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Welcome to Golfer-to-Golfer, where we try to learn from all the different types of passionate players out there, in hopes that the rest of us can take something that might improve our games.
The path to professional golf begins very early for those who reach the highest levels of the game. For nearly every professional you cheer for every weekend, their training started well before most people even got their driver’s license.
At this week’s Mizuho Americas Open, a few of these trained pros will be showcasing their skills. In a first-of-its-kind event at Liberty National, the tournament features 20 of the nation’s top rookies playing alongside LPGA professionals. And although the little ones were a a little star-struck Sharing the band with their idols, they have a lot of the game themselves. In just a few years, at least some of these youngsters will be playing on the LPGA Tour themselves.
Like so many professionals, the success of these little guys is no accident. They’ve dedicated their lives to the craft, and the rewards—like playing it at the event—are just beginning to unfold.
Before their first taste of the pro-golf limelight, we caught up with some of the youngsters to get their keys to becoming some of the best young golfers in the country.
Make time
“I think the biggest key to success as a junior is being dedicated to the practice and putting in the time and effort. What you do on the course is a reflection of your practice, so it’s really important to put in hours and work. You obviously want to enjoy the course, because that’s what keeps you going. But I think the key is The main thing is to put in the time and effort if you want to be successful.” – Anna Song, 16
Fall in love with the game
“It’s going to sound so cliche, but you have to fall in love with the game. Fall in love with what you do every day and try to be the best at doing it every day. It’s not easy, and some days you won’t like it, but you have to learn to love it and know why you love it.” And always coming back to that stuff. I like to play a lot of games on the course, so if I’m struggling to have fun, I can play a game that takes me back to it.” —Maisie Butt, 17
Be disciplined
“You have to work hard. You have to be dedicated and committed to your time and be disciplined in your practice. It’s all about being decisive and not being lazy. I’m still learning how to do it better. Running a school, golf and other things can be challenging, but it’s a learning experience.” I just make sure I put in the time and effort and remind myself it’s for something I love.” —Jaclyn LaHa, 17
Take the extra time
“I like to tell people to take the extra 30 minutes on the course. I know it can be hard, especially for me because I go to the actual school and I know it can be hard balancing social life, golf, school and doing all the extra stuff, but it’s totally worth it I know my dad used to say to me, ‘If you’re not doing sports, someone else is there.’ And I think that really affected me and so I always tried to keep going and put more time into it.” —Ashlyn Core, 18
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