strategic golf practice
18 Short Lessons for Coaching Junior Golfers to Long Term Success
"Strategic Golf Practice" by Lawrie Montague is a standout in the crowded world of golf literature. While most golf books focus heavily on swing mechanics, equipment, or short-term fixes, Montague takes a refreshingly different approach by centring his book on long-term success for junior golfers. This is not your typical how-to manual on perfecting your swing—it's a strategic roadmap designed for parents, coaches, and teachers working with serious junior golfers to nurture their development into well-rounded athletes.
What sets "Strategic Golf Practice" apart is its holistic perspective, drawing on over three decades of high-performance coaching experience. Montague blends sports science, goal setting, mental fortitude, and traditional practice methods into a cohesive framework for young athletes. The emphasis on periodization—a structured, long-term training plan that considers physical, mental, and strategic development—offers something that is rarely discussed in mainstream golf literature but is crucial for sustainable performance growth.
Who is this book for?
At its core, the book is an invaluable resource for parents, coaches, and teachers who are committed to guiding young golfers on the path to long-term success. The 18 lessons are structured to offer clear, practical advice on how to coach junior golfers to perform at their peak while building mental resilience and adaptability. Montague also equips readers with reflection questions and action steps, making the book a hands-on tool for anyone serious about improving not just their junior golfer’s technical skills but also their overall development as athletes.
Key Takeaways:
A Must-Read for Coaches and Parents
This book goes beyond the technicalities of golf and dives deep into developing discipline, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that every young athlete needs to succeed. While written primarily for junior golfers, the lessons are broadly applicable to anyone serious about the game. Coaches and teachers will particularly appreciate the way Montague frames golf as a platform for building life skills, not just athletic performance.
What You Won't Find Here
Unlike many golf books, "Strategic Golf Practice" does not delve into:
1. Swing mechanics or form analysis.
2. Equipment reviews or recommendations.
3. The history of the game or its greatest players.
4. Golf fashion or trends.
5. Fitness routines specific to golfers.
6. Golf travel guides or courses.
7. Detailed club fitting advice.
8. Advanced statistics or analytics.
9. Golf lifestyle content (luxury resorts, gear reviews, etc.).
10. Detailed breakdowns of professional golfers’ swings.
Conclusion
"Strategic Golf Practice" stands out for its innovative approach to long-term player development, blending both scientific and philosophical perspectives. Montague’s insights, honed from decades of coaching elite players, make this a must-have resource for those who are serious about developing junior golf talent in a meaningful and lasting way.
For parents, coaches, and golf educators, this is more than just a book—it's a blueprint for cultivating the next generation of superior competitors.
Available at Amazon.com
What sets "Strategic Golf Practice" apart is its holistic perspective, drawing on over three decades of high-performance coaching experience. Montague blends sports science, goal setting, mental fortitude, and traditional practice methods into a cohesive framework for young athletes. The emphasis on periodization—a structured, long-term training plan that considers physical, mental, and strategic development—offers something that is rarely discussed in mainstream golf literature but is crucial for sustainable performance growth.
Who is this book for?
At its core, the book is an invaluable resource for parents, coaches, and teachers who are committed to guiding young golfers on the path to long-term success. The 18 lessons are structured to offer clear, practical advice on how to coach junior golfers to perform at their peak while building mental resilience and adaptability. Montague also equips readers with reflection questions and action steps, making the book a hands-on tool for anyone serious about improving not just their junior golfer’s technical skills but also their overall development as athletes.
Key Takeaways:
- Montague challenges the obsession with short-term gains and instant success, emphasising that true improvement in golf requires a systematic, long-term plan.
- He introduces the concept of the Breakthrough Equation, a data-driven approach to reducing variability in performance, which helps juniors and their coaches assess multiple factors that influence success.
- There is a strong focus on mental toughness and the psychological aspects of golf, which is essential for performing under tournament pressure—a topic Montague navigates with expertise, drawing on both Eastern philosophy and Western sports science.
- Unlike most golf books that dwell on swing mechanics, Montague’s lessons incorporate goal-setting techniques, strategic thinking, and adaptability in diverse conditions, helping juniors prepare not just for practice but for real-world competition.
A Must-Read for Coaches and Parents
This book goes beyond the technicalities of golf and dives deep into developing discipline, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that every young athlete needs to succeed. While written primarily for junior golfers, the lessons are broadly applicable to anyone serious about the game. Coaches and teachers will particularly appreciate the way Montague frames golf as a platform for building life skills, not just athletic performance.
What You Won't Find Here
Unlike many golf books, "Strategic Golf Practice" does not delve into:
1. Swing mechanics or form analysis.
2. Equipment reviews or recommendations.
3. The history of the game or its greatest players.
4. Golf fashion or trends.
5. Fitness routines specific to golfers.
6. Golf travel guides or courses.
7. Detailed club fitting advice.
8. Advanced statistics or analytics.
9. Golf lifestyle content (luxury resorts, gear reviews, etc.).
10. Detailed breakdowns of professional golfers’ swings.
Conclusion
"Strategic Golf Practice" stands out for its innovative approach to long-term player development, blending both scientific and philosophical perspectives. Montague’s insights, honed from decades of coaching elite players, make this a must-have resource for those who are serious about developing junior golf talent in a meaningful and lasting way.
For parents, coaches, and golf educators, this is more than just a book—it's a blueprint for cultivating the next generation of superior competitors.
Available at Amazon.com