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Golf Coach's Corner

Golf Tip

Presented by Jeff Ritter, Nike Golf Camp National Director

Should Junior Golfers Walk?

Nike Junior Golf Camps walking on green png

Jeff Ritter is our National Director of Instruction for Nike Junior Golf Camps and runs our camp down in Pebble Beach. Junior Golfers should always walk over riding in golf carts. I'm always surprised at how many younger players skip the opportunity to walk and jump into the golf cart. When you choose to ride over walking you are not serving yourself in the way that you need too to become a great player. There are a couple reasons why it is important for you to walk.

Golf is not the most physically taxing sport, but it requires a certain level of stamina that you develop in walking the golf course. As a junior golfer I would walk between 18 and 36 holes a day, and we would never think anything of it; It’s what you did. I really felt like when I was playing in golf tournaments that were only 18 holes long, I would never get tired ever. A lot of times when you see players hitting wayward shots later in the round sometimes it is relative to pressure but sometimes it is relative to fatigue. If you are not able to just walk the golf course without having a lapse in energy you will have a difficult time competing at the higher level. Just from a stamina perspective you should be walking the golf course.

Walking the golf course, you will also develop quite a bit of leg strength walking up and down hills all day. Jack Nicklaus was always big on his legs getting bigger and stronger because he was always walking the courses he played. From a stamina and strength perspective, it is very important to walk the course. Also when you are walking you gain a much better perspective of the design and layout of the course. This will help you gain knowledge on the design of the course, where the pin location is, and how the course should be played. You become aware of a lot more simply by walking the course.

One of the best things about golf is spending time out in nature. Just like talking a walk with your dog through the woods, golf can help clear you mind. Having your feet connected to the ground and carrying your bag will give you a special experience that you miss when you ride in a golf cart. If you are parent of a junior golfer and you like to ride, I would like to encourage you to go out and walk with your kid. Walking and playing together allow for a richer experience, rather than just sitting in the golf cart. Enjoy the game in nature and slow down the process.

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