Every great season starts the same way — with intention.
Not a swing thought.
Not a new driver.
Not a social media post.
But a clear understanding of what you want, why you want it, and what you’re willing to do daily to earn it.
As we head into the 2026 FCG Tour season, I want every junior golfer and parent to take a step back and think beyond trophies and scorecards. The players who consistently succeed at the highest levels aren’t just talented — they’re organized, disciplined, and intentional with their goals.
Step 1: Set Goals That Are About Process, Not Just Results
Most junior golfers set goals like:
- “I want to win.”
- “I want to shoot under par.”
- “I want a college scholarship.”
Those are fine dreams — but they are outcomes, not plans.
Winning is the result of doing hundreds of small things right over time. In 2026, I challenge every FCG player to set process-based goals, such as:
- Committing to a structured practice plan each week
- Playing competitive rounds regularly
- Tracking stats honestly (fairways, greens, putts, up-and-downs)
- Developing a consistent pre-shot routine under pressure
When you focus on the process, the results usually take care of themselves.
Step 2: Define What “Success” Looks Like for YOU
Success is different at every age and stage.
For some players, success in 2026 might be:
- Learning how to compete under pressure
- Making cuts consistently
- Improving scoring average by 1–2 shots
- Playing smarter, not harder
For others, it might mean:
- Winning an FCG event
- Qualifying for the FCG Callaway World Championship
- Earning an exemption into a major championship
- Getting on college coaches’ recruiting radars
Be honest about where you are — not where you think you should be.
Step 3: Build Your Tournament Schedule With Purpose
Not every tournament plays the same role in your development — and that’s a good thing.
In 2026, junior golfers should look to play different levels of events based on their confidence level and current form. Some events are meant to stretch you, while others are designed to build momentum and prepare you for something bigger.
One of the most overlooked tools in player development is what I call a “throw-away” event.
A throw-away event is a tournament you use to:
- Test changes to your game
- Learn how to handle nerves
- Shake off rust
- Prepare mentally and competitively for a major championship or important event coming up next
The goal in these events isn’t perfection — it’s preparation. Players who understand how to use tournaments as training grounds often perform their best when it matters most.
Step 4: Make Mental Toughness a Priority in 2026
At the elite junior level, everyone can hit the golf ball.
What separates players is how they respond when:
- They hit it out of bounds
- They get a bad bounce
- They start slow
- They feel pressure late on Sunday
Mental toughness isn’t about being perfect — it’s about staying present and committed to the next shot.
In 2026, your mental game should be trained just like your swing:
- Reflect after rounds
- Learn from mistakes
- Develop routines that calm your mind under pressure
Step 5: Understand That Growth Is Not Linear
There will be weeks where it clicks — and weeks where it doesn’t.
That’s normal.
Some of the best junior golfers I’ve worked with struggled right before they broke through. Growth often looks messy before it looks impressive.
Stay patient. Stay coachable. Stay committed.
Final Thoughts
The FCG Tour was built to help junior golfers develop, compete, and grow, not just win trophies.
If you approach 2026 with clear goals, strong habits, and a willingness to learn, you will improve — not just as a golfer, but as a competitor and person.
Set your goals. Trust the process. And remember — championship seasons are built long before the first tee shot.
— Chris Smeal
Founder, Future Champions Golf Tour
www.fcgtour.com