This blog is an honest reflection of the recruiting process from the perspective of a parent. I thank both Rodney and Justin for their willingness to share their journey in hopes of helping other parents and junior golfers. As always, enjoy the walk! Coach Watts

Do you find yourself struggling to implement instruction from coaches and mentors? Do your find yourself questioning offered advice and strategies? Do you escalate when a coach tries to change your practice routines, tournament preparation or putting stroke? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions you might marinate on why. If you take a moment and really listen to what your coach/mentor/instructor are trying to say and hear their advice, you will then begin to grow on and off the course. There are many aspects of “being coachable”, but I sincerely believe the strongest skillset of the best future student athletes is the ability to listen to coaches and mentors so the athlete can grow within their game. Throughout my years of coaching, those student athletes who were the best listeners were usually the most mature and the most successful in all areas of their lives.

Most golfers have, and will always have, moments of frustration on the golf course. I’ve witnessed that same frustration on the course, follow a player into the parking lot and far beyond. How can we allow something beyond our control to consume our thoughts more than a moment or even a lifetime?

“Your thoughts are your emotions and your emotions lead to your actions.”

Being disciplined and consistent are the key components to successfully managing your time on a daily basis. The old saying “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail” is spot on.