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 36T urning leaves, cooler days and even cooler nights are signals that the golf season in the northern climes is com- ing to an end. But this doesn’t mean you have to put your clubs away and forget about golf. There are several solutions to the grass being covered with the white stuff! If going to a junior golf-specific academy in Hilton Head Island or some other warm southern location is not an option for you, then consider these tips on keeping your game competitive during the winter months. You can practice a form of golf immersion by keeping the mental aspect of your game in mid-season form. A multitude of golf magazines on the newsstands cover every- thing you want to know about golf and can provide mental stimulation for the winter season. There is also plenty of time to read any of the excellent golf books available online or at your local library. Of course, you can tune into 24 hours a day of golf on the Golf Channel or you can access the In- ternet for "all things golf," including many different helpful drills. The winter season also gives junior golfers time to work on their strength and exercise routines. Going to a local fitness club and working with an instructor on a golf-spe- cific program will pay dividends when the season begins. Strength and core stability will be improved through golf-targeted programs, while Pilates and yoga are excel- lent vehicles for even young golfers looking to utilize the offseason to increase power and flexibility. If the cold weather forces you inside, also consider that new technology has made the modern day simulators ideal for keeping your swing in shape. Junior golfers can play actual courses, join winter leagues or just use the practice mode and keep their game sharp with theses machines. If there are no simulators in your area, indoor domes and home golf nets will work for winter prac- tice. With your parents’ permission, you can work on chipping and putting very easily in a “quiet” area of your home. Using indoor putting devices will keep your putting stoke repetitive, so that you feel right on top of your game when you get back out on the green grass of your home course. Weighted golf clubs, often with molded grips, offer another excellent way to work out in cold weather. Usually shorter, these clubs can be swung easily in your garage or basement, giving you a chance to train your muscle memory and maintain your strength for the season. With the advent of modern technology, golfers can access several swing analyzers that, combined with video of your swing from your smartphone or tablet, will keep you sharp and learning as the winter pro- gresses. Remember that self-analysis of your swing is an important part of your development. With all of these resources available to you, the end of your summer season does not mean you have to put your clubs away for the winter. Hard work during cold- er months will pay off when the weather leaves. Ron Webb is a lifetime PGA of Canada member and strong believer in growing the game of golf from the junior level. He is also an IJGA ambassador who assists junior golfers with tournament travel to the US for competition and training. 2 | December 2016 #juniorgolfmag Visit us at juniorgolfmag.net TECH UNIVERSITY I t’s safe to say that the YETI cooler company has become one of the great retail success stories of the past 10 years. The wildly popular brand, launched by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders in 2006, has become known for trend-setting quality and a footprint that shows up almost anywhere. What makes YETI so special and what is its role on today’s golf courses? Well, from the beginning YETI set out to attract real outdoor enthusiasts – hunters, rodeo competitors, fishermen and adventurers, to name a few. At the same time, it created short films that attracted a loyal following of this same clientele base.YETI’s products have grown to include not only coolers and ice buckets, but also clothing, hats, drinkware and more. The drinking gear has become especially popular among golfers of every age. These well-made tumblers and ramblers, or water bottles, are con- structed of kitchen-grade stainless steel, so they’re resistant to punctur- ing and rust. Double-wall vacuum insulation insures that your cold drinks (or your hot ones) maintain their proper temperature throughout, and the Triple Haul Caps™ are 100% leakproof. And here’s something that golfers particularly like – a “no sweat” design that keeps fingers dry. So you can sip your water or your health drink without having to constantly wipe your hands between shots. YETI will also create a custom design for you with a personalized logo, your initials or any number of other unique markings. The company claims that its Laser Marking process eliminates scratching, fading or peeling. We constantly sample and review various products that might fit well in a golfing environment, especially if they utilize new, intelligent technology. So YETI caught our attention with its stylish good looks, its innovative cooling and heating methods and its solid 5-year warranty. Whatever type of liquid container you carry with you on the golf course, it’s important to stay hydrated. Finding a product that is lightweight, well- insulated and sturdy enough to hold up well after many, many rounds on the course is the key. YETIDrinkwareDesigned GolfCourse-Ready BY JUNIOR GOLF STAFF Warming Up to Winter Golf BY RON WEBB The Golf Channel offers helpful golf programming year-round Yeti containers are easily customizable