Happy New Year!! I hope everyone has had a great holiday season and enjoyed your time with family and friends.  This is a great time to reflect on the accomplishments of 2023 and begin to plan for 2024.

To all of those who signed NLIs or verbally committed to play college golf, I want to say a big congratulations. To those who may have chosen a different path with their futures, I also want to say a big congratulations. College golf may not be the correct route for everyone young golfer but you have still worked hard and made a big decision in your life.

To all of those young girls who have practiced till it was dark, gotten up before sunrise for an early tee time or workout, braved the cold/wind/rain, and kept their heads up after a bad round, I want to say congratulations. You made it through another year of junior golf. Another year of getting stronger and tougher. Another year of growing and maturing. Another year of managing your time and working towards your dream. That is something you all should be proud of!

As we look to 2024, it’s a great time to create a plan to help you achieve your dream, whatever that dream may be. Below are a few areas and some tips to help you get started. If you would like some advice on how to get started with the college recruiting process in 2024 make sure you take advantage of your free 30-minute initial consultation that comes with your 2024 PKB National membership. You can reach me at bjackson@pkbgt.org.

Reflection: 

  1. Write down at least 3 accomplishments of 2023
  2. Write down at least 3 areas to continue to improve

Goal Setting: 

  1. Write down 3 big outcome goals for 2024
  2. Write down 2-3 process goals for each of your outcome goals. You can even break these process goals down into smaller more specific goals as daily tasks, the smaller they are the easier they are to track
  3. Write down 3 quotes or saying that will help remind you or your goals and keep you focused

Time Management

  1. Begin to set a schedule at the start of each week
  2. Track how you spend your time each week
  3. Get the important things done first

Tournament Scheduling

  1. Decide how many tournaments you want to play and can play
  2. Be realistic about the level you can compete at
  3. Keep a mix of strong fields to push yourself a little, plus weaker fields to help you build confidence

College Recruiting

  1. Get an evaluation or schedule a consultation
  2. Build your resume, create a video and intro email
  3. Do research and contact coaches
  4. Visit schools