If you’re preparing for a USGA Junior qualifier, understand this: preparation creates confidence.
I’m heading into the U.S. Open Final Qualifying on June 8th, and I know exactly what players are feeling right now before a big qualifier. The pressure is real. I went through it myself just weeks ago and will have 36 holes of it again soon.
One of the best things you can do before arriving at a golf course is to actually learn it. Play a proper practice round before the event. This is The Blackstone Country Club in Peoria, Arizona. One of the qualifier courses for this year’s USGA Junior Amateur Championship. In this video, I walk through how to best play the tough 4th hole so you can start building a proper game plan.
Understanding where to position tee shots, which sides of greens to favor, and where the smart misses are can absolutely be the difference between qualifying and going home. And as someone who has played in numerous US Jr. Amateurs. It’s an event you don’t want to miss.
If you have a strokes gained app, use it to understand your tendencies and patterns, not just collect stats. If you do not have one, pull up Google Earth and map the course before you arrive. Set targets off the tee. Study the wind forecast for tournament day versus your practice round.
I recorded a video after my Medalist win at the local USGA Open qualifier on April 20th. My thoughts for the day, and I understand this is very hard to pull off.
Click to Watch – “Don’t be a puppet to your emotions.”
Preparation off the golf course matters too.
Eat before your round and bring snacks. Juniors often underestimate how much energy qualifiers take mentally and physically. Crashing halfway through the round almost never leads to a good finish.
The players who handle qualifier pressure best are almost always the players who prepared the most.
If you want help getting ready for this event or others this season, I offer a free, no-obligation call. No pitch, just a conversation about where your junior is and whether I can help. Text me at 678-404-0713 or book below.
