This came up this week when we went out onto the course and played a Texas Scramble.
It’s a format I like using with a mix of abilities. There’s less pressure on each shot, and it gives juniors a chance to play without feeling like everything depends on them.
The group included a father still improving, his son who I was meeting for the first time, and another player who is also relatively new.
What showed up
Early on, the junior started hitting a pattern of low shots.
Some were thin, some were heavy, but most stayed low and didn’t get into the air.
After watching a few shots, the cause was fairly simple. The ball was teed too low, and he was using an iron.
This is something I see quite often. The setup doesn’t quite match the shot, and it makes things harder than they need to be.
Why this happens
At this stage, a lot of juniors are still figuring out small details like setup.
Things like tee height can seem minor, but they have a big impact on the outcome.
What I also see quite often is that even when something is explained, it doesn’t always translate straight away. The intention is there, but the change doesn’t quite happen.
That’s normal.
There are a few reasons juniors can hit low shots.
In this case, it was something simple with the setup.
What helped
After one of the lower shots, I stepped in and teed the ball up for him so he could clearly see the difference.
Nothing technical, just a slightly higher tee so the club could meet the ball properly.
The next shot was noticeably better. Cleaner contact, better flight, and more confidence straight away.
From there, he hit a run of solid shots. Not perfect, but much more consistent.
What didn’t fully change (and that’s fine)
Even after that, there were still a few poor shots mixed in.
That’s part of it.
Improvement at this stage isn’t a straight line. It’s usually a mix of good and bad while things start to settle.
Reassurance
This is completely normal.
Even when something is corrected, it takes time for it to become consistent.
And importantly, all golfers hit bad shots, not just beginners.
That’s something worth reinforcing early, because it helps remove pressure.
Simple takeaway
This week was a good reminder of how small things can make a big difference.
Not a swing change, and nothing technical.
Just getting the setup slightly right.
At this stage, that’s often enough to move things forward.