The NEW www.BrendonElliottGolf.com and www.LittleLinksters.com is nearing its completion! A HUGE Thank You goes out to the guys at Golf Web Design (www.GolfWebDesign.cm) for the fantastic job that they have done.
Check out our new online shop when you get a chance. The shop itself is actually a few shops in one:
As well as the Brendon Elliott Golf e-store itself where you can purchase private lessons and more!
Dont Forget Too….The Little Linksters Store!
The “Little Linksters” Golf Program is a great introduction to the game of golf for your child. The program is taught in a fun and interactive way using a combination of both traditional golf instruction methods and very non-traditional ways. The bottom line with the “Little Linksters” program is FUN!
The program is run by Golf Professional Brendon Elliott. Mr. Elliott is the Head Golf Professional at the historic Winter Park Country Club located in downtown Winter Park and he is also the owner of Brendon Elliott Golf, LLC and Little Linksters, LLC which are his Golf Instruction Businesses in Deltona, FL
PROGRAM INFORMATION
If you are interested in bringing the “Little Linksters” Golf Program to your daycare, school or organization contact Brendon Elliott.
CURRENTLY OFFERED AT:
StarChild Academy Lake Mary (StarChild Students Only) – Lake Mary, FL
Session #1: March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 16 (COMPLETED)
Session #2: May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4 (COMPLETED)
Session #3: July 2, 9, 16, 30, August 1 (COMPLETED)
Session #4: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8 (TAKING REGISTRATIONS NOW) Session #5: October 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12
City of Deltona (OPEN TO ALL!) – Deltona, FL
Session #1: March 6, 13, 20, 27 April 3 (COMPLETED)
Session #2: May 7, 15, 22, 29, June 5 (COMPLETED)
Session #3: June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24(COMPLETED)
Session #4:September 11, 18, October 2, 9, 16 (TAKING REGISTRATIONS NOW)
Session #5: October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13
Legacy Academy (Legacy Students Only) – Lake Mary, FL
Session #1: March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 2 (COMPLETED)
Session #2: May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4 (COMPLETED)
Session #3: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (COMPLETED)
Session #4: September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8 (TAKING REGISTRATIONS NOW)
Session #5: November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10
Winter Park YMCA (OPEN TO ALL!) – Winter Park, FL **NEW**
Session #1: August 22, 29, September 5. 12, 19 **SOLD OUT**
Session #2: October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14
(EASTBROOK FIELDS)
ATTENTION PGA PROFESSIONALS NATIONWIDE:
CONTACT BRENDON ABOUT FUTURE EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE LITTLE LINKSTERS. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN OWN A LITTLE LINKSTERS PROGRAM LICENCE FOR YOUR PGA SECTION! E-MAIL BRENDON AT INFO@BRENDONELLIOTTGOLF.COM OR CALL 386-532-9639
2009 Was a Very Memorable Year…
In my personal life, I, along with his wife and 4 year old daughter Lexie, welcomed a new edition to our family back in August with the birth of our son, Austin. What a joy that has been! With the birth of my son also came my determination to continue to get healthier. I continue to stay focused on my weight and I’m proud to pass along that I have maintained the 60 to 65 pound weight loss that was the result of the lifestyle changes I started back in May of 2008. Another big hurdle I overcame was my battle with cigarettes. I never was a heavy smoker but it was a nasty and dangerous habit that had to end. I am proud to say that I’m 3 and a half months smoke free!
At my club, with the help of the folks at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, we rolled out a monthly Golf Lecture Series with host emcee Peter Kessler at the helm. The one hour Q & A, reminiscent of Kessler’s “Golf Talk Live” Show has seen guests such as Cliff Kresge, Dr. Gio Valiante, Charlotte Campbell, Scott Hoch, Lee Janzen, Ken Green and Kelly Tilghman.
We also opened the doors of an absolutely fantastic brand new golfshop located in the historic 1914 clubhouse of Winter Park Country Club on October 1st, a long overdue enhancement at the second oldest club in Central Florida
Next to being married to my amazing wife of 9 years and the birth of our children, the next single biggest event of my life happened on September 29th of this year. My journey to PGA Membership was finally realized. I can now call myself a member of the PGA of America. With the completion of the PGA PGM Program a very long journey was finally done and a dream I have had since I was 15 years old had been accomplished.
What’s next?
I plan to keep the momentum going and work on several projects that are close to my heart. One of those projects is the reworking of my “Little Linksters” Program. I am honored to have met a few individuals right here on FaceBook with an incredible junior golf company called “The Littlest Golfer” and I’m very excited about working with them and incorporating their products, beliefs and philosophies into my “Little Linksters” Program. Stay tuned!
Again thanks so much to all of you!
If there is ever anything I can do for any of you golf related, community service wise, etc. do not ever hesitate to contact me! I mean that…As a new PGA member, my resolve to serve and grow the game of golf is stronger than ever.
Keep it in the short stuff!
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA
Hello All,
I wanted to take a moment to tell about a great training aid product called the “Thumb Caddy.” It is a very simple yet powerful tool to aid in correcting any grip flaws one may have. I’m pleased to be offering the “Thumb Caddy” for purchase on my website in the online store. Check it out at http://www.BrendonElliottGolf.com
Check out the video below for more on this great product:
This is a very cool story! With Junior Golf being a big part of my life, I love seeing stories of exceptional “Little” golfers. Keep it up Brett!
My new GOLF 4 KIDS store is a great collection of items for those out there like me that love their kids and love golf. It’s also a great place to shop for those who know a kid (or their parents) that love the game of golf. I’ll be adding new designs periodically so check it out often!
Recently, I was lucky enough to have an article I wrote published on PGA.com. The article, “Raising a Golfer: A Parents Guide” is for parents, grandparents, or anyone wanting to help bring a child up in the wonderful world of golf. I have included the article below for your review or you can check it out on PGA.com by clicking on this link: http://www.pga.com/2008/instruction/other/04/22/raisingagolfer_elliott/index.html
If anyone has any question or comments on this article feel free to contact me at brendonelliott@pga.com or info@brendonelliottgolf.com
Enjoy!
Brendon Elliott
Raising a Golfer: A Parent’s Guide
By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Over the past decade the Junior Golf Industry has become big business. Numerous Junior-only equipment, training aid, and apparel companies have sprung up, not to mention the countless number of junior tours and college recruiting/resume services that have come along. Undoubtedly, there is amble opportunity for junior golfers, starting even as early as a few years old, to develop their game and have numerous opportunities for playing both recreationally and competitively. With so much out there to choose from, where should a parent start in planning the roadmap for their junior golfers development? No need to worry, I’m here to help.
First Things First
My first bit of advice is simple; no matter what age your child is when they get started, make sure that having fun is #1. Whatever your aspirations may be for your child with golf, you need to remember (and remind your child) that it’s just a game. In my mind golf is the greatest game known to man, and perhaps you feel the same, but if your child does not see things that way that’s fine. Even if your child does grow to love the game and winds up devoting a great deal of time with it, make sure they grow up to be a well rounded individual. Encourage them to play other sports or develop other talents in areas such as art and music.
What Next?
Before They Pick Up a Club
I highly recommend that you start your child out by teaching them some of the most important principles of the game. These initial teachings do not even require a club or a ball. The most wonderful thing about the game of golf lies in these principals. What are these principals? I’m speaking about the Etiquette and Rules of the game. Golf is historically an honorable game, the idea of a game where a participant is more or less self policing themselves can not be found in many (if any) other games. The aspects of etiquette within the game mirror that of the way people should act in everyday life, with respect and concern for others. The moral core of golf which will resonate throughout your child’s entire life are unquestionably what makes golf, in my opinion, the greatest game in the world. For more information on the Rules of Golf log onto the USGA’s website and there page on The Rules. For more information on Golf Etiquette log onto Mr. Golf Etiquette and the USGA’s website and there page on Etiquette.
Finding an Instructor
Now that your child has been primed on the core values of the game, its time to look for an instructor. One great resource for starting your search is right where you’re at right now, PGA.com. Look at the top of the page at the site page options, go to PGA of America and in the drop down box and go to Juniors at the bottom OR go to the Instruction page. Both areas have a search area to find a PGA Professional in your local area. Another great resource is the Junior Links website. Junior Links is the ultimate junior golf website.
Finding the Right Equipment
When it comes to looking for the right equipment, you have a lot to choose from. Most of the major golf club companies make junior sets. I would suggest however to initially look at a junior specific golf equipment manufacturers such as Accu-Length or US Kids Golf My personal recommendation is purchasing a set of clubs from Accu-Length. Accu-Length is the only custom fit junior clubs that grow with your child. According to the Accu-Length website and most Golf Professionals, a large number of juniors develop their swings using faulty equipment that leads to life long swing flaws. Historically, kids learned the game with adult clubs that were cut down to junior size, but were still way too heavy and unbalanced which made learning the game difficult for even the most athletic kids. That’s why equipment from companies like Accu-Length make the most sense for junior golfers.
Where to Play
Most golf courses are very accommodating to junior golfers. Some set aside specific times when juniors are allowed to play so be aware of that. I suggest looking for a course that offers junior or “family tees.” Recently, the PGA of America and U.S. Kids Golf announced the establishment of The PGA of America Family Course Program. This program is a nationwide initiative that is intended to provide PGA Golf Professionals a means to make golf enjoyable for all members of a family, regardless of age and ability. Log on to the Play Golf America website or the US Kids Golf website for more information. We recently installed these tees at my facility in Winter Park, FL and the initial response has been extremely positive. Keep in mind that this is a new program so more and more golf facilities will be adding these tees as time goes by.
What to Wear
Now that your child has a grasp on the essence and rules of the game, has a quality instructor, good, well fitting equipment, and a place to play, they need to “dress the part” of a golfer. As with most of the major golf equipment companies, most of the major golf clothing manufacturers have junior apparel lines. I however suggest checking out a newer junior golf apparel company called Total Kids Wear, makers of PGA Tour & LPGA Tour licensed apparel (www.tkwgolf.com). TKW has an excellent selection of shirts, hats, outerwear, and accessories for boys and girls of all ages.
Be Realistic
If your junior golfer turns out to become a good golfer you need to remember to be realistic in your potential expectations for them. The quantity of quality junior golfers today is great, and in reality there are only a handful of college scholarships available for the vast number of juniors out there. If your son or daughter can make the cut on the course, make sure what they do off the course is equally as impressive. Make sure that they are true student-athletes and that their grades are up to par. Also make sure that they are well rounded and are active in extracurricular activities away from the course. This will make all the difference. From a competitive playing stand point, make sure your child plays in as many quality and high profile events as possible. Log onto the American Junior Golf Association website and the National Junior Golf Scoreboard site for more information on playin
g op
portunities.
If your son or daughter indeed has what it takes to play at the college level then you should consider using one of the several golf scholarship and resume writing services out there. I personally recommend checking out The Golf Bridge Company.
Professional Golfer vs. Golf Professional
A Professional Golfer is an individual who makes a living by playing golf (i.e. Tiger Woods) and a Golf Professional (notice the order of words) is an individual who makes a living in the business of golf. For more information on the classifications of Golf Professionals as designated by The PGA of America, click here.
If your son or daughter is not quite a tour quality golfer (Don’t worry, very few are) there is still tremendous opportunities out there for a career in golf. The PGA of America offers an in-depth training program for those interested in a career in the golf business. The PGA Professional Golf Management Program is the vehicle needed to have your child navigate their way toward a rewarding career in the golf business. Log on to the PGA CareerNet website and go to the PGA and You section for more information. There are two ways to earn your Class A classification in the PGA of America. The first is going through the PGA PGM Program at one of the 20 universities throughout the country that offer this degree program. The second is by going through the program in a self study manor while being employed at a PGA recognized golf facility.
The 18th Hole
As you can see there are endless opportunities out there for your son or daughter within the wonderful game of golf. What I gave you is just a small sampling of the resources available to you if your child shows an interest in the game. If you have any questions on Junior Golf please feel free to contact me at brendonelliott@pga.com or log onto my website http://www.brendonelliottgolf.com/ and go to the Junior Golf Central page for more information.
WANT TO HOLE MORE PUTTS? SURE WE ALL DO…
The quickest and easiest way to drop strokes off your game is to work on your short game and more specifically, your putting. The following 7 tips may help you become a better putter.
WORK ON YOUR ALIGNMENT
As in all phases of the game, bad alignment can be the cause of many bad swing problems. Always make sure that your feet, hips and shoulders are aligned square to your target line.
KEEP YOUR HEAD STEADY
Keeping your head steady is curtail to good putting. Think of your head as the center point or anchor of your putting stroke. Watch the guys on tour this weekend; those that are having a good putting week are probably keeping their head very still.
KEEP YOUR WEIGHT FORWARD
You should have your weight distributed a bit forward. Think of keeping your weight distribution at 60% forward and 40% back.
ROCK THE TRIANGLE
Stand in front of a full body mirror and get into your normal putting set-up. Take note of the “triangle” that is created by your arms and your shoulders. Maintain that triangle throughout your stroke or “Rock the Triangle.”
TRY A HEAVY PUTTER
I advise that everyone experiment with different types of putters, you may be amazed how differently one putter over another may feel (or make you feel)! I advise that you try a heavy putter; the weight will help you keep the putter blade low through the hitting area.
THINK POSITIVE
Golf is a very mental game (we all know that) and I believe that the mental side of the game is emphasized around the greens. To battle the “mental demons” that haunt all of us (especially around the greens) we simply must think positive. It really is that simple! Every time you walk up to a putt you must think you are going to make it. You will be amazed by how this will really work!
PRACTICE… PRACTICE… PRACTICE…
The real trick, if there is one, to becoming good at any aspect of the game is to practice. The beauty with putting is that you can practice it at the course, at home, or practically anywhere that has a level surface. If you are at home, just throw a cup or mug down on the ground and start putting. Wherever you practice, the most important thing is to develop a repetitive and proper putting stroke. This can be achieved by following the 7 steps laid out for you in this article.!
GOOD LUCK!!
Golf Tip
“IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE”
“A lot of things that effect where your ball goes happens before you even start your backswing.”
Wherever your target line may be (i.e. left fairway, center fairway, left of cup, right of cup) make sure your shoulders, hips, and feet are square to your target line. This will help you from your full swing through your putting. By doing so, you will put your body in a better position to make a better swing, and more times than not you will put your ball closer to where you want it to go.
