In this conversation, golf coach Kevin Sprecher shares his perspective on identifying which junior golfers are most likely to succeed at the next level. Given a group of athletic, motivated 13- to 16-year-olds, Kevin outlines the key metrics and intangibles he would observe over a summer to determine who stands out. While many young golfers look impressive on the range, Kevin stresses that performance in competition reveals far more. One of the first things he looks for is speed—specifically clubhead speed—as it offers the greatest upside. Distance is a major advantage in today’s game, and it’s significantly harder to teach than accuracy. A player with natural or developed speed has a higher ceiling and can be taught to refine control later. However, speed alone isn’t enough. Kevin places equal importance on wedge control, explaining that players who can pair long drives with precise wedge play are positioned for long-term success. This “bomb and gouge” model—seen with players like Dustin Johnson—creates scoring opportunities that separate elite competitors from the rest.
Kevin also highlights the importance of timing when it comes to speed development. Drawing on insights from the Titleist Performance Institute, he explains that ages 11–14 are key developmental windows for building quick-twitch muscle and power. During this time, juniors are especially receptive to speed training, provided it’s supported with proper strength and mobility to prevent injury. While speed can be improved later in life—Kevin himself increased his swing speed by 5 mph in his late 40s—it’s most efficient to build it during adolescence. Still, he emphasizes that coaching must be individualized. Every junior has a unique physical profile, mindset, and learning style, and progress depends on tailoring the approach to each athlete. Tune in to learn how a balanced focus on speed, scoring ability, and development windows can shape the next generation of elite golfers.
Key Takeaways:
● Clubhead speed is one of the most important indicators of long-term potential—it’s harder to teach than control and offers the most upside.
● Players who can combine distance with precise wedge control are best positioned for success at higher levels of the game.
● The ideal window for speed development is ages 11–14, when juniors are most receptive to building power and quick-twitch athleticism.
● Speed training must be supported with proper strength and mobility work to reduce injury risk and improve efficiency.
● Each athlete’s path is different—coaching should always be individualized to match their goals, strengths, and physical capabilities.