My sister, Carol, has two sons, Alexander and Edmond, who are a couple of my biggest fans. As far as my nephews are concerned, I may as well already be on the PGA Tour!
The boys attend boarding schools in Europe and spend summers in Florida. Alexander, the elder at 15-years-old, is a strong and serious student and takes an analytical approach to golf and his other passions, including photography and music. Younger and seemingly more whimsical, Edmond, 12, is nonetheless thoughtful and particularly loves to entertain family and friends with his imaginative sense of humor.
Yesterday afternoon, I worked with the boys on the driving range. Both boys are thin, wiry, and built like me when I was young. Their individual personalities shine through their golf games with Alexander anxiously wanting to learn everything immediately and Edmond swinging freely without a worry in his mind.
About a year ago, I helped Alexander with his set-up and preshot routine, and I am happy to see that he is continuing to utilize these tips. Having grown quickly over the past couple of years, he is taller and stronger and is now playing men’s clubs. Like many golfers, his swing is quick as he tries to hit the ball hard and far. I introduced him to a couple of drills to eliminate a lunge into the ball, and he quickly learned the correct feeling of releasing the club.
For Edmond, I taught him how utilize a preshot routine to consistently set-up for a full swing. He was standing too close to the ball at address and also had trouble taking his stance. His happy feet made him look more like a dancing Fred Astaire than a golfing Tiger Woods. I also helped him learn how to hold the handle with an overlap grip instead of the ten-finger baseball grip that he needed in his younger days.
Over the years, I have enjoyed watching my nephews mature into young men, and I am a very proud uncle who is amazed by their individual talents.
Question: Have you shared the game of golf with children? Please take a minute and describe your experience.
Until next time, enjoy golf, America!
