Breaking Into the Game: Juniors

Episode 2

Hole 1: Philosophy

Michael Bannon discusses the benefits of getting juniors involved with golf and shares his teaching philosophy. Rory McIlroy joins to reveal how Bannon’s coaching was instrumental when breaking into the game.

Episode 3

Hole 2: Right Size for Everything

Michael Bannon reveals the keys to a proper club fitting and the other preparations you should make for a junior breaking into the game.

Episode 4

Hole 3: Work Backwards from the Green

In Hole 3, Michael Bannon teaches the basic fundamentals of striking a golf ball and reveals why it’s important to learn the game from the green back to the tee.

Episode 5

Hole 4 (Part 1): Putting is Easy, Learn to Love It

In Hole 4, Michael Bannon reveals the setup and putting stroke keys for juniors breaking into the game. Don't over-complicate it early on, just focus on the fundamentals and having fun.

Episode 6

Hole 4 (Part 2): Gate Drill

The Gate Drill is a great way to practice starting putts on the correct line. Have friendly competitions to improve your putting while having fun.

Episode 7

Hole 4 (Part 3): Team Putting Game

Michael Bannon explains a 9-hole putting game that can be played on the putting green. Choose different types of putts and get a feel for putting in a competitive setting.

Episode 8

Hole 4 (Part 4): Edge of Green Drill

Practice speed control by eliminating the hole from the equation, using the edge of the green instead.

Episode 9

Hole 5 (Part 1): Chip When You Can't Putt, Pitch When You Can't Chip

In Hole 5 of Breaking Into The Game, Michael Bannon teaches the low bump & run and high pitch, then helps your junior develop a plan for when to use each shot.

Episode 10

Hole 5 (Part 2): Pitching

Michael Bannon demonstrates the proper setup and technique for pitch shots around the green.

Episode 11

Hole 6: Hit the Sand, It's A Big Target

Michael Bannon shares why juniors breaking into the game should practice bunker shots without a ball and reveals why a buried lie isn’t always a bad thing.

Episode 12

Hole 7 (Part 1): Speed is the New Straight

In Hole 7, Michael Bannon teaches setup fundamentals. Start without the club and focus on establishing proper alignment and learning how to rotate the body.

Episode 13

Hole 7 (Part 2): Introduce the Club

Michael Bannon introduces the club, starting with the all-important grip. He shows the three different ways to grip the club and shares a story about Rory changing his as a junior.

Episode 14

Hole 7 (Part 3): Controlling the Club

In this part, Michael Bannon breaks down how to slowly work your way up to making a full swing, while focusing on rhythm and tempo.

Episode 15

Hole 7 (Part 4): Creating Speed in the Swing

Michael Bannon reveals how a smooth takeaway will help generate speed. Swing speed is important and it’s easier to develop when your young, so don’t be afraid to grip it and rip it!

Episode 16

Hole 8: Set Hurdles, Not High Jumps

In Hole 8, Michael Bannon discusses proper etiquette, modifying the scorecard and ways he helped make it fun on the course when Rory McIlroy was breaking into the game.

Episode 17

Hole 9: Course is the Best Teacher

In Hole 9 of Breaking Into The Game, Michael Bannon reveals how to take your range game to the course and Rory McIlroy joins to share his best advice for junior golfers.