The JOLF Man

Following on from a tweet from “Coach Conversation” Nick Levett and Jenny Coady who posted a YouTube video of their top 10 coaching mistakes. A really good 30 minute clip that got me thinking!! So had a ramble about it!

I have known Matt for years and have always trusted his opinion and judgement of the good industry. He has managed numerous golf clubs, he is Managing Partner of Promote Golf and a shareholder of JOLF and so gives a fascinating view point of golf. In this chat we discuss junior golf from a club managers perspective. Starting with the common phrase “juniors are the future of the game/club” Are they??? Some really interesting points are raised and discussed.

Neil & Nevil talk about JOLF’s whole school plays days that provide children in primary schools with a positive 1st experience of golf. This will give PE coordinators and teachers in primary schools a better understanding of what happens before, during and after these days

“What is the right age for children to start playing golf?” Great to chat with Travis (who runs the Raising Golfers podcast) and we dive into when children should start playing golf. A conclusion we came to was that children are born ready, so we (the adults) have to BE ready! Loved this chat, like I always do with Travis and so many interesting points were raised.

A “rambling ponder” 😂😉)around the idea and suggestion that children learn while having fun, do they?

I have always respected Mark since we met at Birmingham Uni for our first experience of further education!!! I have always thought of him as a pondering, reflexive, questioning, critical, challenging thinker of a coach. And have always enjoyed it catch ups and chats. This one wasn’t what we planned to discuss but so much good stuff came up as we discussed playing pathways and opportunities that he has been part of in Hertfordshire

A question that consumes my thoughts and thinking A LOT 😉 There can never be a BEST way but I feel there are a number of things to be considered for all parents and coaches

Tom introduces us to Golf Cubs and also his fantastic lockdown “Keepy Uppy” challenge. Which then leads to a fascinating discussion around learning new skills and developing trick shots as part of a children’s (and adults) golfing experience & journey.

Gavin, along with Gavin Clark, was one of the coaches that originally reached out and engaged with JOLF in 2012. I have enjoyed chatting on regular occasions ever since. This is a lovely chat that talks about Gavin’s ideas around introducing people to golf. He shares an absolute beauty of a saying to tell new players that I sill be using again and again!

Just a few thoughts, and stories, around the fact that often children and families first experiences of golf are coaching and maybe they need to experience playing golf on a course first and then coaching could/should follow that???