Category: The Coach’s Corner
Welcome to the Coach’s Corner! The Coach’s Corner is a place where we share stories about and by our coaches & volunteers, program lessons, and golf & life skills tips.
The Coach’s Corner – Simply Amazing, By Coach Kyle Albright
Simply Amazing
The First Tee Life Skills & Leadership Academy Coaching Experience
by: Kyle J. Albright
Not long ago, I was selected as one of twenty-four The First Tee coaches to attend the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Boise, Idaho. I immediately did a little research on the event. I scoured the internet for pictures and articles. I asked participants who’ve attended what it was like. Stories of meeting new people and traveling to new places were plentiful. I was so excited because soon, I would find out for myself. The Life Skills and Leadership Academy is a weeklong experience attended by 96 The First Tee participants and 24 The First Tee coaches from around the world. The importance of the event was immediately felt at the welcome dinner when the coaches and participants met for the first time. We sat together for dinner while listening to speakers. To see the participant’s smiles and hear them introduce themselves and share their stories was the beginning of an amazing experience. At the Academy, participants were separated into 24 groups, each identified by a color (the red team was the best color group, in my personal opinion). There were 6 coaches assigned to each color group. The participants had busy schedules with off-course activities as well as practice and play. Throughout the week, every coach meets every participant through practice sessions or on-course activity. You get a chance to get to know more about each person, see how they interact with others, and witness how they exhibit the values of The First Tee. Throughout the week, coaches provided guidance through golf rounds and establish lessons plans for purposeful practice. The participants and coaches worked side-by-side to complete lesson plans and activities. Every day was a learning experience, and the goal of it all was to have as much fun as possible! I consider myself lucky for having attended the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. The city of Boise, Idaho and the campus of Boise State University were beautiful and provided great accommodations as host locations for the Academy. I met so many great kids with whom I will keep in touch. True to The First Tee moto, I met so many new friends that are good golfers, but even better people. I urge The First Tee of Greater New Orleans eligible participants to apply for the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. The memories you make, the friendships you explore, and the coaching you receive makes for an unforgettable experience.About The First Tee National Participant Opportunities
The First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of The First Tee national corporate partners, more advanced participants can apply to attend these golf and leadership events. These events often become life-changing experiences. Youth meet new people, play golf, achieve greatness, and show our Nine Core Values in action. Learn more about the individual opportunities here: National Participant Opportunities [FAG id=3187]Pebble in Your Bucket
A Bucket Full of Pebble
By: Brian Faucheux, The First Tee of Greater New Orleans Board Secretary On a wild, wet week last January a group of 12 avid golf friends embarked on a 3-day pilgrimage to the Holy Grail of golfing meccas, the Pebble Beach Golf Resort on the Monterrey Peninsula in California. Despite weather forecast of 80-100% rain for the duration of the trip excitement ran high with our New Orleans/Baton Rouge contingent as we touched down in San Jose, CA. Converging at the phenomenal Inn at Spanish Bay in the Pebble Beach Resort that evening from places all around the country – Philadelphia, PA; Neptune Beach, FL, Columbus, OH, to name just a few – our group talked up our upcoming rounds while a Scottish bagpiper played at dawn just outside the plaza overlooking the Pacific in the misty rain…how fitting! First up was 18 holes the next day at Spyglass Hill, with its beautiful challenging holes overlooking the ocean and deer walking alongside us. After an unexpected, rainless front nine, the back got downright nasty – with wind gusts clocking 45 mph, horizontal blowing rain, and massive pines bending violently. When a tree snapped on Hole 15, blowing an electrical transformer (BOOM!) and sending some of our group running, we knew this was no ordinary round of golf. My foursome barely finished the 18th while winds howled, trees danced and our rain-soaked forecaddies made a frantic dash for the Clubhouse. The afternoon round made for some interesting stories at our group dinner that night at The Tap Room in The Lodge, where a bronze trophy from the PURE Insurance PGA Champions Tournament benefiting The First Tee was on display. We arrived early the next morning at the Pebble Beach Golf Links pro shop for some required shopping and photos. Inquiring inside, I was happy to learn that Norman Blanco, one of The First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ true success stories (and Pebble Beach Assistant Pro), was working as starter on “the first tee”…how appropriate! I was able to catch up with Norman before we teed off. Norman shared his love and appreciation for The First Tee of Greater New Orleans (and says “Hi” to everyone!), how he enjoys his dream job at Pebble and how proud his mother is back home in NOLA. Photos were taken with our First Tee New Orleans group – Christian Generes and Brad Reese (100 Friends Members), Ron Britsch (whose son is in TFTGNO at City Park) and me (Board Secretary). And, in case you’re wondering, Norman DOES get to play the Pebble course quite often – his low round…a 73! Norman and his amazing success represent the epitome of the values and mission that The First Tee organization is all about. It was an honor to meet him. With rain expected mid-morning, we teed off early hoping to be able to play the course’s signature, scenic front nine ocean holes before donning our rain gear. It was not to be! As we turned towards the ocean the skies opened up, and like Bill Murray in the storm scene from Caddyshack, we braved the elements while experiencing the most spectacular golf holes in the USA…albeit under the most challenging conditions! It just made the experience all the more memorable. The bad weather finally let up on the back but the angry ocean surf raged… producing 15-20 foot waves according to our seasoned caddie. We ended our round on the most famous finishing hole in golf – a stunning, 543 yard Par 5 that sweeps along the rugged rocky coast of the Pacific. Depositing a few balls in the rocks (for good luck) we made our way down the long fairway to the lush green. Walking off the 18th green after playing Pebble with good friends has to qualify as one of any golfer’s “bucket list” items. The shared friendship, sense of adventure and love of golf PLUS the association of The First Tee with Pebble Beach made this special trip one to remember. And if you haven’t already…definitely add Pebble to your bucketEffective Course Management
Effective course management
By: Coach Kyle Albright How do we play our best? How do we improve as a player? We’ve all been told to practice more, or read more books to gain more knowledge, but does this help? If so, how? Is there a way to perform consistently on the golf course? These are all questions for which most of us have sought the answers. I believe with great preparation and strategy, we all can be successful. Let’s discuss a few ways we can advance our game. Keep track of your stats! One way to improve your game is to know exactly what needs to be improved. Keeping a record of your statistics allows you to see which part of your game needs the most help. Recording your fairway hits, greens in regulation, and putts documents integral stats. Track your stats every round for the a few weeks. Find your weaknesses and practice them to make them strengths! Do “Homework”! An important part of course management is increasing your knowledge of the golf course you are playing. Always grab extra scorecards to study, and research the golf course online. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the golf course and the challenges it presents. You never know what information may help you play better. Are the greens Bermuda grass or Bent grass? How does the ball react on each surface? Is it a long course with a lot of hazards? Is it a shorter course that’s more wide open? Doing a little research before playing a golf course can go a long way. Remember, the more knowledge we have the better we play! Control what You can Control! Unfortunately, a great day of golf can be spoiled by bad weather, bad play, or any number of unforeseen circumstances. Understanding what you can control is important. As golfers, we only control how and where we hit the ball. We cannot control the physical environment, the wind, or the rain. If you are playing in adverse conditions, the best ways to manage the situation is to prepare mentally and physically. If the conditions are not ideal, your expectations of a perfect swing or a low score should be realistic. Stay mentally active within your round. Stay focused on the task at hand. Physically, dress for and prepare for the elements. Having that extra towel or extra pair of rain gloves always comes in handy. We can control our thoughts and our golf swings. Positive thinking leads to positive results! Rely on the process more than the outcome! Club & Shot Selection Last, but certainly not least, one of the most important ways to manage yourself on the golf course is to select the right shot and the right club for the right situation. These are the most challenging decisions for a golfer. Should I hit driver? Should I chip or putt it? Should I play safe or go for it? Practice good course management by using the necessary club for your desired shot. If the fairway is tight, choose the club with which you hit straightest (no matter how far the ball will travel). Practice using different clubs off of the tee on Par 4 and Par 5 holes. Play to the safest parts of the fairways and play to the flattest spots on the green. Swing aggressively to conservative targets! The goal is to play from the fairway to the green. Use the clubs that can get you safely to your destination.Paying it Forward: One First Tee Coach’s Wish to Pass on the Love of the Game
Paying it Forward: One First Tee Coach’s Wish to Pass on the Love of the Game
By: Coach Wes Gilmore I’ve always been competitive. Like many kids, I’d always dreamt of being best at everything. The game of golf quickly made its way to the top of my list. As a four-year-old, I would spend hours whacking the ball around the putting green, and sometimes, the hole got in the way. As I got older, the frequency with which the ball found the hole grew, and as a result, my interest in golf. I started playing competitive golf at the age of six and marveled at the level of independence and unpredictability of the game. Golf helped me to understand accountability and showed me that there are no shortcuts to success On the golf course, I was in charge. I was to blame when things went wrong. My expectations grew, as did an intense work ethic. I entered The First Tee of Atlanta three years later at the age of nine. My desire to improve sold me on the summer camp. I would not understand the other positive effects the program would have on me until much later. Before entering The First Tee, I usually practiced by myself. I had very few peers that shared the same passion for the game as I did. Initially, the only gratification I found was from winning competitions. As I advanced through the program, my skills improved. I met like-minded, lifelong companions that loved the game just as much as I did. The program allowed me access to practice facilities that otherwise I would not have had. While I am thankful for these things, I am most thankful to The First Tee for instilling a deep appreciation for the game of golf; a deeper gratitude for the game that shaped me into the man I am today. The Nine Core Values taught by The First Tee have stayed with me my whole life. The First Tee not only helped me to improve my skill set on the course, it armed me with the skills to face my flaws. Like any other sport, you can better your golf game through technique, strategy, equipment, and mental training. Further, golf requires the patience, grit, and critical thinking used when facing challenges in every-day life. I’ve always felt that I am battling human nature on the golf course – my own personal flaws. We never truly conquer our flaws, but throughout our lifetime, we can always try to improve ourselves. As a The First Tee coach, my goal is to introduce the game of golf to as many youths possible and to instill the same passion to ensure the game’s future. It is my hope that I can pass along a little of the joy that the game has given me. Golf can open doors that change lives. It can bind people that otherwise would have nothing in common. Golf is a game you can play for a lifetime and gain a lifetime of lessons learned.Intention
Intention
By: Coach Chad Radecker Intention: A determination to act in a certain way (Webster’s Dictionary). Intention is one of the most important words we use when practicing a sport, especially golf. When we go to the driving range, putting green, or sand trap, we must have a plan or intention. It’s common to see people at the driving range use every club in their bag to hit hundreds and hundreds of golf balls. Golfers are often told that to become better players, they must hit hundreds of balls on the range and practice their putting repeatedly. The secret to becoming a better golfer is not necessarily to practice more, but to practice smarter and more effectively. For example, if you want to build swing speed and strength, it is better to go to the gym than the golf course. Hitting hundreds of balls can cause repetitive use injuries and solidify bad habits built from changing proper form due to muscle fatigue (see www.bmihealthcare.co.uk). How do we practice smarter? First, we must plan. We must decide what we need or want out of practice and then form an intention. If your intention is to learn how to hit a cut, then use a 7 iron and set up and practice a cut. If your intention is to learn how to hit a knock down shot, then you would practice the best tools to meet this end. Be very specific about what you want out of practice. Many people go to the driving range or chipping green and practice by aiming at the tee flag. A better use of time is to mark a spot on the green to practice aim. Intention is best used when we practice one skill at a time. If you are having a problem reading greens, then this is what you work on and is your intention. Understand how to read greens and work on that skill. We should all remember that golf, or any other sport, is meant to be enjoyed and not suffered. Practice and intention help us focus, stay safe, and get the optimal benefits. Work smarter, be better, and get stronger. Coach Chad RadeckerNurturing Participant Growth and Development, Coach’s Corner, 4th Ed.
Nurturing participant growth and development
By: Perry Faulkner, Director of Education For the last three years, The First Tee of Greater New Orleans has crafted an engaging, fun, and educational program to grow the game of golf. We use this approach to introduce young people to the sport, resulting in a seamless transition into acquiring golf skills. Our obligation is to serve the youth that we have initiated and nurtured in a way that will help them grow as both golfers and people. Over time, we have seen the need to develop new opportunities for our older participants as they push the envelope of success and achievement. In answer, we are excited to offer The First Tee Flagstick Tournament Series and Enrichment Seminar Series. We encourage parents and participants to take advantage of our new programming. We’ve committed our staff and resources to accommodate the growth of our participants as competitive golfers, while still maintaining the highest standards of The First Tee Life Skills Experience. The First Tee does not exist solely as introductory program, but as an organization that will help our participants continue to develop through adolescence, high school, and in preparation for the transition to college. The Tournament Series and Enrichment Seminar Series is a must, especially if your child is planning to or is already playing on the competitive junior golf circuit. Likewise, the Seminars serve to educate parents and address questions and concerns regarding the growing world of junior golf. These events are thoughtfully curated with our parents and participants in mind, and we hope that you will find them beneficial. Thank you for the continued support of our program. I am excited at what the future holds as we work together to make the youth of New Orleans Good Golfers and Better People.Do You Want to Play College Golf? Coach’s Corner, 3rd Ed.
Do You Want to Play College Golf?
By: Coach Ryan I joined The First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ coaching staff this past summer, and since then, have been amazed by the impact that golf has on so many young people. Golf is a game you can play for a lifetime, regardless of age or skill level. Being able to see such enthusiasm and dedication from junior golfers has been a heartwarming experience. I sincerely wish every First Tee participant has valued their experience as much as I have. I am writing this to address junior golfers who want to take their game to the next level. If you want to play college golf, here are a few pieces of advice to help you achieve that dream:The first and probably most important thing to keep in mind is that you must be all in. If you decide that playing college golf is your dream, you need to be willing to invest a lot of time. I was a freshman in high school when I decided I wanted to pursue college golf, and from that moment forward, I was dedicated. I practiced every day after school. I skipped friends’ birthday parties for junior tournaments. I spent hour-upon-hour learning everything I could about golf swing mechanics. Those hours paid dividends, as I signed a golf scholarship with Loyola New Orleans my senior year. My dream was realized. But, I never would gotten that scholarship if it hadn’t been for those years of hard work. In the words of Joel Embid, “Trust the process.”
Second, there is absolutely no substitute for competitive experience. Hitting range balls and practicing your short game is important, but the most formative moments are during tournament play. If you want to play college golf, play in as many tournaments as possible to become familiar the competitive atmosphere. There will be growing pains, but you will learn to be more comfortable under pressure.
Lastly, it is important to be passionate about something other than golf. This is not meant to contradict my first point. Golf is a frustrating game by nature, and even the best golfers don’t win all the time. It is the reality of the game we love. It is easy to become discouraged when the results don’t align with the effort. In moments of doubt, it is vital to have other passions to properly measure the importance of golf. I found my second passion in writing, but it can be anything you want. When golf becomes frustrating and practice starts to feel like work, sometimes the best solution is to take a break to clear your mind. It helps to have something to distract you from golf, even if only for a few hours.
I hope this advice is helpful for any junior golfer who dreams of playing college golf, and I am excited to see the progression of junior golf in New Orleans!