personal coach and take part in demanding
competition schedules with a view of becoming the
next Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie. Whist I think this
is fantastic and naturally great for the growth of the
game, I do think we must be careful on the potential
consequences in pushing juniors too hard and
too soon.
the sit down
WITH KEVIN CRAGGS
BGGA Director of Golf
From pro golf to coaching, Kevin Craggs shares early memories as a tour
player, his outlook on coaching at the junior level, and the junior and
collegiate experience of today’s golfers.
Please share some of your early memories
as a tour player.
Standing on the range at Royal Birkdale sandwiched
between Greg Norman & VJ Singh smashing drivers,
when a voice loudly shouted out “I think you’ve left
your head-cover on” as my ball started to fall out of
the sky like a lead balloon and theirs still continuing to
rise as if launched by a cannon, it was then I decided
to review my ambitions and ability.
What’s the most important thing we can give to
juniors to prepare them for college golf?
Provide them with the necessary habits and character
values required for them to be confident and
responsible in their decisions and actions.
What does it take to succeed in professional golf?
You need to possess the ability, but, it must be fueled
by an unwavering desire, discipline and commitment
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The age of many recognized players in the world
is getting younger and the rewards are becoming
higher. This unfortunately has created an influx of
over enthusiastic parents and coaches who seem to
be adamant in applying unnecessary pressures to
their son or daughter’s practice and play time, which
if continued can lead to potential short-term success
and long-term disillusion. Yes, it is imperative we
educate, develop and encourage the growth of young
talent throughout the different ages and stages with
an end goal to produce an abundance of world class
performers, but not at the cost whereby we lose sight
on the reason why someone started playing the game
in the first place. Keep the fun in the game and make
learning it a memorable experience no matter the age
or stage.
As a golf coach, what are you most proud of?
Watching some of my players who have persevered
through the challenges of change, persisted with
the process, and eventually become the world class
winners I always knew they could be.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Treat people the way you expect to be treated
yourself.
Favorite sport outside of golf?
Boxing
Favorite home-cooked meal?
Sunday Roast Beef Dinner
What is always stocked in your refrigerator?
Strawberry Ice-Cream
What movie do you watch and again and again?
Shawshank Redemption
Where is your favorite place to travel and why?
Rome – History and Food
What’s your favorite part about coaching?
The opportunity to Educate, Motivate & Inspire
individuals to raise personal standards.
to be the best you can be in all areas Technically –
Tactically – Physically – Psychologically and not to
mention the importance of surrounding yourself with
people who contribute to your success.
Any reflections on the collegiate experience of
today’s players?
I believe college golf encompasses a multitude of
opportunities through exposure to individual and
team events to providing versatility within education
structures. For any young golfer looking to balance
education and sport, the collegiate system provides
the perfect environment for them to develop their
skills and grow character both on and off the course.
Any reflections on the experience of
today’s junior golfer?
Junior golf has become a very competitive arena,
whereby most young players will have their own
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