I have helped many Junior Golf Players procure a College Golf Scholarship. I'm very happy for them...as they are now spread all around the Nation...and many have done very well.
An interesting, now old, story comes to mind, though.
About 7 years ago, John Wiler, then Head Coach at Miami U., provided my Junior Golf Players and their Parents a Workshop about College Golf. He speaks from two very unique perspectives: Player and Coach.
I loved it, as did all in attendance. In our next Lesson, I asked Brendan DeCenso, then an 8th-Grader at All Saints Middle School, what he learned. I'll never forget his response.
"I learned I don't want to play College Golf", said Brendan - quite adroitly.
Brendan explained that the: 6-month Season, early morning workouts, make-up schoolwork required by missed classes, constant travel, and rigorous practice schedule...combined with strict academics - just did not seem like a great way to spend his 4 YEARS of College!!!
Clever kid, eh?
I was so happy for him - that he learned that - IN EIGHTH GRADE!!!
Brendan is now a Junior at North Carolina's Business School, plays a little 'Club Golf', and still played quite nicely last Summer at his home course, Hyde Park C.C. - with his dad A.J. and my son, Taylor and me in our, now annual, outing. He had a great High School Golf career at St. Xavier High School...and even participated in the U.S. Junior, so he's no slouch when it comes to 'game'.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm still real happy for the myriad of Junior Golf Players I've helped - who love making the 'College Golf Scene' (Like Rob Chappell - current Atlantic 10 Conference Champion). It's just that I want to help all Junior Golf participants 'find their own niche' - in 'Life', as well as 'Golf'.
Casey Lubahn, new Miami U. Head Coach, will do this Workshop for my Junior Golf Players, and Parents, in a couple weeks. This year it will be an On-Line Workshop. This will make it even easier for Junior Golfers and their Parents to 'attend'. Keep an eye out for the coming details.
You never know what you - and your aspiring Junior Golfer - will learn!!!
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