area is clear.

• Place your balls and equipment so that no one has to walk near another golfer.
• Have a prearranged signal like "Cease Fire" when you want everyone to stop hitting.
• While at the driving range, begin teaching safety issues that can occur on the golf course.

• Kids are never too young to start playing as long as they are having fun.
• Kids 6 years old or less should be taught in small groups and the lessons should be one hour or less. The equipment should be Junior clubs with flexible shafts and large heads, if possible. (cut down clubs will do if Junior clubs are not available).
• Kids 7 to 11 years old are usually ready for longer clinics and golf camps. Their equipment should still be flexible shafted Junior clubs, however, cut down ladies clubs will do in a pinch. Kids this age, with proper instruction, are ready for par three courses and nine holes or less on regular courses.
• Young adults from 12 to 16 are at an age where I see many kids get hooked on golf. This is when private lessons, golf camps and schools can really pay off. Their equipment can be Junior sized or Adult sized depending on the child’s height and swing speed.
• The Full Swing can be taught better without a ball in the way. A rubber tee works very well.
• Swinging in slow and easy motions is a great way to learn something new. An example would be an Inside Out Club Path.
• When coaching the full swing, start with a good grip, aim, posture, and ball position. Then demonstrate the top of backswing position, the correct finishing position and then let them explore ways of achieving these important positions.

There are 3 basic ball positions for level shots with slight adjustments to those on uneven ground.

(1) Position one: For tee shots the ball should be under the left armpit or to say it another way, one-inch inside of left heel. This promotes a sweeping upward blow and helps the head stay behind at impact.

(2) Position two: For fairway shots with all clubs except short irons, the ball should be placed under the left eye to encourage a sweeping blow.

(3) Position three: For a ball in tall grass or for short iron shots with the ball on the ground, the ball position should be under your nose to promote a downward blow and occasionally a divot.

These ball positions can be taught using the Penny Game.

• The first position game costs the least amount of money. Place a penny two inches behind the ball and a penny two inches forward of the ball. The proper swing should pick the ball off the tee without touching either of the pennies.
• The second position is taught with a penny one inch in front of the ball. The proper swing has both the ball and the penny swept away with a shallow divot left on the turf.
• The third position places a penny four inches behind the ball and another penny one inch in front of the ball. The proper swing should miss the first penny and sweep the forward penny while swinging through the ball.

• Set the stripe of a range ball on the target line and ask them to hit ball on the inside half of ball.
• Place a stick or the broken shaft of a club around ten feet down range straight down the target line and then have them hit the ball to the right of stick without aiming their body right.
• The students pretend they’re on a baseball field, standing at home plate, and aim at second base. Then, without adjusting their feet, they should hit balls towards first base.

More good drills and games:

• Improve right arm control with the ball throwing drill. The student stands at the range as they would to hit balls, but holding the top of the grip in their left hand and let the clubhead rest where the ball would be. Then, with the ball in the right hand, have the student turn their body like a backswing and throw the ball through the window created between the body and the club with the ball hitting ground around five feet forward.
• Feet together drill, and one-legged swings. This promotes balance during the swing.
• Swinging while kneeling on towel.
• Swings with eyes closed. This promotes a confidence in the swing path.
• Swings while saying "one and two" or humming. This drill aids in timing.
• Rapid fire drill is one of the kid’s favorites.
• Place a string on flat putting area held 3" off ground by tying it to two pencils then 1) putt without ball (try for straight clubhead path) 2) putt balls through tees 6" apart and 4’ away, 3) putt balls through tees 3" apart aiming at another tee.
• Split grip drill helps teach use of wrists. (Hands 2" to 3" apart). This helps the wrists to roll properly during impact.
• Place a ball on the lip of the cup and then putt another ball into that ball like croquet.
• Chip with right hand only drill (look for quiet wrist action).
• Video use with very little verbal analysis but lots of correct examples, and stressing what they do well.

In conclusion, keep it safe, break up long practice sessions with different parts of a game, prepare them for the etiquette expected on the course, and let them play!