2025-11-17 17:01
Walking onto the first tee this morning, I couldn’t help but think about how much of competitive golf—or any sport, really—comes down to strategy. It’s not just raw talent or hours on the range; it’s about making smart decisions under pressure, understanding your opponents, and positioning yourself mentally and tactically. That’s exactly what I saw unfolding today in the boys’ 11–14 division at the junior championship, where Ralph Batican’s three-over 71 gave him a two-shot cushion over Jared Saban. Watching these young athletes navigate the course, I was reminded why having a solid game plan isn’t just helpful—it’s everything. If you’re serious about elevating your own performance, whether in golf, football, or any team sport, you’ve got to think beyond the basics. You need what I like to call the ultimate game strategy—one that adapts, anticipates, and executes.
Let’s break down what happened today. Ralph didn’t just out-hit everyone; he out-thought them. Shooting 71 on a challenging layout is impressive, but doing it while maintaining composure when others were slipping? That’s strategic maturity. Jared Saban, trailing by two after a 73, is far from out of it—he’s precisely the kind of player who can bounce back if he adjusts his approach. Then you’ve got Ken Guillermo and David Gothong hanging in there with 75 and 76, respectively. They’re within striking distance, and in my view, that’s where the real drama lies. I’ve always believed that the players who stay close—within four or five shots—often have the psychological edge going into the final round. They can play more freely, while the leader might feel the weight of expectation. It’s a dynamic I’ve seen play out countless times, and it’s why I tell my students: your strategy must account for scoreboard pressure, not just swing mechanics.
Now, you might wonder what any of this has to do with football. Well, as someone who’s coached both junior golf and youth football, I see the same principles at work. In football, your game plan is your post guide—your roadmap to exploiting weaknesses, maximizing strengths, and adjusting on the fly. Think of Ralph’ lead as a football team holding a narrow advantage heading into the second half. Do you protect the lead, or do you stay aggressive? Personally, I’ve always leaned toward controlled aggression. In football, that might mean mixing up your formations—maybe shifting from a 4-3 defense to a nickel package when you’re ahead, or using play-action passes to keep the defense guessing. It’s the same in golf: Ralph shouldn’t just aim for fairways and greens; he needs to know when to attack pins and when to play safe. That kind of decision-making separates good athletes from great ones.
What fascinates me about this tournament so far is how closely the scores reflect mental fortitude. Jared’s 73 is solid, but I noticed he struggled a bit on the back nine—a couple of missed putts inside ten feet that could’ve changed the momentum. In football terms, that’s like failing to convert on third-and-short. Those small moments add up, and they’re often where games—or rounds—are won or lost. Ken Guillermo, sitting at 75, is only four back. If he can tighten up his driving accuracy—he hit only about 55% of fairways today, from what I gathered—he could make a run. David Gothong, at 76, has the short game to contend, but he’ll need to avoid the big numbers. I’ve always said that consistency trumps brilliance over the long haul, whether you’re talking about 18 holes or four quarters of football.
So how do you build a game strategy that holds up under pressure? From my experience, it starts with self-awareness. You have to know your own tendencies—both strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you’re a football coach, you might realize your team averages 6.2 yards per carry when running to the left side, but only 3.8 to the right. Use that data! In golf, it’s no different. Ralph likely knows his iron play is his strong suit—he hit 72% of greens in regulation today, which is outstanding for his age group. Meanwhile, Jared’s power off the tee gives him an edge, but he’ll need to harness it wisely. I’d advise him to focus on placement over distance in the final round, especially if the wind picks up. These aren’t just tips; they’re calculated adjustments that form the backbone of a winning strategy.
Another thing I can’t stress enough is the importance of adaptability. Conditions change, opponents adjust, and luck—good or bad—will always play a role. In football, maybe your star receiver goes down with an injury, or the opposing defense starts blitzing more often. You have to have a Plan B and even a Plan C. Similarly, in golf, weather, pin placements, and course setup can turn everything upside down. I remember coaching a junior event where the leader collapsed on the final three holes because he stuck too rigidly to his game plan despite shifting winds. Don’t be that player. Whether you’re on the gridiron or the fairway, stay observant, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.
Looking ahead to the final 18 holes, I’m excited to see how these young golfers implement their strategies. Ralph has a real chance to seal the win if he plays smart, conservative golf early on—maybe aiming for the fat part of the greens and avoiding sucker pins. But if I were in his shoes, I’d also be aware that Jared, Ken, and David are all capable of low numbers. Ken, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance; his 75 could easily have been a 72 if not for a couple of unlucky bounces. That’s the thing about sports—you can do everything right and still face setbacks. How you respond is what defines your strategy and, ultimately, your success.
In the end, whether we’re talking about golf or football, the ultimate game strategy boils down to preparation, execution, and mental toughness. It’s about knowing when to take risks and when to play it safe, understanding your competition, and believing in your ability to perform under pressure. Ralph, Jared, Ken, and David have all shown they have the skills; now it’s about who can best translate those skills into a winning game plan. As someone who’s been in their shoes, I can tell you this: the players who leave everything on the course—without regrets—are the ones who walk away feeling victorious, no matter the outcome. So take a page from their playbook, refine your own strategy, and go out there and boost your game today. You’ve got this.
