tWith the exception of high school girls’ golf, the competitive golf season has pretty much come to a close in early October here in Michigan. Fitting in a few extra rounds while enjoying the cooler weather and wonderful colors on the trees, fall is also a great time for any golfer to prepare their game for next season.
tOne professional teacher recommends putting away your driver and focus on using whatever club gets every tee shot in the fairway. He contends that birdies might not be plentiful with the strategy (when are they anyway?), but keeping the big numbers off your score card that often come with trying to blast a driver down a tight fairway is an overall positive and is good mental momentum going into next spring.
tAnother offering for younger players can be found at the Kendall Academy Elite Junior Development Program, based at Miles of Golf in Ypsilanti. Michigan Golf Hall of Famer Jack Seltzer heads the program aimed at middle and high school players with competitive and collegiate playing desires.
tNow in its second year, the Elite Jr. program tries to sharpen player skills and thought processes on an on-going, monthly basis in three basic settings; individual/small group discussions, heated practice range, and course play (weather permitting). Dave Kendall says the on-course component is very valuable because it “really takes instruction to a different level. We get to see our students in a competitive arena and watch the choices they take and how they make a score.” Those sessions take place twice a month on Saturdays at local Polo Fields G&CC in Ypsilanti.
tOne short game session includes making lofted shots with the wrong club so when students use the right one with the right technique the shot will be easier.
tFull members of the Elite Jr. program can chose from a variety of group, individual, on-course, and range sessions. Prior committing to a monthly program, visiting member can try various offerings a la carte.
tBest wishes to everyone until next season.