Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36December 2016 | 27 Subscribe today at juniorgolfmag.net TOUR PROFILE I t has been many years since I first started playing golf as an 11-year-old, but I still love to play and infuse that same love of the game in my students. That’s why, as a PGA professional, I continue to invest so much of my time coaching juniors. In the eightyearssinceIstartedtheJohnnyFoster Golf Academy we’ve proudly helped some of our “beginner juniors” evolve into Irish and World Champions. It’s been an incredible journey and I’d like to share some reflec- tions from it that might help you toward a life of more enjoyment and adventure in competitive golf. PROGRESS HAS ITS OWN PACE First, I’d say to any aspiring young player or their parents that golf can be a very reward- ing game, but it is also immensely challeng- ing at times. There are many speed bumps along the road to success. Progress is never going to be a straight line, everyday thing. Because you practice a skill on Monday, that doesn't mean you’ll be a lot better at it by Wednesday. Improvement takes time! My advice is to focus on getting a little better each day and view things over the long run. If you feel you are doing the right things, then be patient and have faith in yourself. ARE WE HAVING FUNYET? Another feature I see among the kids who really progress is that they keep the game fun. That’s right, they do things now and again just for the enjoyment of it and don’t take themselves too seriously. There should always be an element of fun in what you do. It might be a lighthearted attitude to set- backs, a new trick shot you’re trying to mas- ter or playing some holes on the course with only a half set of clubs. I’m a huge believer in developing the whole student, rather than taking a ‘win at all costs’ approach, espe- cially with players at that young age. It’s this more balanced mentality that has brought our long-term students the most success. They have continued to develop both their game and their character by enjoying all as- pects of their golfing experience, reminding themselves that “it’s only a game.” So enjoy those long drives from the tee or playing a 7-iron out of a bunker and remember to cel- ebrate when you achieve your goal. MISTAKES MAKEYOU BETTER What role do your mistakes play in helping you become better? The students who un- derstand that mistakes are completely nor- mal and something to be learned from are the ones who gain a tremendous competi- tive advantage by learning acceptance. Their strong sense of resilience is based upon them believing, “I’ll do it better next time, just watch!” So don’t take those bad shots personally – even the best players make them. At the end of the day, reflect back on your golf, think how it could have been better and apply that learning to the next day. Finally, I’d say that the successful junior golfers at my academy have heard me say many times, “You’ll get as far as those peo- ple you have around you.” What I mean is surround yourself with positive influences, be it friends, family or coaches. Hang out with people who support your dreams, and try to connect with a coach who believes in you and wants to join you on your journey to becoming the best you can be. Johnny Foster is the owner of Johnny Foster Golf Academy, based primarily at Greenacres Golf Centre in Northern Ireland. The academy also provides coaching elsewhere, including the United States. Visit www.johnnyfostergolfacademy.com. Follow on Twitter: @jfgolfacademy BalanceYourPerspective forBetterGolf BY JOHNNY FOSTER T he Optimist Junior Golf Program is an exciting and unique junior golf oppor- tunity for kids, ages 10–18. Approxi- mately 6,000 boys and girls from around the world compete in the program’s qualifying tournaments each year. The best of these golfers advance to the annual Optimist In- ternational Junior Golf Championships, commonly referred to as simply “The Op- timist.” The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf events in the world with more than 660 players competing in the event, which is broken out into three separate age group competitions over the course of several weeks. In addition to the exciting golf, participants and their families enjoy group meals, special events, recreational activities, entertainment and other fun diversions – all at one location. This championship event also attracts over 30 college coaches each year, is ranked by JuniorGolf Scoreboard, Golfweek and Amateur World, and re- ceives AJGA Performance Stars. PGA National Resort & Spa, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is the home of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. This is the same great venue that stages the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic each year. Optimist Junior Golf’s Tour Events provide additional opportunities to qualify for the Championships. Ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard, the tour travels to attrac- tive locations such as Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Orlando, Florida; Ft. Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Ontario, Canada. These 36-hole events are open to both boys and girls, ages 11–18. The competition is very spirited as participants all have their eyes on the big prize, which is a spot in the Championships. Former top finishers in The Optimist who are currently on the PGA or LPGA tours include Jason Day, Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson, Jonathan Byrd, Britta- ny Lincicome, Jeff Overton and Emiliano Grillo. Several other well-known pro- fessional golfers have participated in Optimist-sponsored championships as well, including Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson, Nancy Lopez and Tiger Woods. Another enticing element of the program is the Optimist International Tourna- ment of Champions, held each November. This junior golf championship event is for top finishers of the summer Optimist Championships, winners of Optimist district qualifiers, golfers who are included in the Top 100 overall Golfweek and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings and other top junior players from around the world. The tournament is a 36-hole event for junior boys and girls, ages 11–18. The Tournament of Champions also takes place at PGA National Resort & Spa and is ranked by the same well-known junior golf ranking groups as those who rank The Optimist. Junior golfers from all over the United States and the world are welcome to at- tempt to qualify for the coveted Championships. No membership fee is required. For more information, visit www.optimist.org/golf or call 314-881-1307. Swing your Way into Optimist Junior Golf BY JUNIOR GOLF STAFF Kids learn how to compete at an early age Positive influences lead to a positive course attitude