Backyard Golf Lessons "Putting 4 Kids"

IMG DAVID LEADBETTER GOLF ACADEMY

IMG DAVID LEADBETTER ACADEMY




I'm very pleased to announce that I recently became an official recruiter for the IMG David Leadbetter Academy in Bradenton, FL. I will cover the greater Orlando and Daytona Beach areas. If you are interested in discussing more about sending your child to the worlds best junior golf academy, contact me at info@BrendonElliottGolf.com or BrendonElliott@pga.com or by phone at 386-532-9639 and we will set up an appointment.


MORE ABOUT THE ACADEMY:

The David Leadbetter Golf Academy has impacted junior golf more than any other academy in the country. In the past 13 years the academy has produced 112 AJGA All-Americans, 8 AJGA Players of the Year, 2 AJGA Sportsmanship award winners, 2 United States Amateur Champions, 2 United States Girls Junior Champions. We are very proud of all our students, but when we think of all 112 of our All-Americans, we truly realize the impact our students have made over the years. This accomplishment alone represents golfers at their best. Selection to the All-American teams is based on performance in AJGA tournaments, as well as the non-AJGA national tournaments throughout the country. David Gossett, Aree Song, Casey Wittenberg, Seung Su Han, Paula Creamer, Julieta Granada and Peter Uihlein round out the group of DLGA graduates who have achieved the highest honor in junior golf by earning AJGA Player of the Year honors.


In the past year alone, DLGA students won over 50 national junior titles. DLGA had 12AJGA All-Americans in 2007 as well as three members of the 2007 Junior Solheim Cup Team. Also, in 2007 we had 34 FCWT wins (in the older division), 10 independent national tournament wins and 7 AJGA wins.


Their male alumni have also had great success on the PGA tour, collecting three over all titles. The women have had 5 winners on tour collecting a total of 12 wins. We have produced 13 LPGA tour members, 4 PGA Tour members as well as numerous professionals playing on the Asian Tour, the Futures Tour, and the European Tour as well as numerous other smaller tours around the world. Their alumni include such pros as Paula Creamer, Sean O’Hair, Julieta Granada, Aree and Naree Song, Candy Hanneman, Miriam Nagl, Virada Nirapathpongporn, Taylor Leon, Oh Ji Young, Jeanne Cho, Yani Tseng, Carolina Llano, David Gossett and Ty Tryon. Casey Wittenberg who just secured his 2009 PGA tour card finished in a tie for 13th at the masters at age 19. Just recently we had a current student, Jessica Korda finish tied for 19th in the Women’s US Open.


DLGA Bradenton offers some of the finest facilities in golf training. Facilities include: par 72, 7,000 yard golf course at the IMG Academies Golf & Country Club, a 30-acre double-ended driving range, which includes 3740 sq. ft. of Cover shots covered hitting space. Beneath the Cover shots is EZ Tee Synthetic Range Turf for optimum performance. Recently installed was a 2673 sq. ft. nylon synthetic putting green with a zoysia fringe to compliment the already massive short game area. Opening this summer is a brand new 7,300 sq. ft Golf Admin Building (an indoor hitting bay with state-of-the-art biomechanics, club fitting/testing facility, pro shop and numerous video rooms).


Again, if you are interested in discussing more about sending your child to the worlds best junior golf academy, contact me at info@BrendonElliottGolf.com or BrendonElliott@pga.com or by phone at 386-532-9639 and we will set up an appointment.

Little Linksters - Weeks Three and Four

Little Linksters - Weeks Three And Four


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Lots of Cool Thing to Come in 2009 From Brendon Elliott Golf!

Hello Everyone!

Allow me to re-introduce myself....My Name is Brendon Elliott and I am the Head Golf Professional at the historic Winter Park Country Club in Winter Park Florida as well as the Owner of my own Golf Instruction Business and website, Brendon Elliott Golf LLC and http://www.brendonelliottgolf.com/.

My instructional expertise lie in the development of Junior Golfers as well as all aspects of the short game and putting for all golfers of all ages. I also focus on helping golfers become better by using what they have but being a “Smarter Golfer” as they play. You can shave several strokes off your game just by being more in tune with the way you play and the decisions you make out on the course.

As far as Junior Golf goes, I have spent a great deal of time developing my “Little Linksters” Junior Program. This program is for kids 3-4, 5-8 and 9-12. I use a combination of what I feel are the best philosophies and programs out there and mix in good old fashion FUN to get the kids interested in the game and to learn the basics. My program was recently featured in Florida Golf Central magazine as well as the “Where to Play Golf” Radio show. Below is a link to my interview on “Where to Play Golf” http://brendonelliottgolf.podomatic.com/player/web/2009-01-13T16_47_15-08_00

Check out all the links below to learn more about me and everything I’m involved with:

http://www.brendonelliottgolf.com/ (My website)
http://brendonelliottgolf.blogspot.com/ (My Blog)
http://www.shopit.com/BrendonElliottGolf (My NEW Online Store) http://www.cafepress.com/Golf4Kids (My NEW Golf 4 Kids Online Store) http://golfpronetwork.ning.com/ (My NEW Golf Social Network for Golf Industry Professionals)
http://www.winterparkcountryclub.com/ (My Golf Course)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=55142212063&ref=nf (My NEW FaceBook Group)

I’m VERY pleased to announce that I'll also be a part of the online instructional staff on the NEW 10thGreen.com website! You can check out my instructor profile by going to the Online Coaches section of the site. There you can get an online lesson from me for only$27.00! Check it out at http://www.10thgreen.com/

For almost 16 years, my life has been dedicated to serving the great game of golf and all that enjoy it. I hope that I can someday help each and every one of you with or inform you about this wonderful game! All the best to you all!

Brendon Elliott

Lots of cool things to come in 2009! Stay tuned!

Junior Golf AllStar!!

Watch CBS Videos Online

This is a very cool story! With Junior Golf being a big part of my life, I love seeing stories of exceptional "Little" golfers. Keep it up Brett!

My Recent National Radio Interview on "Where To Play Golf"

My NEW Golf 4 Kids Line is Here!

My new GOLF 4 KIDS store is a great collection of items for those out there like me that love their kids and love golf. It's also a great place to shop for those who know a kid (or their parents) that love the game of golf. I'll be adding new designs periodically so check it out often!

The 61st Annual International Pee Wee Golf Tournament!

The 61st Annual International Pee Wee Golf Tournament!
July 26 & 27, 2008 Orange County National Orlando, Florida


Since it's inception in 1946, The Orlando Jaycee PeeWee Golf Tournament has continued to provide junior golfers the opportunity to balance the fun of playing with with friendly competition. Started at Dubsdread Country Club by Orlando Jaycee Fred Crews, It is now the Longest Continuous Children's Golf Tournament in the United States. Many Current and former PGA and LPGA pros have played and won their respective divisions of this tournament.

Check out the official website for registration and more information!
http://www.orlandojaycees.org/peewee

My PGA.com Article: "Raising a Golfer"

Recently, I was lucky enough to have an article I wrote published on PGA.com. The article, "Raising a Golfer: A Parents Guide" is for parents, grandparents, or anyone wanting to help bring a child up in the wonderful world of golf. I have included the article below for your review or you can check it out on PGA.com by clicking on this link: http://www.pga.com/2008/instruction/other/04/22/raisingagolfer_elliott/index.html

If anyone has any question or comments on this article feel free to contact me at brendonelliott@pga.com or info@brendonelliottgolf.com

Enjoy!

Brendon Elliott


Raising a Golfer: A Parent's Guide
By Brendon Elliott, PGA





Over the past decade the Junior Golf Industry has become big business. Numerous Junior-only equipment, training aid, and apparel companies have sprung up, not to mention the countless number of junior tours and college recruiting/resume services that have come along. Undoubtedly, there is amble opportunity for junior golfers, starting even as early as a few years old, to develop their game and have numerous opportunities for playing both recreationally and competitively. With so much out there to choose from, where should a parent start in planning the roadmap for their junior golfers development? No need to worry, I'm here to help.


First Things First

My first bit of advice is simple; no matter what age your child is when they get started, make sure that having fun is #1. Whatever your aspirations may be for your child with golf, you need to remember (and remind your child) that it's just a game. In my mind golf is the greatest game known to man, and perhaps you feel the same, but if your child does not see things that way that's fine. Even if your child does grow to love the game and winds up devoting a great deal of time with it, make sure they grow up to be a well rounded individual. Encourage them to play other sports or develop other talents in areas such as art and music.

What Next?


Before They Pick Up a Club

I highly recommend that you start your child out by teaching them some of the most important principles of the game. These initial teachings do not even require a club or a ball. The most wonderful thing about the game of golf lies in these principals. What are these principals? I'm speaking about the Etiquette and Rules of the game. Golf is historically an honorable game, the idea of a game where a participant is more or less self policing themselves can not be found in many (if any) other games. The aspects of etiquette within the game mirror that of the way people should act in everyday life, with respect and concern for others. The moral core of golf which will resonate throughout your child's entire life are unquestionably what makes golf, in my opinion, the greatest game in the world. For more information on the Rules of Golf log onto the USGA's website and there page on The Rules. For more information on Golf Etiquette log onto Mr. Golf Etiquette and the USGA's website and there page on Etiquette.


Finding an Instructor

Now that your child has been primed on the core values of the game, its time to look for an instructor. One great resource for starting your search is right where you're at right now, PGA.com. Look at the top of the page at the site page options, go to PGA of America and in the drop down box and go to Juniors at the bottom OR go to the Instruction page. Both areas have a search area to find a PGA Professional in your local area. Another great resource is the Junior Links website. Junior Links is the ultimate junior golf website.


Finding the Right Equipment

When it comes to looking for the right equipment, you have a lot to choose from. Most of the major golf club companies make junior sets. I would suggest however to initially look at a junior specific golf equipment manufacturers such as Accu-Length or US Kids Golf My personal recommendation is purchasing a set of clubs from Accu-Length. Accu-Length is the only custom fit junior clubs that grow with your child. According to the Accu-Length website and most Golf Professionals, a large number of juniors develop their swings using faulty equipment that leads to life long swing flaws. Historically, kids learned the game with adult clubs that were cut down to junior size, but were still way too heavy and unbalanced which made learning the game difficult for even the most athletic kids. That's why equipment from companies like Accu-Length make the most sense for junior golfers.


Where to Play

Most golf courses are very accommodating to junior golfers. Some set aside specific times when juniors are allowed to play so be aware of that. I suggest looking for a course that offers junior or "family tees." Recently, the PGA of America and U.S. Kids Golf announced the establishment of The PGA of America Family Course Program. This program is a nationwide initiative that is intended to provide PGA Golf Professionals a means to make golf enjoyable for all members of a family, regardless of age and ability. Log on to the Play Golf America website or the US Kids Golf website for more information. We recently installed these tees at my facility in Winter Park, FL and the initial response has been extremely positive. Keep in mind that this is a new program so more and more golf facilities will be adding these tees as time goes by.


What to Wear

Now that your child has a grasp on the essence and rules of the game, has a quality instructor, good, well fitting equipment, and a place to play, they need to "dress the part" of a golfer. As with most of the major golf equipment companies, most of the major golf clothing manufacturers have junior apparel lines. I however suggest checking out a newer junior golf apparel company called Total Kids Wear, makers of PGA Tour & LPGA Tour licensed apparel (www.tkwgolf.com). TKW has an excellent selection of shirts, hats, outerwear, and accessories for boys and girls of all ages.


Be Realistic

If your junior golfer turns out to become a good golfer you need to remember to be realistic in your potential expectations for them. The quantity of quality junior golfers today is great, and in reality there are only a handful of college scholarships available for the vast number of juniors out there. If your son or daughter can make the cut on the course, make sure what they do off the course is equally as impressive. Make sure that they are true student-athletes and that their grades are up to par. Also make sure that they are well rounded and are active in extracurricular activities away from the course. This will make all the difference. From a competitive playing stand point, make sure your child plays in as many quality and high profile events as possible. Log onto the American Junior Golf Association website and the National Junior Golf Scoreboard site for more information on playing opportunities. If your son or daughter indeed has what it takes to play at the college level then you should consider using one of the several golf scholarship and resume writing services out there. I personally recommend checking out The Golf Bridge Company.


Professional Golfer vs. Golf Professional

A Professional Golfer is an individual who makes a living by playing golf (i.e. Tiger Woods) and a Golf Professional (notice the order of words) is an individual who makes a living in the business of golf. For more information on the classifications of Golf Professionals as designated by The PGA of America, click here.

If your son or daughter is not quite a tour quality golfer (Don't worry, very few are) there is still tremendous opportunities out there for a career in golf. The PGA of America offers an in-depth training program for those interested in a career in the golf business. The PGA Professional Golf Management Program is the vehicle needed to have your child navigate their way toward a rewarding career in the golf business. Log on to the PGA CareerNet website and go to the PGA and You section for more information. There are two ways to earn your Class A classification in the PGA of America. The first is going through the PGA PGM Program at one of the 20 universities throughout the country that offer this degree program. The second is by going through the program in a self study manor while being employed at a PGA recognized golf facility.


The 18th Hole

As you can see there are endless opportunities out there for your son or daughter within the wonderful game of golf. What I gave you is just a small sampling of the resources available to you if your child shows an interest in the game. If you have any questions on Junior Golf please feel free to contact me at brendonelliott@pga.com or log onto my website http://www.brendonelliottgolf.com/ and go to the Junior Golf Central page for more information.