I attended the Chicago Show this past weekend.  It felt smaller than in years past which would make sense as the economy continues to struggle.  Interestingly the most foot traffic was located at the hitting stations to test clubs and where the bargains were to be had at various booths offering cheap deals on clubs, clothes and balls.  One could sense these weary, winter hibernators were ready for spring and the first round of the year.

I attended a couple of seminars on Saturday afternoon which were hosted by the IJGA (Illinois Junior Golf Association).  The first speaker was Kevin Weeks, Director of Instruction from Cog Hill Golf Club.  He discussed how many juniors have a path for success and he went into detail on how they could achieve great things in golf.  What I found most profound was he insisted the younger the child is the more they should just play.  Focus on the fun part of the game and not get too technical.  He also suggested parents shouldn't be teaching golf to their kids.  And not for the reason you may think.  Kids tend to blame the teacher when they don't get the results they want.  Have the kids blame the instructor, not the parent.

The second seminar focused on equipment.  The interesting fact I learned here was if you're a sweeper type player and attack the golf ball almost on the upswing, you should be playing more of a cavity back club.  A club with its weighting towards the bottom of the club.  If you've got a steep attack and hit down on the ball, you should be playing a middle weighted club.  One last note was the speaker insisted the player chooses the clubs.  When you find a comfortable club that allows you to hit the ball the way you want to with ease, stick with it.

Sadly, with all this great information, there were only 20 - 30 people present to listen to the seminars.  The long putt was a big fan favorite.  It was truly amazing to watch person after person spend $3-5 a piece, to make a 100 foot putt, in the oft chance they could win an official Chicago Golf Show Umbrella.  Amazing indeed.

Tees to Greens and All that's Between