IJGA Newsletter: The Oaks January 2019 | Page 4

IJGA STUDENTS LEARN FROM SIR NICK FALDO LPGA’s Madelene Sagstrom and Dr. Dale Richardson also hold a clinic for IJGA students Zealand and South America, partnered with IJGT in 2017 to bring opportunities for junior golfers in the United States to compete in the Faldo Series. Words of Wisdom from Sir Nick Faldo, heard on the driving range … IJGA students were in the presence of golf royalty at the Faldo Series U.S. Grand Final when Sir Nick Faldo was in attendance to give a clinic on the driving range and speak at the opening welcome dinner. Six-time Major-winner and record Ryder Cup points-scorer Sir Nick Faldo revealed secrets of a long and short-game that made him a World No. 1. Faldo’s tales from when he played competitively kept the students on their toes and wanting more. After the clinic, the tournament participants attended a welcome dinner to kick off the event. Faldo spoke about how he grew up playing the game, giving the junior golfers wisdom about their own paths to come. Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom spent time with IJGA’s female students. Madelene was selected as one of Annika Sorenstam’s captain’s picks for Team Europe at the Solheim Cup. IJGA was also honored to have Dr. Dale Richardson participate in the clinic. Dr. Richardson has an impressive array of professional golfers under his care and implements a holistic approach in developing his “player performance package”. Sir Nick Faldo’s global junior development effort, the Faldo Series, which hosts events in Europe, Asia, Australia, New 4 “Hit the shots you know you can hit. Go for it.” “Throw in the word, ‘Today’, because it eases it … The shot that I know that I can hit today.” “Ghost your favorite swing player. Mimic their shot. Mimic their swing.” “Ladies – Work on your arm strength.” “Practice one-handed.” “Practice shots out of the rough.” “Muscle strength.” “Things to remember … Alignment, good posture, get distance from the ground. Balance.” “Practice your clock-face swing and know your distances for 9 o’clock-9 o’clock, 10 o’clock-10 o’clock, etc., keep your distances in the back of your yardage book.” “Note the different types of grass and weather conditions along with your distances, use a sliding scale in the back of your yardage book.” “Calibrate yourself.” “Be factual.” Start with the facts. Keep track of your yardages.”