Going to Q School, Bunker shot advice – Ask the PGA Pro – Junior Golfers #21

San Diego Golf Academy

I live in: SAINT JOHN , NEW BRUNSWICK , CANADA
My_name_is: JUSTIN O’LEARY
My_age_is: 16
comments: HELLO , I am planning to attend the San Diego Golf Academy in the fall of 1998 . I was wondering if whether or not you know anything about the Academy . If yes could you please give me your opinon.

Scott Robbins:
Justin,
I know someone that attended the Academy and really enjoyed it. I don’t know much more. I am sure they have realigned their curriculum to conform with the new PGA Apprentice program. Good luck in the Golf Business!
Scott

Being a golf professional

I live in: Charlotte, NC USA
My_name_is: Tra Kelly
My_age_is: 15
comments: I actually have many questions to ask you because I am writting a paper on what it is like to be a golf professional. I guess if I had to ask you only one question though it would probably be “what is a typical day like in your life?”. I do not mean to take up to much of your time because I understand that you must have many other people to answer. I appreciate you giving a moment of your time and I will hope to hear from you soon.

Scott Robbins:
Tra,
The typical day is outlined greatly in an article in the PGA Magazine a couple of months ago in an article on 1996 PGA Professional of the Year, Randy Smith of Royal Oaks C.C. in Dallas, Texas. Ask your local PGA Professional for a copy of the article or write the PGA of America at “www.pgaonline.com” and ask for the article.
The day of a typical professional starts early during the season and ends late and is filled with meeting and greeting players, getting them on the course in an orderly fashion, giving golf lessons, buying, organizing, displaying and selling merchandise, attending meetings, repairing golf cart and golf clubs and if you’re lucky, you might have time for lunch! I wouldn’t do anything different!
Scott

Going to Q School

I live in: Hammond , LA
My_name_is: Matthew
My_age_is: 16
comments: Who would I go to for information about going to Q-school in the future? Can you tell me anything about getting information on college golf scholarships?

Scott Robbins:
Matthew,
Q School information is available from the PGA TOUR. But first get your college education!
Two ways to contact scholarship info. First, contact schools you are interested in attending, get the golf coach’s name and send him a resume of your golf and scholastic achievements. Follow up with more letters and phone calls.
Secondly, play in as many American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) events as you can as well as the PGA Junior Series. As you play and improve in these events, you will attract coaches from the best programs in the country. It is a favorite recruiting place for the best programs in the U.S.
Good Luck,
Scott Robbins

Bunker shot advice

I live in: Katy, Texas, USA
My_name_is: Daniel O’Leary
My_age_is: 12
comments: I have a few questions. I kind have trouble playing from the sand. I normally get too much sand and leave the ball in the bunker and sometimes I blade it out. Are there any tips you can give me? Also, I am not a very long hitter, I can hit the ball accurately but not long. Are there any tis you can give me on that? Finally I wanted to know if a 23 handicap for 12 year old is real good, okay, or awful. Thanks!
Scott Robbins:
Daniel,
Your handicap is very adequate for someone who sounds like they need to grow some. As you do, you will gain distance, just like a guy named Tiger Woods did when he was your size and he grew.
In the sand, try a wider stance and make your swing more “U” shaped instead of “V” shaped. Try to splash a thin layer of sand up on the green. Practice first without a ball. Then try it with a ball. The club should cut the sand 1-2 inches behind the ball and exit the sand 2-3 inches past the ball. The sand under the ball will carry the ball up on the green every time.
Scott

How to relieve pressure before a match

I live in: Little Falls Minnesota United States
My_name_is: Ryan Flahave
My_age_is: 16
comments: I was wondering how to relieve pressure before a golf match. I always seem to choke when I am doing good. Thanks

Scott Robbins:
Ryan,
One word—–BREATHE!!!! Take a lot of deep breaths and also close your eyes and imagine peaceful scenes.
Another way is chose to be confident going to the course. Do that by preparing a game plan for your round the night before and review in your mind how you plan to play the course. You will be confident and relaxed and ready to play when you get to the course.
Good Luck,
Scott

Tournaments in Minnesota

I live in: Little Falls MN United States
My_name_is: Jason Nuehring
My_age_is: 17
comments: My handicap is three for 18 holes and I consider myself a pretty good golfer and I was wondering if you could give me any additional information on tournaments in the Minnesota area. I would like to play in as many tournaments as possible. One more question. I am planning to go to Ferris State in Michigan and I would like some information on the college if you have any. Thankyou Jason N.

Scott Robbins:
Jason,
I work at times with a graduate of Ferris State. He enjoyed his experience and is a very good golf professional.
Contact the Minnesota Section for tournaments at (800)742-1916 or (612)754-0820.
Good Luck in the golf business. It is a great career!
Scott

Lost distance

I live in: New Canaan CT
My_name_is: Peter Ackley
My_age_is: 16
comments: I played golf all summer long, in between playing baseball. I feel that I am a fairly good player, but after baseball was over and I had not played golf in about two months, I went down to Florida. I played absolutely horrible, my ball could not find its way near the fairway, some how I gained a horrible slice in two months. I tried what you said to the other person, but still is not working. I also all of a sudden hit my five iron a shorter distance than my seven use to be, I seem hit the ball solid, but now it gows nowhere. WHY? It is quite frustrating.

Scott Robbins:
Peter,
If you are hitting the ball solidly but without much distance then it sounds as if you have you’re swing on plane but your path and arc are not in line with it.
First, be sure you are creating a bigger arc by swing your arms and turning your shoulders more. Secondly, feel the path into the ball coming more form beside your body and moving away from your body. Feel like you are hitting a baseball to the opposite field.
As with any of my tips, the best to do is find a PGA Professional to give you a couple of lessons.
Good Luck,
Scott Robbins

Turf Management in college

I live in: Upland, California
My_name_is: Kim Melrose
My_age_is: 17
comments: I plan to study Turf Managememt in College. What would some of the best 2 and 4 years colleges be. I also would like to know if you know anything about the Professional Golfers College I an interested in attending that school. I would like to learn how to teach people to play golf. I feel that it would be very interesting to become a golf instructor.

Scott Robbins:
Kim,
I do not know anything about the school you mentioned. However for Turf Grasses I would look into Penn State University or Texas A&M University. For an overall golf application, look into the schools with the PGM (Professional Golf Management) program available like Ferris State in Michigan, New Mexico State and Mississippi State.
Good Luck,
Scott