If you're the parent of a junior golfer, it's completely natural to hope for consistent results. But here's the truth: inconsistency is normal when you're learning golf. Especially in the early stages. So before you worry that your child isn't improving fast enough, let’s break down why expecting consistency too early can actually hurt their development—and what to focus on instead.
Golf is one of the most difficult sports to master, and expecting young players to perform like seasoned golfers is unrealistic. Think about it:Would you expect your child to swim a full lap of the pool with perfect form after just a few swim lessons? Of course not. Golf is no different.
That’s why at Operation 36, we teach parents about the "At Least 20" Rule—the idea that players need at least 20 on-course experiences at each yardage division before they start to show signs of consistency. Until they've logged those reps, every round is an experiment, not a performance. Give them time to play, learn, and grow without pressure.
Even the best in the world aren’t immune to ups and downs. Just take a look at Golf Professional Nelly Korda’s round-by-round scores at the U.S. Women’s Open from 2022 to 2025. As shown in the chart below, her scores vary from round to round and year to year—ranging from a low of 68 to a high of 75. Yet one thing stands out: her final round scores are remarkably consistent, never straying far from even par.
This is a powerful reminder that inconsistency is part of golf at every level—but patterns of growth and resilience still emerge. If a world-class athlete like Nelly experiences score swings even at the same event, imagine what’s normal for a developing junior golfer still learning the game! What matters most is staying committed to the process.
When junior golfers are just starting out, they’re developing foundational skills—like aiming, ball striking, and learning to read greens. These skills take time and trial to improve. Expecting consistent scores during this phase is like expecting a toddler to walk without falling—it’s part of the process!
The Operation 36 App is designed to track their progress through these stages. Instead of focusing solely on scores, it helps players and parents visualize improvement over time. You can celebrate those "small wins"—a well-struck shot, a smart decision, or just finishing a hole with a smile.
Golf is full of ups and downs—even for professionals. Some days, your child might play great. Other days, it might feel like they’ve forgotten everything. That’s normal.
What matters most is that they keep showing up. With Operation 36, you can see how each round contributes to long-term development. The app tracks their journey from 25 yards all the way to the full tee box, with clear goals and milestones that build confidence over time.
Expect growth. Expect excitement. Expect some frustration too—but above all, expect a journey.
Trust the process, support your junior, and know that every round they play is bringing them one step closer to becoming a confident golfer. The Operation 36 model, powered by our app and guided by the "At Least 20" rule, is here to help you and your junior stay focused on what really matters: progress, not perfection.
Ready to get your child started? Learn more about Operation 36 and how we help golfers grow on and off the course.
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