on track

[moro]

My son is 14 and has been been playing golf  3 years.He has recently got a starting handicap of 17, do you people think he is on the right track to be a very good amateur golfer around single digits maybe.I would love to hear your replys.

[phillyk]

Usually the best kids in the state going into high school will be near single digits for their handicap.  At least for Illinois, there were freshman when I was in school that were near top in the state averaging mid-70s in tournies.  I'd say being at a 17 is a very good start, but to be near the top, a lot of work is needed.

[moro]

thank you for the reply.any tips

[Audaxi]

Tell him to live on the putting green for a while when he practices. Over the summer perhaps, practice a lot of chipping and putting. This will help scores improve immediately, but for the long term he should also practice trying to hit more GIR.

[moro]

thank you very much for the replys.I should also say that we live in ireland and their is no such thing as state championships or anything like that.The kids in america may be a lot better then here in ireland and it is also very hard for him to play a lot of golf due to school and the horrible weather we get.keep the replys coming in please.

[phillyk]

I'd say for how young he is and considering the time restraints, to maintain a consistent, sound swing first and foremost.  Once that feeling of being able to hit any shot is there, I'd go for the short game next.  Putting can always be practiced at home on a carpet or something, so I'm more talking about throwing 100 balls out between 10-70yds from the green and just hitting balls within there.  On my part, this summer, I dropped my handicap from a 5 to what is now by putting those distance shots in the bag and giving me more birdie opportunities.