Junior golf tournaments and tours need to be kept in the proper perspective. The first Jimmy Green event was held this last week at SHC GC, and I think the parent involvement is getting worse. I have waited to write this entry so that it won't be so harsh. If it had been written Wednesday it would have had an adult rating.

These junior tours are supposed to teach your junior how to play in a golf tournament and handle themselves like young ladies and gentlemen on the golf course. Also they are held for your junior to have fun in a golf competition. As much as junior golf is trying to change, it is still a game. I get totally amazed watching the parents at these "JUNIOR" tournaments. They hover over their child from the time they check in until they finish and are on the way home. One guy was never more than 10-20 feet away from his kid, I thought he was trying to line up putts for him. If you want to watch your child play that is fine, but walk ahead of the group or behind the group. These juniors can't make a move without looking up to find the parent to make sure it is OK. Let them have the space to make their own mistakes and learn from them, and if they play well they can say they did it on their own. Or if they play poorly they will learn to get over it and improve. Remember, Golf is still a GAME!!!