USGA Jr Girls Epilog 1

After watching practice and play every day of the 2012 USGA Junior Girls Championship held at Lake Merced Golf Club, there are some observations and findings to carry forward into our own games. 

Practice styles of the best players had some features in common. First was putting practice done before, between, and after playing a round of golf. Most of the top players practiced much more than the rest of the field. We watched the top-seeded player on the practice green then later close out a match with consecutive birdies. Putting practice matters. 

The most effective putting practice randomized the type of strokes, distances, and targets. There were several different routines to practice speed control, probably reflecting the teaching styles of coaches as well as girls' personal styles. Making up little routines made it more entertaining to keep attention focused on the task at hand. Putting practice generally translated into more consistent results on the greens. 

Practice styles on the driving range were equally varied. Most of it was block practice which may be OK for finding a rhythm or refining a small swing issue, but the typical block style of practice is not particularly effective at improving play on the course. Knowing and learning how to practice effectively is a skill that's taught by the best instructors and coaches but is not widely appreciated by most players and others who help them.

Pre-shot routines were in abundance. One of our favorites was picking a few blades of turf grass and tossing it in the air to check for wind -- even when there was no wind. You could identify some of the players by their way of doing it. Another favorite was the style of checking alignment of forearm and putter shaft, or alignment of feet to the target. And of course, the practice swing was common but not always done effectively.

Most players had caddies. We think a caddie is essential in a tournament at this level. A good caddie will help read the greens, help with course strategy, make sure the player stays hydrated and has a snack to keep up the energy, and calm the nerves. And of course, carry the bag. A player needs to conserve their energy for making shots and navigating the course. When a player gets tired as the end of the round draws near, decision making will suffer when they're tired.