Setting goals is a crucial part of any junior golfer’s development, but how those goals are structured can make all the difference. Many young players, coaches, and parents set time-based goals, such as achieving a certain handicap or winning a competition by a specific age. However, research and real-world experience suggest that these types of goals can actually be counterproductive for junior golfers.
In this blog, we’ll explore why time-based goals are problematic and how external pressures—from peers, parents, schools, and even county programs—can negatively impact a young golfer’s progress. We’ll also discuss key reasons why juniors might not reach their targets and offer a better approach to goal setting.
Why Time-Based Goals Can Be HarmfulMany young athletes are encouraged to set specific performance targets within a defined timeframe, such as reaching a scratch handicap by age 16 or making a county squad by the end of the season. While ambition is important, this rigid structure can create unnecessary pressure and hinder long-term development.
1. The Pressure from Parents, Peers, and OrganizationsJunior golfers often face significant pressure from multiple sources, including parents, coaches, and peers. Studies show that external pressure negatively impacts youth sports performance and mental well-being. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that "athletes who experience high levels of parental pressure report increased anxiety and decreased enjoyment in their sport." When young golfers feel they must meet a target by a certain date, they may develop fear of failure, leading to burnout or disengagement.
2. The Role of Growth Spurts and Physical DevelopmentUnlike adult golfers, juniors are still growing. Physical changes, such as growth spurts, can dramatically affect coordination, balance, and swing mechanics. Research from the American Journal of Sports Science highlights that "adolescent growth spurts can temporarily disrupt motor control, affecting athletic performance in skill-based sports." This means a player who was excelling at 13 may struggle at 15—not because of a lack of effort but due to natural changes in their body.
If a young golfer is chasing a time-based goal, they may become frustrated when their performance dips during growth phases. A better approach would be to focus on speed training during these phases of peak height velocity as its a window for speed development.  Non performance goals at these times can also be used, eg, play a new course, watch a live golf event etc.
3. School, Other Sports, and Life BalanceGolf is a demanding sport, but junior players also have to balance school commitments, exams, social lives, and other sports. Many elite junior golfers also play football, rugby, or tennis, which can take up training time. A study from The British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that "multisport participation in youth athletes leads to better overall athletic development and reduces burnout." However, time-based goals in golf often fail to account for these outside commitments.
When a young golfer struggles to meet a set deadline because of school or other activities, they may feel like they are failing—even when they are actually progressing well in skill and understanding of the game.
4. Training Time and OpportunityNot all juniors have the same access to coaching, facilities, and practice time. A player in a rural area might struggle to get as much coaching as someone in a golfing academy. A 2021 Sport England report found that "disparities in access to training environments significantly affect youth performance outcomes across different sports."
Instead of measuring success by a strict timeline, juniors should focus on process-based goals—measuring. This could range from technical changes that produce improved trackman data or even body motion data. This will influence ball flight that can also be measured. 
A Better Approach: Process-Based GoalsRather than setting rigid time-based goals, junior golfers should focus on process-oriented goals that emphasise skill development, growth mindset, and long-term progress.
These types of goals reduce pressure while encouraging long-term improvement. When success is measured by effort and growth rather than time-sensitive achievements, junior golfers are more likely to stay engaged, enjoy the game, and ultimately reach their full potential. (Note: there is no measurement for potential, nobody knows. If you hear "they've got potential!" maybe best to avoid)
Final ThoughtsWhile ambition and motivation are essential in junior golf, rigid time-based goals can do more harm than good. Young players develop at different rates, and external factors like growth spurts, schooling, and limited practice time can impact their journey. By shifting the focus to process-based goals, growth mindset and long term development, we can create a more supportive and sustainable path for young golfers to thrive.
If you're a parent, coach, or junior golfer, consider setting goals that prioritise skill development, how to learn / train or even social development, not just a specific handicap or ranking by a certain age. Success in golf is a marathon, not a sprint, and the most successful players are those who develop a love for the game and a commitment to lifelong improvement.

TGL Golf: The Future of Golf Entertainment or Just Casual Fun?
The golf world is buzzing with excitement about the new TGL Golf League, an innovative concept that brings the game into a high-tech stadium environment. With top players squaring off in a simulator-like setting and the promise of fast-paced, TV-friendly action, it’s certainly an intriguing evolution of how we experience golf. But is it the revolution we’ve been waiting for—or just a glammed-up version of mates having a laugh at the range?

Golf as a Spectator Sport, ReimaginedIf you’ve ever played on a simulator or watched one of our own Golf Rooms events featuring Golfzon tech, you’ll know that this idea isn’t completely new. In fact, we’ve been part of similar events where amateur players competed on simulators while being broadcast on TV. The technology we use is incredibly accurate, measuring every aspect of the ball and club to replicate the on-course experience.
The appeal of TGL lies in its combination of cutting-edge tech and a stadium atmosphere. While there’s something thrilling about watching top golfers in a new format, the truth is, if you’re watching at home, do you even need to see the actual ball flight anymore? Modern simulators display every metric you’d want, from spin rates to carry distance, in real-time. It’s golf stripped down to its essentials—numbers, data, and results—all without waiting for players to walk to their next shot.

Better in Person? Maybe.Of course, the stadium experience could elevate TGL to another level. Sitting in the crowd, surrounded by fans, and watching the pros compete head-to-head in a high-tech venue would undoubtedly add energy and excitement. But even then, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the casual vibe—players bantering, quick-fire rounds—might make it feel less like a serious sporting event and more like an entertaining side show.

Is Casual the New Competitive?That casual nature isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Golf has often struggled to shake off its reputation as overly formal or slow-paced, and TGL could be the perfect way to attract new fans. It’s more approachable, more relatable—and frankly, more fun. But for traditionalists, it might lack the tension and drama of a four-day major championship.

The Role of Simulators in Golf’s FutureHere at the Golf Room, we’ve already seen how simulator technology can enhance the game for players and viewers alike. Whether you’re dialing in your game or competing with friends, simulators like Golfzon bring golf into environments where it’s more accessible and engaging. Events like TGL are simply taking that concept and applying it to the world’s best players.
In a way, TGL feels like an extension of what we’ve already been doing. The tech is so good now that you don’t need to be on a course to see great golf. Watching the numbers roll in, tracking the action shot by shot—it’s just as immersive on a simulator as it is on TV. And while the stadium might add some glamour, for many fans, the best seat in the house might still be right where they’ve always been: at home or in their local Golf Room, playing and watching on the same cutting-edge systems.
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Our TakeawayTGL is a step forward in making golf more modern and approachable, and it’s exciting to see the game pushed in new directions. But as the tech improves, the line between watching golf on TV and experiencing it through a simulator is becoming increasingly blurred. Whether you’re watching TGL or taking part in your own simulator-based event, the future of golf entertainment looks a lot like what we’ve already been doing—making the game faster, more fun, and more accessible for everyone.
What do you think about TGL? Does it make golf more exciting to watch, or is it just casual fun dressed up in a high-tech package? Let us know in the comments or come try it for yourself at the Golf Room! 🏌️‍♂️📺

Why "Number of Putts" Alone Can Be Misleading in Golf Stats
Golfers love stats. Whether it’s fairways hit, greens in regulation, or total putts per round, we track numbers to find ways to improve. But not all stats are created equal, and one of the most misleading is number of putts. On its own, this number can paint an incomplete—and often completely inaccurate—picture of your putting performance.
Let’s break it down.

The Problem with "Number of Putts"A common misconception among golfers is that having a low number of putts automatically means you’re putting well. But in reality, the total number of putts doesn’t tell the whole story without knowing your proximity to the hole.
Imagine this scenario:

• You miss every green in regulation.
• On every hole, you chip the ball to within 1 inch of the cup.
• You tap in for 18 putts total.

At first glance, 18 putts looks like an incredible round of putting—almost tour-level. But were you really putting well? No. In this case, your short game was on fire, but you weren’t tested on the greens at all. All of your putts were tap-ins, requiring no skill beyond walking up and nudging the ball.
On the flip side, a player who hits every green in regulation but leaves themselves 25-footers all day might have 34 putts. Does that mean they’re putting poorly? Not necessarily—they just didn’t leave themselves good opportunities.

Proximity to the Hole Changes EverythingTo get a true measure of your putting performance, you have to combine proximity to the hole with the number of putts. Proximity tells you:

• How close you’re leaving the ball after approach shots or chips.
• How realistic your putting opportunities are.

The closer you are to the hole, the easier it is to sink putts. If you consistently leave yourself 5-footers, you’re likely to have fewer putts. If you’re leaving 40-footers, you could putt brilliantly and still end up with a three-putt here and there.
Without proximity data, you’re only looking at part of the picture.

Why This Matters for Your GameRelying solely on putts per round can lead to bad conclusions:

• You might assume your putting is great when it’s actually your short game saving you.
• You might think your putting is terrible when it’s your approach shots leaving you with impossible putts.

For example:

• Player A: 26 putts but chipped everything to within 2 feet.
• Player B: 32 putts but had 10 looks from 20-40 feet.

Player A looks better on paper, but Player B may have rolled the ball beautifully and just didn’t have makeable putts. Player A simply wasn’t tested.
Understanding this distinction allows you to focus on the right parts of your game:

• If your proximity is bad, work on approach shots or short game.
• If you leave yourself makeable putts but miss, focus on putting mechanics or green reading.

The Right Stats to TrackIf you want a clearer picture of your game, focus on stats that provide context:

1. Strokes Gained Putting: This measures how you perform on the greens relative to the field, accounting for putt length.
2. Proximity to the Hole: Track how close you leave your approaches or chips.

By combining these stats, you’ll know:

• How often you’re giving yourself good chances.
• How well you’re converting those chances.
• Whether your putting or your approach play is the area to improve.

Final ThoughtsGolf stats are valuable, but only when viewed in context. The total number of putts can be wildly misleading without proximity data. The next time you analyze your round, ask yourself:

• How close was I to the hole?
• Did I give myself realistic birdie opportunities?
• How many penalty shots did I have?
  

Low putts don’t always mean good putting, and high putts don’t always mean bad putting. By understanding the full story, you’ll be better equipped to identify weaknesses, work on the right areas, and ultimately improve your scores.
So, don’t stop at counting putts—dig deeper, and your game will thank you.

Are you tracking the right stats? Start combining proximity and putting data, and you’ll unlock the key to better decision-making on the course.

In the world of professional golf, the margins between success and disappointment can be razor-thin. Lexi Thompson's recent experience at the Shriners Children's Open serves as a stark reminder of just how demanding this sport can be, and the discussions it has sparked about the so-called 'gender gap' in elite sports are more pertinent than ever.

At this week's Shriners Children's Open, Lexi Thompson, one of the most accomplished female golfers, missed the cut by a mere three strokes. While the golfing world watched with bated breath, hoping to see her advance to the weekend rounds, Thompson's performance underlines a topic that frequently resurfaces in the realm of professional sports – the physical differences between male and female athletes.

Lexi Thompson's pursuit of making the cut at a PGA Tour event is not about transgressing the boundaries of gender-specific sports. It's about challenging herself and testing her skills against the world's top male golfers. As she said herself, "making the cut will be her biggest achievement in golf," and her determination to do so should be celebrated.

However, Thompson's journey at the Shriners Children's Open also shines a light on the disparities in physical attributes and how they can impact performance at the elite level. The 'gender gap' debate is not limited to golf; it spans various sports, including tennis, where Serena Williams has shared her perspective. Williams, one of the most successful female tennis players in history, has acknowledged that at the elite level, men's physical advantages in terms of speed and strength could be insurmountable for female athletes.

In golf, this 'gender gap' becomes particularly evident when assessing the performance of top female players against their male counterparts. Lexi Thompson's impressive display over two rounds, where she held her own and even outperformed some PGA Tour winners playing from the same tees, is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication.

What becomes clear is that comparing elite women's golf to the average male golfer's game is like comparing apples to oranges. The notion that women's golf is "more realistic" for single-figure or scratch golfers couldn't be further from the truth. If you were to tee it up on an LPGA event as a male golfer with a 5 handicap or better, you would not only miss the cut but do so convincingly. The skill level required to compete at the highest level of women's golf is, without a doubt, world-class.

The 'gender gap' in sports is a complex and multi-faceted issue, but it's essential to recognize that male and female athletes compete in different divisions based on a long history of performance disparities rooted in physical differences. Nonetheless, athletes like Lexi Thompson continue to break down these barriers, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in their respective sports.
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While the debate about gender differences in sports will undoubtedly continue, let's not forget to appreciate the incredible talent and dedication of athletes like Lexi Thompson. Her quest to make the cut at a PGA Tour event, although unfulfilled this time, serves as an inspiration for golfers of all genders, emphasizing that excellence knows no boundaries, and one's achievements should be measured by their determination and passion for the game.

Adding the element of the course with different lies, obstacles and the pressure of a scorecard, will have an effect on your swing.

Tempo can change and will your technical work hold up under pressure?

If you're struggling, a few changes might be needed. Here are the two biggest (often mistakes) I see:

Warm Up
You should be avoiding any technical thoughts, you're not trying to improve your golf now, you're trying to see where the ball is going today!

Pre Shot and intent
You should have a pre shot routine and usually any movement should be consistent and help produce the shot you want to hit. Over the ball there are options, do you think of a position? The ball flight? or nothing? This is as much of a skill as the swing itself so get practicing and see what works best.

One of the biggest challenges that many amateur golfers face is achieving the level of consistency they want. Despite their best efforts, they struggle to maintain a steady performance on the course, which can be frustrating and demotivating.
It's important to note that amateurs are not completely inconsistent, but rather their level of consistency may not meet their high expectations. Often, amateurs have unrealistic expectations for their performance, which can lead to disappointment and frustration. They may compare their game to professional players or higher-skilled amateurs, which can set them up for disappointment.

Nine out of ten times its the reason we hear players want lessons in the first place.

There are several reasons why amateurs struggle with consistency in golf. Top of the list, many amateurs lack a technique that helps an efficient and consistent delivery at impact, usually causing an inconsistency in the club face and strike. This would require an improvement technically, or an extremely high skill level which most amateurs wont posses as not enough time to practice.
If you're new to the game, get lessons in early to understand some basics and how YOU can best deliver the club. For those that have been around a while, if consistency is still an issue, you need to raise you skill level while working on a mote efficient technique.

More to come on this but check out the video below for a consistency issue we often see!

What’s your go to club after a quick warm up on the range? 7 iron?

Are you one of those who likes to ‘work your way though the bag'?’

Training well should be easier than ever these days. Lots of technology available on the range to test and measure your skills.

However, if you don’t know what to work on, how will you improve?

Monitoring your progress on and off the course will save you so many shots!

To get started, I’ve recommended the TaylorMade My Round Pro App and Arccos. However, if you’d like to take part in a free trial on a new app, click here

​In the meantime, here is an example of how you can use your lessons and stats to start to train better!