JUNIORS

                                      
Coach Corey Kozuma, PGA Associate demonstrating the basics of putting - 2019 Hawaii Junior Golf Day


Getting your Junior fit for a set of golf clubs
 Golf clubs for kids have certainly come a long way from the days of getting a hand me down set from grandpa's garage.  While it's perfectly okay to use what is available to get your junior interested in the game, they will eventually need a proper set of clubs to develop their game.
 Golf clubs that are too long and too heavy may hinder your junior from learning the correct fundamentals such as a good grip, proper posture, and balance.  Today, there are a variety of golf clubs specifically designed for the junior in mind.  These clubs are made out of lighter material and are available in a plethora of lengths and colors. 
 It is recommended that you visit your local golf retailer and have your junior properly measured and matched with a set of clubs they will want to practice and play with!  Check out the video below where Khloe (age 7) demonstrates how fun and easy it is to get fit for a new set of clubs.   


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Is your Junior ready for Professional instruction?
There are a few things to consider when signing up your junior for lessons.  At what age should they start?  Should I sign them up for private or group lessons? How do I keep them engaged and interested? Aloha Section PGA Professional Chris Armanini is here to answer your questions about lessons for juniors!

Chris Armanini, PGA is the Lead Senior Teaching Professional for Ka`anapali Golf Courses.   He is a TPI certified instructor, a 2020 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Coach, and in 2019 won the Aloha Section PGA's Junior Development Leader award.   To learn more about Chris be sure to follow him on Instagram @armaninigolf
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     4 Reasons Families Are Returning to Youth Sports Through Golf 
                                                     By PGA Jr. League, 06/23/20, 4:00PM EDT 
We’re excited for PGA Jr. League to return this summer as an option for families seeking a youth team sport! As communities begin to re-open, PGA Jr. League offers an opportunity to fill the void left by the loss of other close-contact activities and team sports.
Here are four reasons why you should consider a PGA Jr. League experience this year:  
1. Physical distancing is built in: With open air and spacious greens, golf lends itself to physical distancing. PGA Jr. League offers a team format with no physical contact necessary. 
2. Socialize responsibly: PGA Jr. League is a great way to ease back into socializing with other kids and families responsibly. While there will be no gathering before, during or after practices or games this season, the golf course is a great place to catch up with friends from a distance and make new ones! 
3. Stay active all summer long: PGA Jr. League offers a healthy way for kids to get off the screens and outside in nature. Try PGA Jr. League as a fun alternative to TV and video games.                        4. Our Captains care: PGA Jr. League is all about creating fun golf experiences for players and families, and our PGA and LPGA Professional Captains are committed to creating responsible programs this season. 
To find a PGA Junior league near you click here
 Fitness and Your Junior Golfer
Bryce Amoy of DNA Performance answers your questions about the benefits of introducing juniors (as well as adults) to a strength and conditioning program.
1) How would DNA Performance and other similar programs benefit in the development of a junior’s golf game? Early on we start to see bad postural changes that hinder movement and power. So even with my young ones, we are always working on fighting asymmetry in the body since golf is a one sided sport.  Similar to the baseball player hitting from only on one side.
2) At what age should I consider signing my junior up for a workout program to supplement their golf instruction? I’ve worked with kids as young as 4. Honestly, training young kids is the easiest. They understand movement better than adults because they can mimic us far better. Primal movement such as crawling, throwing, jumping, running, etc. are all things that can be incorporated into junior training.  As they get older that's usually when we add load or resistance. But for ALL my athletes, we start with body weight training any way and that is always self-limiting.
3) Is it a good idea for my junior to focus only on one particular sport at a time or should they try to play multiple sports at the same time? Early specialization in a sport may seem like the right thing to do...however, studies have shown that it’s the multi-sport athletes that achieve long term success. Ideally, athletes should play sports other than their main one and later start to specialize in high school. This is helpful both physically and mentally for the athlete.

Bryce Amoy is a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified personal trainer and golf coach.  He works with many of Hawaii's top amateur and professional golfers to improve their biomechanics, and prevent injury.  To learn more about Bryce and his DNA Performance clinic click here

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Financial assistance & scholarship opportunities:
*These funds are only available to Amateurs.
Other restrictions may apply. See links for details.

 Open to   Values
All ages
 HSGA Player of the YearMen / Sr Men / Women  UP TO $1000
   HSGA will contact eligible players
 USGA Championships  $500
   HSGA will contact eligible players
 Hawaii State Women’s Golf Foundation - Travel Stipend Application  AMT VARIES
  http://www.hswga.net/homepage/apply
 Hawaii Community Foundation  AMT VARIES
  http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/grants-and-scholarships-for-community-causes-and-students
  Juniors only
 HSJGA College Scholarships AMT VARIES
   https://www.hsjga.org/scholarships-college-prep/hsjga-college-scholarships/
 Asia Pacific Junior Cup College Scholarship  AMT VARIES
   https://www.hsjga.org/scholarships-college-prep/apjc-scholarship/
 HSJGA National Team Reimbursement  $700
   HSJGA will contact eligible Juniors
 Lily K. Yao Scholarship  AMT VARIES
   http://www.hswga.net/homepage/apply
 Tokyu Group Scholarship Program (ASPGA)  AMT VARIES
   http://www.aspga.com/foundation/tokyu-scholarship/


Hawaii State Golf Association