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Red, White ... and Blue?
Golf organizations in the U.S. need to do a better job of nurturing youthful talent December 8, 2005 By Peter Kostis
Contributing Writer, GOLF MAGAZINE The answer to making college golfers more successful in their pro careers starts well before they even get to campus. The U.S. should follow the lead of countries such as Australia and Sweden, who created golf federations and national training programs. These served as accelerated courses in golf technique, places where the most promising kids could hone their swings, their bodies, and their complete games before being thrown into the competitive fishbowl. In the U.S., we are much more apt to sign our talented kids up for AJGA events and let them go at each other in 72-hole stroke play events. While this allows them to develop certain competitive skills, it is no predictor of future success.
I’ve seen plenty of junior players who are killer competitors with great short games and outstanding putters, but whose swings have suffered because of the grind of competing. That’s why I have taken a different tack with my older son: He was a talented junior player, but I encouraged him to only play sparingly in tournaments and instead work extra hard on his swing. He just signed a letter of intent to play golf at the University of Arizona next fall, and though he will be playing against young men with much more competitive experience, he has a Tour-caliber swing that should hold up well. Time will tell.
Featuring Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer, the LPGA has young stars.Getty Images
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So what is the future of American golf? Its near future seems to be doing just fine on the LPGA Tour, where the likes of Morgan Pressel, Paula Creamer, and Michelle Wie will be exciting to watch for years to come. On the men’s side, things are more uncertain. The American “Young Guns” of a few years ago—Charles Howell III, David Gossett, Bryce Molder, and Matt Kuchar among them—have had only middling success in the pro ranks. I firmly believe that with the right determination and attitude, anyone can resurrect their career. I’ve been working with Molder, and Ricky Barnes, both of whom I have confidence will turn their games around.
One thing is certain, though. Golf organizations in the U.S. need to do a better job of nurturing their youthful talent though coordinated programs. Otherwise, future “young guns” could find themselves shooting blanks.
Peter Kostis is a GOLF Magazine contributing writer and commentator for CBS Sports.
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