Introduction
This week’s junior session focused on learning how to play as a team on the course while continuing to build confidence and understanding around real playing situations.
A lot of junior golf early on is about helping players get comfortable with how the game actually works outside of practice, and sessions like this are useful because they combine learning, decision-making, and enjoyment in a more natural setting.
What this session focused on
- Learning how Texas Scramble works
- Understanding speed of play
- Making better decisions into the green
- Improving putting distance control
- Learning how team decisions affect play
Position in your child’s golf progression
This sits in the Playing stage.
At this point, juniors are starting to apply what they have practiced in more realistic situations on the course, while also learning how to play alongside others and make simple decisions during a round.
Learning how Texas Scramble works
The main format we used during the session was Texas Scramble.
This gave the group a chance to:
- Work together as a team
- Learn how different shots affect the next position
- Understand basic on-course decisions
We also talked through when to place a ball and when a drop is needed, which helped build understanding around how rounds are managed in real play.
Understanding speed of play
One of the areas we focused on was speed of play.
This is something that becomes more important once juniors move from practice into playing on the course.
We worked on:
- Being ready for shots
- Moving between shots efficiently
- Keeping the game flowing without rushing
At this stage, it is less about strict rules and more about building awareness of how rounds work when playing with others.
Shot selection into the green
Another part of the session focused on shot selection into the green.
Rather than always trying to hit the perfect shot, we talked about:
- Choosing manageable shots
- Playing with control
- Understanding that the safest option is often the better option
This is part of helping juniors become more comfortable making simple decisions on the course without overcomplicating things.
Learning how to control putting distance
One of the useful things juniors started to understand during the session was how much putting distance control affects confidence on the greens.
Early on, distance control usually matters far more than trying to hole long putts.
The session focused on:
- Developing feel for pace
- Understanding how different length putts require different levels of control
What started to become clearer was how much pace affects confidence on the greens.
Understanding that the closest ball is not always the best choice
One of the useful discussions during the session was around decision-making as a team.
We talked about why the closest ball is not always the best option in Texas Scramble, especially if another ball leaves a simpler next shot or a better angle.
This helped the group start thinking beyond distance alone and understand that position on the course matters as well.
Flag in or flag out?
We also discussed preferences around putting with the flag left in or taken out.
What mattered most here was not choosing a “right” answer, but understanding why different players preferred different options.
These kinds of conversations help juniors become more comfortable with the personal side of the game and how different players approach situations differently.
Sharing the best shots of the session
The format kept the session relaxed while still encouraging decision-making and teamwork.
At the end of the session, everyone shared their best shot of the day.
What stood out was that each junior had several good moments to choose from, which is exactly what you want at this stage.
Building confidence through positive experiences is one of the most important parts of early junior development.
Final thought
This was a really enjoyable session because it combined learning with real playing situations in a relaxed environment.
Sessions like this help juniors become more comfortable on the course, understand how rounds work, and build confidence through experience rather than pressure.
We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.