Christine Wong 2014 Tour Season: 2014 Canadian Junior Championship Experience as Team British Columbia Coach

I have been so excited for this week the moment I knew I was about to be put in a position I have never been in. I had no idea what to expect for the week but overall it was the most amazing thing that I have done in a long time. I feel that I have spent so much time on my game honing in on my skills on the golf course but not enough time on the mental aspect of the game. I have never spent so much time off from the game up until this week. I took about 6 days off this week to represent Team BC as the Provincial Coach. I was given this opportunity in order to share my knowledge and help give back to those that have made me who I am today. I am so blessed being able to do what I love and help others. The best part about this whole trip is the learning experience that I have gained from the 5 days.

The first round of the Canadian Junior Championship began on Tuesday July 29th. The girls had a late afternoon tee time and finished as one of the last groups. In preparation for this event the girls had a practice round in which we were able to strategize our ball placement on the course. I can see it in their eyes how bad we wanted the Provincial Team title. Thornhill Golf and Country Club is anything but an easy course. With the course placed in a valley it was fairly hilly. The tight fairways surrounded by large trees and several undulation on the greens makes the course difficult. Many girls commented on the beauty and uniqueness of this golf course. After the round we spent time working on a few technical things on the range and getting a feel of the greens in the practice area. Alix and Kathy have worked hard on their game and their swings show it. At the end of our practice we found ourselves eating at the player's reception for a mandatory rules meeting. All the provincial teams were introduced and stood proudly representing their provinces. There are a lot of memories from these junior events as I have been through many Canadian Junior Championships myself.
Back in the day I had the opportunity to be part of the BC Team for both the Junior and Amatuer Teams and were crowned provincial champions numerous times. It feels so good to be part of the girls experience as they go through the same process that I have been through.

(Alix Kong, West Vancouver)

(Kathy Lim, Langley)

(Alisha Lau, Richmond)

I felt that I was able to share my knowledge especially with knowing everything that is going on in the players minds before, during and after their round and being able to help them through it. Watching their dedication and focus throughout the week is something that players don't always notice about themselves and I learned that this week. I feel that us players don't give ourselves enough credit for the hard work we put in and dedication just for this game! Watching the girls play the game make it look so easy and I feel that we do take certain things for granted while we play, especially the amazing shots the girls hit from certain places or even just striking the ball. The learning experience that I gained from this week is priceless compared to anything that I have ever done for my own game. I feel that this experience that I have now into the next event for me in New Hampshire is so advantageous. For example, having a much better attitude on the course leads to better shots, taking the extra 10 seconds to check the yardage or any factors that may influence my shot and appreciating the good shots because it is not because of luck!