Growing the game

Life Lessons

Jacob BabcockFerris State University

Discussion Topics

Lack of participation - Why How to get participation

9 core values Promotion Reasonable Costs Examples

Timeline for implementation This is your chance!

• Lack of participation in your junior program.

• How are you going to grow the game through your junior golf program?

The Challenge

The Tiger Woods Effect

• More juniors are being drawn to the game now than EVER in the history of golf.

So….• Why aren’t there more golfers in your

junior program?

What is to blame?• Economy

• Household Income• Costs• Ineffective Programs• Oversaturation of golf courses• Frustration• Laziness

Call to Action• With many reasons keeping parents from

letting their children try golf these days, what can you do to re-vamp your junior golf program to attract participants and to keep them coming back?

Response

• Re-design your junior golf program to teach life lessons while also teaching the game of

golf.

-More than just a game-

Response• Appeal to parents• Sports such as golf provide an

opportunity to teach not only the sport, but valuable life skills as well.

9 Values To Teach

What’s best for the kids?

1. Courtesy

Considerate behavior toward others Begin and end with a handshake Quiet while others are preparing and

performing

2. Respect

Willingness to show consideration or appreciation

Yourself Partners Competitors The golf course The game

3. Honesty

The quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive Call penalties on themselves Report their own score

If I could only give three words of advice, they would be, "tell the truth." If I got three more words, I'd add: "All the

time."

4. Integrity Strict adherence to a standard of value or

conduct; personal honesty and independence

It’s about what you do when nobody’s watching

5. Sportsmanship

Observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace. Composure

6. Perseverance

To persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles Continue through their bad breaks Learn from mistakes and experiences

7. Judgement

The ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration

Strategy Club Selection Take Chances Play it Safe

8. Responsibility

Accounting for one's actions; dependable Keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers,

repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

9. Confidence

Reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance

Trust your abilities Trust your game

Concepts

For Students Be Patient, Be Positive, and Ask for Help 4Rs - Replay, Relax, Ready, Redo STAR -Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond

Instructors Lead with your best Coaches ROCK - Rapport-building,

Open-minded, Creative, Kind-hearted

Goals

What is your personal par? Birdie? Eagle? Hole in one? In golf and in life

Keep Costs Reasonable

Financial Aid Fundraisers Scholarships

Promotion

• Seminars • Schools• Physical Education Classes

• Parents• Radio• TV Commercials• Flyers

A success story - The First Tee

- To impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life – enhancing values through the game of golf.

- Learning to Impact Lives -

A success story in my life

5 tenants of Tae Kwon Do

Re-designing your Junior Golf Program

The beginning: A traditional junior program held on the range with students waiting their turn to hit a golf ball or two.

Year 1: Install core values, and promote program effectively.

Year 2: Add weekly events, seminars for life experiences, Honor Roll Program.

Year 3: Add the Junior Certification Program, Look into becoming a First Tee Affiliate

One Chance

• To Stand Out as A Leader & Golf Professional but more importantly…

• To be a role model, and have a positive impact on not only student’s golf games, but their lives as well.

Don’t let the opportunity pass you up!

References

"Hillsborough Township Public Schools." Life Skills. 2009. Web. 20 Nov 2009. <http://www.hillsborough.k12.nj.us/1392101027125313963/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=55255>.

"Junior Golf Schools." Junior Golf Schools Instruction Lessons. 2009. Web. 20 Nov 2009. <http://www.birdgolf.com/juniorgolf.shtml>.

"Junior Golf Links." Junior Golf, The official junior golf site. 2009. Web. 20 Nov 2009. <http://www.juniorlinks.com/index.cfm>.

"The First Tee Home Page." The First Tee. 2009. Web. 20 Nov 2009. <http://www.thefirsttee.org/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp>.

"The Daily Motivator." Inspirational Images. 2009, Web. 20 Nov 2009. <http://greatday.com/motivate/images/index.html>.