By the time PGA Tour pro DJ Trahan was 10 years old, he was a veteran on the junior golf circuit, winning a fair share of the tournaments. (Some of his opponents might have said more than his fair share.) Off the course he was just a regular kid. But, even at that young age, his intensity on the course was obvious.
At the time, the Surge was Director of Golf Instruction at Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. It wasn't unusual to see father and son playing a few holes after DJ got out of school. But, in a sense, those few holes were a continuation of learning for DJ. His classroom was Harbour Town. His teacher was his father. His lesson: course management. The lessons were never forced, no yelling 'you should have done this' or 'why did you do that!'
In this video, the Surge gives some tips on how he taught DJ the finer points of the game of golf, how to manage his game. Because DJ showed such interest in golf, his father chose to treat his son, not as a ten-year-old, but as a golfer. They continue to nurture that relationship.
For parents whose children are playing a sport (any sport), the Surge's approach to teaching the young, this conversation is priceless.
Paul
Note for Golf Schools: California PPGS schools at Talega Golf Club in beautiful San Clemente, May 17 ' 19 and 20 ' 22 are still on! Instructors: Derek Hardy (PGA's 2010 Horton Smith Award winner) and Greg MacDonnell, Don's #1 PPGS teacher.
One Day PPGS Golf Schools!
Location: Old South Golf Links, Bluffton, South Carolina
Instructor: Greg MacDonnell, PGA, PPGS Certified
Tuition: $599. (IC members receive 10% discount)
Student Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Curriculum & Dates:
Long Game – May 3, 5,10, 12; June 7, 9, 21, 23; July 5, 7,19, 21
Short Game, May 4, 11; June 8, 22; July 6, 20
Instruction: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Includes lunch and 9 holes of golf following instruction.
CALL: 888-847-9464
Recommended accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn (3 minutes from course).
1575 Fording Island Road (U.S. 278), Hilton Head Island, SC 1-877-782-9444
Airports: Savannah International Airport (45 minutes), Hilton Head Island Airport (15 minutes)