Creating unique, fun and exciting events for fathers and sons to enjoy together...
I have had a great time teaching and coaching A.J. in golf and in life. I have learned as much as I have taught. I had been playing golf and living life for a long time, but it wasn't until recently when I diligently studied the game of golf and the role of fatherhood, that I realized how much I had yet to learn. I am excited about what I have learned and about walking along my son while he learns the lessons of golf and life.
Please look at the Junior Golf page for additional information and suggestions on Junior Golf.
2009 Update
Winter/Spring 2009
A.J. played in the 2009 U.S. Kids Jekyll Island Cup in Jekyll Island, Ga. A.J. carded a 43 and a 41 and tied for 13th out of about 45 in this prestigious Regional Tournament. His game continues to improve and we look forward to a fun and fruitful 2009 golf season. Stay tuned.
Summer 2009
A.J. played a lot of golf during the summer of 2009. He participated in 4 U.S. Kids World Championship Qualifiers in four different states. Here is a quick recap of how he did:
June 10th Henry Country Club, Kentucky 44 Finished 3rd
June 11th Farm Lakes at Riverside GC, Tennessee 40 Finished 1st
June 23rd Wyncote Golf Club, Pennsylvania 41 Finished 4th (T)
June 24th Walden Golf Club, Maryland 37 Finished 1st
Dad and AJ had a great time going to and participating in these 4 US Kids Golf Tournaments. They were fun adventures that we will not soon forget.
Based on A.J.'s performance (winning a qualifier tournament and shooting 45 or less), he qualified to play in the prestigious U.S. Kids Golf World Championships in Pinehurst, NC in early August. This was the 3rd trip to Pinehurst and each time we learn a little more and play a little better.
Each age group plays on a different golf course at Pinehurst. The 9 year old boys division had the privilege of playing on the newest Pinehurst Resort Course...#8. It was a great course with very challenging upside down bowl greens similar to the famed #2 course. A.J. had a fantastic practice round that included a holed 8 iron for eagle and two birdies. However, as is often the case, his actual tournament rounds were not as fruitful. He shot 87 - 81 - 88. He was disappointed, but we were proud of him for his good attitude and commitment to do his best.
While all the U.S. Kids Golf was going on, A.J. was also participating in the First Citizens Junior Golf Tour. This is a regional tour for players 9 years old through 18 years old. It consists of 9 events with points being awarded based on your finish at each tournament. A.J. played in the 9 - 11 year old division and had a great year.
He was able to play in all nine tournaments and finished in the top 3 in each event. Four First Place Finishes, Four Second Place Finishes and 1 Third Place Finish. Therefore, he was fortunate enough to win the Player of the Year Award for the 9 - 11 Age Divison.
In between all of this golf, A.J. was an incredable help to his Dad at all of the Father & Son Events that we put on. It was such a joy being able to do something we both love that encouraged other Fathers and Sons.
Fall 2009
A.J. enjoys playing football in the fall, so his golf schedule was fairly light. He played in two tournaments.
A Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) youth event at the Federal Club in Richmond, Va. A one day event with a little shorter yardages. A.J. played well, shot 34 and was the top finisher in the tournament.
Big Time Junior Golf Classic at the Blacksburg Country Club. A nice two-day tournament regional tournament. A.J. played in the 11 & under division which meant a longer course and shot scores of 46 - 43 and won the tournament.
A.J.’s Golf Highlights
0+ Born large 12lbs 4oz, 1 week early
Loves playing with balls
Age 1 Started hitting golf balls as soon as he could walk
Age 2 On the golf course (putting green)
Age 3 Going out with Dad, putting, some chipping
Age 4 Plays his first real golf hole
Age 5 Plays multiple golf holes
Age 6 Plays his first 9 holes
Age 7 Plays in his first competitive tournament
First mini-golf camp
Winning his first competitive tournament
Going to his first U.S. Kid’s Golf World Championship
Plays in 4 U.S. Kid’s tournaments (2 regional, 2 national), 4 local tournaments
First major article in newspaper
Age 8 First year to win multiple golf tournaments
Developing consistency and confidence
First time he beats Dad (age appropriate tees)
Going to his second U.S. Kid’s Golf World Championship
Plays in 14 U.S. Kids tournaments (5 regional, 7 summer tour, 2 national)
Plays in Big Time Junior Classic (11 & under division…finishes 3rd)
Second write-up in newspaper
Age 9 First year to win a significant number of golf tournaments (8)
Significant improvement in putting and chipping consistency
Begins to beat Dad more often than not (age appropriate tees)
Wins First Citizens Junior Golf Tour Player of the Year for 9 - 11 year olds
Participated in his 3rd U.S. Kids Golf World Championship Tournament in Pinehurst, NC
Wins the Big Time Junior Golf Classic (11 & under)
Shoots his first under-par tournament round (-2; 34)
Additional Information
Golf Lessons
From birth – present Dad, emphasizing the fundamentals,fun and enjoying being together
July 2007 Attended mini-clinic at Home Golf Course
Fall 2006, 2007, and 2008 Participated in Charlottesville First Tee Program
April 2008 3 days of golf instruction with junior golf instructor
2009 2 one-hour tune-up lessons with two different instructors
Golf Clubs
Age 1 Individual plastic clubs
Age 2 First set of plastic clubs, first real club
Age 3 Iron, Wood, Putter
Age 4 Multiple irons, wood, putter
Age 5 First partial set of used clubs
Age 6 Second partial set of used clubs
9-P, 7-8, 5-6, 3-4 irons, 5w, 3w, driver, putter
Age 7 New driver, new putter (U.S. Kids Tour Series), same other clubs
Age 8 First full set of golf clubs (U.S. Kid’s Tour Series)
PW through 5 iron, 4h, 5w, 3w, Driver, GW, SW, Putter
Age 9 same
