Hello again everyone! 

I wanted to pass along to all of you some of “Our Favorites” at Little Linksters, LLC. This list of “favorites” consists of golf products, companies and people that we have a great deal of respect for and are happy to work with closely as we steam forward in our mission of bringing the game of golf to “Pee Wee” Golfers everywhere. I will continue to do this “Some of our Favorite Thing’s” edition of our blog every so often in order to showcase the many, many awesome people and companies that we come in contact with here at Little Linksters, LLC. 

1) Golf Coach Direct

Cant wait to dive in fully with using Golf Coach Direct on a regular bases with “Pee Wee” Golfers nationwide! Gotta check this site out! 

2) Golf Web Design

Gotta give a shout out to our web design company, Golf Web Design. These guys are fantastic! Websites, Facebook Pages, Mobile Apps….they do it all! Did I mention that they do Apps? 

 
 If you are in the Golf Bizz and are thinking about a website upgrade you gotta check these guys out! Did I mention that they do mobile apps? 

Arrowood iPhone App Demo from Golf Web Design on Vimeo. 

3) The Chicken Stick

Bad Chicken, creators of the Chicken Stick, is proud to soon be working with Little Linksters to provide children a means to continue playing golf at home. By using the Chicken Stick golf club with the Nintendo Wii and Tiger Woods PGA Tour game students are able to continue to develop the skills they need to be successful on the golf course and on the course of life. 

The club is Weighted to feel like an actual golf club for a true golf experience with Golf Pride® grips and True Temper® shafts. It is fully compatible with Tiger Woods PGA Tour® on the Wii. Compatible with original and new Wii Remote. Requires external Wii MotionPlus attachment. 

Go to www.BadChicken.com and use the coupon code ‘linksters’ for free shipping. 

The Chicken Stick by Bad Chicken

4) Orlando Social Golfer

Orlando Social Golfer is… 

Connecting people at their passion: Orlando Social Golfer is a recreational golf and networking organization inherent to the most golf friendly state in the U.S.A! Orlando Social Golfer (OSG) provides a high standard of service to its members and business partners alike, whether that includes hosting tournaments, golf events, hole sponsorships or forging strategic partnerships with other key players in the Golf and Social Networking industries. 

What OSG Stands For… 

OSG has created an unmatched casual and relaxed golf networking atmosphere where people enjoy themselves, recruit friends and colleagues, and create, build and maintain a strong community of golfers unlike any that Orlando, Florida or the U.S. has enjoyed before! Orlando Social Golfer, where Golf is Always Fun!

 Network. Play. Enjoy.

5) Joe Paulus- Golf Media Guru in the Making

Now I usually would not single out one of my own instructors at Little Linksters, LLC but in this case I must. Joe Paulus has the makings of being a big player in the area of Golf Media, and more specifically in video production for golf companies, instructors, golf courses and more. 

Joe is an instructor for us at Little Linksters as well as our new Media Liason.  

Joe is a current student at the Golf Academy of America studying Golf Business and Complex Operations Management and is also a graduate of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Media, Communication, and Technology. Originally from Wisconsin, Joe spent the latter half of his life on the East Coast and has recently moved to Florida to pursue a career in Golf related television and/or media relations directly involving the golf industry.       

In addition to his role as a teacher with Little Linksters, Joe is also involved in creating materials to help promote our business such as commercials among other small productions. Joe is currently serving as our media liason in order to help us reach a bigger and more broad audience with several powerful media related tools.    

You can contact Joe at joe@littlelinksters.com 

Below is an example of the latest video that Joe has produced for us.

Eye Line Golf New Products Video from Little Linksters, LLC on Vimeo.

Next week I’ll showcase some of our other favorites and continue to spread the love!

PGA, LPGA, & USGTF Members….Little Linksters Franchise Opportunities Coming Soon!

Attention PGA & LPGA Members! Ever thought of starting your own instruction business? Being your own boss? Love working with kids? Little Linksters has the answer! We are working hard at getting our all-inclusive, “Turn-Key” Little Linksters businesses put together for you. Fill out the form on our website to get on our Franchise Information Mailing List.

2009 Was a Very Memorable Year…

In my personal life, I, along with his wife and 4 year old daughter Lexie, welcomed a new edition to our family back in August with the birth of our son, Austin. What a joy that has been! With the birth of my son also came my determination to continue to get healthier. I continue to stay focused on my weight and I’m proud to pass along that I have maintained the 60 to 65 pound weight loss that was the result of the lifestyle changes I started back in May of 2008. Another big hurdle I overcame was my battle with cigarettes. I never was a heavy smoker but it was a nasty and dangerous habit that had to end. I am proud to say that I’m 3 and a half months smoke free!

At my club, with the help of the folks at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, we rolled out a monthly Golf Lecture Series with host emcee Peter Kessler at the helm. The one hour Q & A, reminiscent of Kessler’s “Golf Talk Live” Show has seen guests such as Cliff Kresge, Dr. Gio Valiante, Charlotte Campbell, Scott Hoch, Lee Janzen, Ken Green and Kelly Tilghman.

We also opened the doors of an absolutely fantastic brand new golfshop located in the historic 1914 clubhouse of Winter Park Country Club on October 1st, a long overdue enhancement at the second oldest club in Central Florida

Next to being married to my amazing wife of 9 years and the birth of our children, the next single biggest event of my life happened on September 29th of this year. My journey to PGA Membership was finally realized. I can now call myself a member of the PGA of America. With the completion of the PGA PGM Program a very long journey was finally done and a dream I have had since I was 15 years old had been accomplished.

 
What’s next?

I plan to keep the momentum going and work on several projects that are close to my heart. One of those projects is the reworking of my “Little Linksters” Program. I am honored to have met a few individuals right here on FaceBook with an incredible junior golf company called “The Littlest Golfer” and I’m very excited about working with them and incorporating their products, beliefs and philosophies into my “Little Linksters” Program. Stay tuned!

Again thanks so much to all of you!

Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Hello All,

I wanted to take a moment to tell about a great training aid product called the “Thumb Caddy.” It is a very simple yet powerful tool to aid in correcting any grip flaws one may have. I’m pleased to be offering the “Thumb Caddy” for purchase on my website in the online store. Check it out at http://www.BrendonElliottGolf.com

Check out the video below for more on this great product:

Watch CBS Videos Online

This is a very cool story! With Junior Golf being a big part of my life, I love seeing stories of exceptional “Little” golfers. Keep it up Brett!

My new GOLF 4 KIDS store is a great collection of items for those out there like me that love their kids and love golf. It’s also a great place to shop for those who know a kid (or their parents) that love the game of golf. I’ll be adding new designs periodically so check it out often!

Recently, I was lucky enough to have an article I wrote published on PGA.com. The article, “Raising a Golfer: A Parents Guide” is for parents, grandparents, or anyone wanting to help bring a child up in the wonderful world of golf. I have included the article below for your review or you can check it out on PGA.com by clicking on this link: http://www.pga.com/2008/instruction/other/04/22/raisingagolfer_elliott/index.html

If anyone has any question or comments on this article feel free to contact me at brendonelliott@pga.com or info@brendonelliottgolf.com

Enjoy!

Brendon Elliott

Raising a Golfer: A Parent’s Guide
By Brendon Elliott, PGA

Over the past decade the Junior Golf Industry has become big business. Numerous Junior-only equipment, training aid, and apparel companies have sprung up, not to mention the countless number of junior tours and college recruiting/resume services that have come along. Undoubtedly, there is amble opportunity for junior golfers, starting even as early as a few years old, to develop their game and have numerous opportunities for playing both recreationally and competitively. With so much out there to choose from, where should a parent start in planning the roadmap for their junior golfers development? No need to worry, I’m here to help.

First Things First

My first bit of advice is simple; no matter what age your child is when they get started, make sure that having fun is #1. Whatever your aspirations may be for your child with golf, you need to remember (and remind your child) that it’s just a game. In my mind golf is the greatest game known to man, and perhaps you feel the same, but if your child does not see things that way that’s fine. Even if your child does grow to love the game and winds up devoting a great deal of time with it, make sure they grow up to be a well rounded individual. Encourage them to play other sports or develop other talents in areas such as art and music.

What Next?

Before They Pick Up a Club

I highly recommend that you start your child out by teaching them some of the most important principles of the game. These initial teachings do not even require a club or a ball. The most wonderful thing about the game of golf lies in these principals. What are these principals? I’m speaking about the Etiquette and Rules of the game. Golf is historically an honorable game, the idea of a game where a participant is more or less self policing themselves can not be found in many (if any) other games. The aspects of etiquette within the game mirror that of the way people should act in everyday life, with respect and concern for others. The moral core of golf which will resonate throughout your child’s entire life are unquestionably what makes golf, in my opinion, the greatest game in the world. For more information on the Rules of Golf log onto the USGA’s website and there page on The Rules. For more information on Golf Etiquette log onto Mr. Golf Etiquette and the USGA’s website and there page on Etiquette.

Finding an Instructor

Now that your child has been primed on the core values of the game, its time to look for an instructor. One great resource for starting your search is right where you’re at right now, PGA.com. Look at the top of the page at the site page options, go to PGA of America and in the drop down box and go to Juniors at the bottom OR go to the Instruction page. Both areas have a search area to find a PGA Professional in your local area. Another great resource is the Junior Links website. Junior Links is the ultimate junior golf website.

Finding the Right Equipment

When it comes to looking for the right equipment, you have a lot to choose from. Most of the major golf club companies make junior sets. I would suggest however to initially look at a junior specific golf equipment manufacturers such as Accu-Length or US Kids Golf My personal recommendation is purchasing a set of clubs from Accu-Length. Accu-Length is the only custom fit junior clubs that grow with your child. According to the Accu-Length website and most Golf Professionals, a large number of juniors develop their swings using faulty equipment that leads to life long swing flaws. Historically, kids learned the game with adult clubs that were cut down to junior size, but were still way too heavy and unbalanced which made learning the game difficult for even the most athletic kids. That’s why equipment from companies like Accu-Length make the most sense for junior golfers.

Where to Play

Most golf courses are very accommodating to junior golfers. Some set aside specific times when juniors are allowed to play so be aware of that. I suggest looking for a course that offers junior or “family tees.” Recently, the PGA of America and U.S. Kids Golf announced the establishment of The PGA of America Family Course Program. This program is a nationwide initiative that is intended to provide PGA Golf Professionals a means to make golf enjoyable for all members of a family, regardless of age and ability. Log on to the Play Golf America website or the US Kids Golf website for more information. We recently installed these tees at my facility in Winter Park, FL and the initial response has been extremely positive. Keep in mind that this is a new program so more and more golf facilities will be adding these tees as time goes by.

What to Wear

Now that your child has a grasp on the essence and rules of the game, has a quality instructor, good, well fitting equipment, and a place to play, they need to “dress the part” of a golfer. As with most of the major golf equipment companies, most of the major golf clothing manufacturers have junior apparel lines. I however suggest checking out a newer junior golf apparel company called Total Kids Wear, makers of PGA Tour & LPGA Tour licensed apparel (www.tkwgolf.com). TKW has an excellent selection of shirts, hats, outerwear, and accessories for boys and girls of all ages.

Be Realistic

If your junior golfer turns out to become a good golfer you need to remember to be realistic in your potential expectations for them. The quantity of quality junior golfers today is great, and in reality there are only a handful of college scholarships available for the vast number of juniors out there. If your son or daughter can make the cut on the course, make sure what they do off the course is equally as impressive. Make sure that they are true student-athletes and that their grades are up to par. Also make sure that they are well rounded and are active in extracurricular activities away from the course. This will make all the difference. From a competitive playing stand point, make sure your child plays in as many quality and high profile events as possible. Log onto the American Junior Golf Association website and the National Junior Golf Scoreboard site for more information on playing op
portunities.
If your son or daughter indeed has what it takes to play at the college level then you should consider using one of the several golf scholarship and resume writing services out there. I personally recommend checking out The Golf Bridge Company.

Professional Golfer vs. Golf Professional

A Professional Golfer is an individual who makes a living by playing golf (i.e. Tiger Woods) and a Golf Professional (notice the order of words) is an individual who makes a living in the business of golf. For more information on the classifications of Golf Professionals as designated by The PGA of America, click here.

If your son or daughter is not quite a tour quality golfer (Don’t worry, very few are) there is still tremendous opportunities out there for a career in golf. The PGA of America offers an in-depth training program for those interested in a career in the golf business. The PGA Professional Golf Management Program is the vehicle needed to have your child navigate their way toward a rewarding career in the golf business. Log on to the PGA CareerNet website and go to the PGA and You section for more information. There are two ways to earn your Class A classification in the PGA of America. The first is going through the PGA PGM Program at one of the 20 universities throughout the country that offer this degree program. The second is by going through the program in a self study manor while being employed at a PGA recognized golf facility.

The 18th Hole

As you can see there are endless opportunities out there for your son or daughter within the wonderful game of golf. What I gave you is just a small sampling of the resources available to you if your child shows an interest in the game. If you have any questions on Junior Golf please feel free to contact me at brendonelliott@pga.com or log onto my website http://www.brendonelliottgolf.com/ and go to the Junior Golf Central page for more information.

WANT TO HOLE MORE PUTTS? SURE WE ALL DO…

The quickest and easiest way to drop strokes off your game is to work on your short game and more specifically, your putting. The following 7 tips may help you become a better putter.

WORK ON YOUR ALIGNMENT
As in all phases of the game, bad alignment can be the cause of many bad swing problems. Always make sure that your feet, hips and shoulders are aligned square to your target line.

KEEP YOUR HEAD STEADY
Keeping your head steady is curtail to good putting. Think of your head as the center point or anchor of your putting stroke. Watch the guys on tour this weekend; those that are having a good putting week are probably keeping their head very still.

KEEP YOUR WEIGHT FORWARD
You should have your weight distributed a bit forward. Think of keeping your weight distribution at 60% forward and 40% back.

ROCK THE TRIANGLE
Stand in front of a full body mirror and get into your normal putting set-up. Take note of the “triangle” that is created by your arms and your shoulders. Maintain that triangle throughout your stroke or “Rock the Triangle.”

TRY A HEAVY PUTTER
I advise that everyone experiment with different types of putters, you may be amazed how differently one putter over another may feel (or make you feel)! I advise that you try a heavy putter; the weight will help you keep the putter blade low through the hitting area.

THINK POSITIVE
Golf is a very mental game (we all know that) and I believe that the mental side of the game is emphasized around the greens. To battle the “mental demons” that haunt all of us (especially around the greens) we simply must think positive. It really is that simple! Every time you walk up to a putt you must think you are going to make it. You will be amazed by how this will really work!

PRACTICE… PRACTICE… PRACTICE…
The real trick, if there is one, to becoming good at any aspect of the game is to practice. The beauty with putting is that you can practice it at the course, at home, or practically anywhere that has a level surface. If you are at home, just throw a cup or mug down on the ground and start putting. Wherever you practice, the most important thing is to develop a repetitive and proper putting stroke. This can be achieved by following the 7 steps laid out for you in this article.!

GOOD LUCK!!

Golf Tip

“IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE”

“A lot of things that effect where your ball goes happens before you even start your backswing.”
Wherever your target line may be (i.e. left fairway, center fairway, left of cup, right of cup) make sure your shoulders, hips, and feet are square to your target line. This will help you from your full swing through your putting. By doing so, you will put your body in a better position to make a better swing, and more times than not you will put your ball closer to where you want it to go.