That darn groundhog is killing me. Here in CT, we’re bracing for yet another storm, but all I can think about is playing some golf.

To make matters even more difficult, I was cleaning up my nightstand and found one more reason to hate that darn groundhog…

Just finished reading a terrific book “How Tiger Does It” by Brad Kearns. It provides some great insights into Tiger’s life and how he maintains his competitive edge. The book is much more interesting however, when read from a parent’s point of view, I think.

The author talks a lot about kids and parenting (he must have his own!) and translating Tiger’s winning ways into tools you can give your kids. The biggest takeway for me, across the board however is the idea that your child must be internally motivated (pure motivation), and that motivation must come from inside them.

My daughters both play sports (softball, basketball, soccer and golf) but never, ever practice on their own without being asked. Never. They do however, read, write and practice their instruments. My younger one draws pictures just because she feels like it. It’s hard as a parent who knows that in order to get better, your kids have to practice - but the very act of pushing them to practice could be just the push your kid is looking for to quit. I’d prefer they keep playing casually instead of quitting because I’ve been an overbearing, winning obsessed parent.

The author points out “tips for raising a Tiger” towards the end of the book. I think they are worth listing here:

1. Nurture your child’s pure motivation and natural potential (in other words, don’t project!!)
2. Be a good caddie (help your child navigate, but let her take her own shots!)
3. Place high expectations on your child (no for results, but honest, sportsmanlike and maximum effort in competition - direct praise at effort and behavior, not at ability or results)
4. Apply the success formula (don’t over do it, enforce expectations for effort and character and reduce emphasis on natural ability and winning)

The book is filled with great stories about Tiger’s youth, his dad and mom’s approach and full of quotes and bromides from the man himself. Well worth the time to read this book.

Full disclosure: I was not asked to do this review, I found the book in the library!

Finally, some pics from the tourney I played in with my 9 year old… we shot a 38, +5 on an executive course and had an absolutely amazing time.

I played two 9 hole rounds this weekend with the best partner a guy could ever ask for. Way better than playing with Tiger or Bob Hope or any chummy celeb for sure.

I’ll take this partner over any in the world, in a tournament or just for fun. She’s a joy to be with, hits the ball straight just about every time and never loses her cool.

My 8 year old daughter is an absolute pleasure to play with - she’s so calm and funny. She plays quickly, lines up her shots and really watches what’s going on. It’s amazing to see her learn quickly, avoiding stepping on peoples lines and thinking through her club selection.

We played with two different pairs this weekend - both father/son duos and I know they were blown away by my kid. Not because she’s so great, but because she seems to be having so much fun.

I’ll take her as a partner any day and am looking forward to the day we can hit a full size course together.

Yes! I got some tickets for this great event - and I’m taking my 2 young daughters to their first ever golf tournament. Should be tons of fun if it isn’t too hot in New Rochelle on the 22nd. They have a pretty cool site with games and a golf academy as well - check it out.

In the meantime, as I was coming into Grand Central tonight, I saw that HSBC had a terrific interactive display promoting the event. I snapped a few pics, but didn’t have time to try the simulator or the putting game because I didn’t want to miss my train. In addition to HSBC and Golf info, First Tee was there promoting themselves - it’s a terrific kids golf program. Check it out if you have kids.

Both my girls have been doing a Girl Scout golf program for a few months and we decided that it was time to hit the links.

For me, seeing them on a golf course was pretty incredible - they seem to get it immediately; from teeing off, to chipping and putting. We played Tashua Glen, which incredibly includes markers at 150 yards for kids. We spotted them after driving off the women’s tees and realized that without those markers, playing 9 holes would take forever. Instead, the course immediately became manageable and fun for the kids.

My 9 year old (between eating snacks and yelling at me for trying to help her swing) parred the 4th hole. She was so excited it was incredible. She sank a 15 footer for par and when she realized it, she was jumping up and down.

Teaching green etiquette was equally interesting, the kids kept stepping on everyone else’s lines - not a big deal given how lousy the greens were (so slow, so bumpy).

All in all, an amazing experience for all of us!

As for me, I was +1 after 3 holes before it all fell apart. I literally cannot drive the ball. I shot 42 (+9) with 2 birdies.

Most importantly however, both kids want to go again as soon as possible!