of my mind. First, I ask them to show up with some time before a lesson or clinic to hit balls, chip, putt, etc. Some kids come an hour early. If they roll in just before we start – or late! – that’s strike one. Second, I’ll give them a challenge during the lesson that I know they’ll struggle with, like hit- ting a hook or pitching a ball that stops at a certain target. If they get mopey or try a few times and quit, strike two. Third, when the lesson is over, I’ll offer more golf, like getting them on the course for a few holes. I’m looking for their eyes to light up. If they just want to head home, that’s strike three. Now, a strike or two doesn’t mean they have no future in golf, but no strikes tell me they have something special. – Mike Malaska, founder, Malaska Golf, Arizona
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR KID IS GOING TO BE ANY GOOD WITH PETER MORRICE Not taking the easy way out
who wants to get better over the bigger, stronger kid who’s just going through the motions. My Three-Strike Chal- lenge is always operating in the back
With junior golfers, my first focus is on attitude. Physically, kids are ever-chang- ing, so I’ll take a scrawny 10-year-old
OUTSOURCE THE INSTRUCTION Sean Foley, Golf Digest 50 Best Teacher
My dad took me to the range when I was a kid. I hit one teed-up 3-wood pure, and I’ve been chasing that dopamine rush my entire life. My dad never tried to teach me anything but the values of the game. For technique, he set me up with incredible instructors throughout my life, all with different methodologies to help me be- come a well-rounded golfer. Every parent, no matter how qualified he or she may be, can struggle to teach their child golf. Tiger Woods and I were on the phone once, and I asked him how Sam and Charlie were getting on. He goes, “Sam’s great, but Charlie, I just can’t get him to listen to me on the golf course. I’m trying to help him with his short game and putting, and he just simply will not do it.” As their stellar performances in the PNC Cham- pionship the past few years attest, Charlie and Tiger have obviously figured out a way to work together, but even Tiger experienced how hard it can be to be your child’s teacher. Outsourcing at least some of your child’s instruction can take the pressure off and help children fall in love with the game in their own way. – WITH KEELY LEVINS
66 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JULY/AUGUST 2025
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