For the third year in a row, Katie Skeeles has earned the award Most Improved Junior Girl at Atlanta Country Club. Her performance is unprecedented in the 45-year history of the club, one of the most prestigious in the country.
When we started our work in July 2008, her handicap was 24. It is now 6.
She had begun two years before, and her best competitive score was 107.
Within a month, she had learned a new Grip and, using the MacDonald Exercises http://lynnblakegolf.com/index.php/G...20861548192705 as her foundation, to keep her Left Wrist Flat in Chip and Pitch Shots (Rhythm). When Putting, she had learned to take her Hands and Club through together (Rhythm). In Full shots, she was well on her way toward mastery of the Pivot and its Stationary Head (Centered Arc) and the Five Finish Alignments (Finish Swivel; Left Wrist alignment; Hands location; Clubshaft position; Body position and Balance. See photo below). She charted her progress after each practice session and round in a Performance Journal, and her Mom would scan and email each week's pages to me for my review.
In just 90 days, Katie's 'Personal Best' had plummeted to 87 -- twenty shots lower -- in a round that featured nines of 47-40 (with a triple at the last). Her goal for 2009 was to break 80. It didn't happen, but no matter: she was resolute.
Then, in her high school regional championship last August, she shot 76 in abysmal conditions and led her team to a third place place finish. This fall, she was named to the Georgia State High School All-Star team and received a handsome scholarship to Birmingham-Southern. So far in this Division III collegiate season, this gal 'no bigger than a minute' ranks #6 in sub-par holes.
I am so proud of Katie and what she has accomplished. In all our time together -- we worked almost every week before she went off to school and now each time she comes back home -- she has made only three complaints:
1. "I'm hot/cold." [This is seasonally adjusted.]
2. "I'm hungry." [This is a constant!]
And . . .
3. "My calluses hurt!" [This is a measure of her dedication.]
Congratulations, Katie Skeeles. You deserve all the accolades that have come your way. And, all the success -- in golf and in life -- that remains in store. You and your Mom have taught me a lot more than I've taught you, and I am grateful to you both.
Congratulations! What a satisfying tale of real grit and determination!
ICT
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HP, grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Progress and not perfection is the goal every day!
I met Katie at Cuscowilla during the LBG Homecomming in October 2008 (has it really been that long ago?). She was very eager and determined, but more importantly seemed like a really good person. Tip of the cap to student and teacher .
I met Katie at Cuscowilla during the LBG Homecomming in October 2008 (has it really been that long ago?). She was very eager and determined, but more importantly seemed like a really good person. Tip of the cap to student and teacher .
Yep it was that long ago my friend. Briefly spoke to Katie at the same event and she seem determined to be the best that she could be.
So when are we meeting up again?
Great student and Yoda is the best also
Alex