The game of golf is becoming more competitive as golfers become stronger, mentally and physically, and they hit the ball further than ever before.

In the last 10 years the industry has seen a new breed of junior golfer emerge that can rival the best in the world. We see juniors teeing it up with the professionals and keeping pace with them. Michelle Wie and Ty Tryon are an example of juniors who have taken the golfing world by storm.

But how can the average junior compete in this environment? There is a great deal at stake for juniors who aspire to successful collegiate careers and a future on a professional tour. What are the elements that will make them stand out from the crowd? In such a competitive game, what makes a champion?

In my experience with some of the world’s greatest juniors, I offer this advice to parents on what to do with their son or daughter who has talent and potential in the game of golf.

1. The importance of the fundamentals
   
   Young golfers are at the perfect stage to learn the correct technical fundamentals that will maintain a solid game for a lifetime.
   
   The most important fundamentals are:
   
   • Grip
   • Posture
   • Alignment
   • Pivot
   
   
2. A program versus a lesson
   
   • Developing a systematic program is crucial to your development as a golfer. In doing so you will always practice with a purpose, always having goals and a strategy to achieve those goals. Encourage your junior to believe in and follow a comprehensive training program as opposed to simply taking a series of lessons with no specific mission or long term plan.
   
   
3. Mental Conditioning: Don’t be afraid to learn more about your personality and how to make better decisions on the course. Understanding all of the nuances that make you a unique person and using these traits to your advantage can be a powerful tool in gaining a competitive advantage.
   
   
4. Physical Fitness: A stronger, more powerful, athletic golfer is a winning combination in today’s competitive arena. Challenge your fitness levels and make this area of your game a priority as you complete your development process.
   
   
5. Competition:
   
   Here are some great resources to use when you’re ready to begin the competitive process.
   
   • International Junior Golf Tour (www.ijgt.com)
   • United States Golf Association (www.usga.org)
   • PGA Junior Series (www.pga.com)
   • juniorgolfscoreboard.com (www.juniorgolfscoreboard.com)
   • American Junior Golf Association (www.ajga.org)
   
   
6. Keep it fun
   
   Having a passion for the game is so important and sometimes the overwhelming pressure to perform takes all the fun out of the game.