Masters- Drive, Chip and Putt

[virtuocity]

Absolutely love seeing the kids and parents having such a good, fun time playing in this. It's completely adorable to see the relationship between parent and child. In the US, they really excel at producing champions and kids with high levels of self-esteem. In the UK, these kids would often be called precocious.

My only concern is the narrow demographic spread. It would seem that for kids in poverty, golf is an unattainable pursuit.

My other issue, in case anyone else noticed, is the trend of kids keeping their heads completely still during their drives and restricting their lower body turn- IMO this will breed a generation of young people with severe back pain.

However, despite my gripes, it's great to see kids show such enthusiasm in a competitive environment.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

The kids were great and some lovely swings - could see a few pushy parents and the odd tantrum waiting to happen but some really impressive driving and chipping.

Only gripe would be the length some took over each shot - especially a putt or chip , hopefully it was just nerves

 

[Lord Tyrion]

LP - I'm with you but I don't think it was nerves. There looked like a lot of pre shot routines, just as their heroes do. A bad omen for the next generation.

The slow mo on the drives were incredible though. Perfect swings, mini pro's in action.

 

[TheDiablo]

The swings were awesome! I think a 10 year old girl was putting it out there at 199 if I recall? Awesome!

Completely agree on the length of time over the putts. I'd like to think it was the circumstance and pressure - and isnt part of a normal round of golf, just their 'routine' for this competition. Very worrying if they take that long during a standard round of golf. I counted 1 girl had 8 swings with her driver before the shot!!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I think one girl around 10 got it over 200 ? With it ending up 226 !!

There was a bloke putting think he was in the older bracket who took 2 mins to take his putt.

 

[Beezerk]

Great to watch, but yes they were painfully slow. Then again it's probably the highlight of their life so far, a big comp on live tv, I'd be taking my time as well, specially as they only had 2 goes at each discipline.

 

[Duckster]

Just got to see some of the putting on the 18th green. It did seem very slow, but what an experience for the kids (and parents).

"I've played at Augusta".

Plus they had Condaleeza Rice shaking their hands and shepherding them away after they'd played!

 

[Capella]

Just got to see some of the putting on the 18th green. It did seem very slow, but what an experience for the kids (and parents).

"I've played at Augusta".

Plus they had Condaleeza Rice shaking their hands and shepherding them away after they'd played!

So in addition to "I've played at Augusta" they can now say: "And I met the evil witch of the West"?

 

[MendieGK]

i saw the last part with the oldest boys putting, got annoyed with them fist bumping each other and the dads/mums getting a 'bump' too. Its such an american thing.

Personally i wouldnt have had the parents standing with the kids, encourage the kids to interact amongst themselves

 

[Duckster]

So in addition to "I've played at Augusta" they can now say: "And I met the evil witch of the West"?

Have you never watched Wicked or Maleficent, one persons Evil witch and all that

Lets be honest, it's still very cool to have the ex most powerful woman in the world (probably) acting as the nice "Augusta Guide Lady" for the kids.

 

[TerryA]

I Think they should have a 30 second time limit on each shot.

 

[Lazkir]

I Think they should have a 30 second time limit on each shot.

Yes, because playing at Augusta in front of golfing superstars and being on national TV isn't pressure enough for the kids is it?

 

[Capella]

I Think they should have a 30 second time limit on each shot.

I don't think that would be beneficial. I bet most of them have been drilled over and over again by their coaches and parents to slow things down and think before they act. Because the natural reaction of every child is to rush things, especially when you get nervous. So I think going to a preshot routine and find your focus is a really big learning experience that golf can give you at a young age. Yes, I agree some are overdoing it, but pushing a time limit on those kids on top of everything else really would be too much pressure. I bet most of them would play naturally faster if their pushy parents weren't watching and judging their every move.

 

[TerryA]

Yes, but if they know the rules the coaches will drill them with a shorter pre-shor routine. Over 2 mins for a put is ridiculous, especially as he then left it over 10 ft short!

 

[Hacker Khan]

As with others I was impressed with the skills but depressed with the time they took. As let's face it, they ain't going to speed up later in life if they are that slow in their early teens.

As for golf not being a game for kids in poverty then hasn't this always been the way?

 

[virtuocity]

As for golf not being a game for kids in poverty then hasn't this always been the way?

Yes. My point was that there has been no progress in this area.