College day-

Our metro Jr golf circuit held an informative college day, which Sean and I attended together. Over a 3 hr period, a panel of golf coaches, spanning a range from a tippy top Div I program to an NAIA school, gave some insight into their programs and their approaches to recruiting and managing their teams.

It was a real eye opener, for the both of us.

Probably the three most important take home messages:

• Academics are incredibly important. The golfer really has to be a good student. High school academic performance can be both a door opener and a deal breaker. Football academic standards don't appear to apply to golf.
  
• College coaches don't want high maintenance, tantrum-throwing kids who are disrespectful to their parents any more than a parent wants a bratty kid in his house. Duh.
  
• Just shoot the rounds, and compete in the events he can compete in. Have fun shooting good scores and finishing as high as he can. Make that the objective, and college golf will take care of itself.
  

As if to say that the secret to nurturing a budding golf prodigy is to be a good parent. To emphasize first what is important-academics and character. As for his golf, his preparation and dedication will earn him the success he deserves. No more and no less.

Whew! That takes all the pressure off! Should be a snap! LOL!

Seriously, the college day seminar couldn't have come at a better time. Sean is discovering his new high school is far more demanding academically than his middle school. He needs to step up his effort. If he had any doubts as to whether the hard work his school demands is worth it, the golf seminar seems to have persuaded him otherwise.