Students who are grinding through a challenging level need one thing more than extra practice: a coach who tells them they're on the right track.
What "At Least 20" Means
Op 36 has tracked hundreds of thousands of rounds played on the platform. The data shows a clear pattern: once a student reaches a yardage where they consistently struggle to break 45, it takes at least 20 attempts to break through.
Five attempts without passing is normal. Ten attempts is normal. Some students take 40, 60, or 80 attempts. The ones who don't get through are the ones who quit.
Your job at this stage isn't to fix their swing. It's to keep them in the game.
What's Happening at the 5-Attempt Mark
Five attempts without passing is exactly when self-doubt sets in. Students start to wonder if they've hit a wall. They compare themselves to peers who progressed faster. They question whether golf is for them.
Without context, this is the point where students and families disengage.
With context, it's just the beginning.
How to Talk to Your Student
Lead with the data, not reassurance. "You're doing great" is easy to dismiss. "It takes at least 20 attempts to get through this yardage and you're at five" gives them something real to hold on to.
What to say:
Tell them the number. "It takes at least 20 attempts to pass this level. You're right on track."
Focus on the next attempt, not the last score. "How do we get one shot better next round?"
Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.
What to avoid:
"When are you finally going to pass this?" — the most damaging thing a coach or parent can say
Solving problems for them. Let students make their own decisions on club selection, line, and strategy. They won't develop those skills if you make the call every time.
Adding pressure when a student comes in saying "today's the day." It almost never is — and that's okay.
How to Talk to Parents
Parents have more influence than coaches. What gets said on the drive home carries more weight than anything covered in a lesson. Make sure families understand the At Least 20 framework before frustration sets in.
A parent who knows it takes at least 20 attempts will support the process at home. A parent who doesn't will add pressure without meaning to.
Good to know: Research across multiple sports shows that what kids most want to hear from their parents on the sideline is six words: "I love to watch you play."
What to tell parents:
"Your child is exactly where they need to be. This is what normal progress looks like."
"The best thing you can do after a tough round is get in the car and go get dinner."
If they ask about technique or strategy, encourage them to say: "Great question — ask your coach."
Tips for Keeping Students Engaged
Something golf every day. Encourage students to hold a club every day, even at home. Putting on carpet, hitting a wiffle ball in the backyard — anything that keeps their hands on a club between rounds.
Put them in a mentorship role. Pairing a struggling student with newer or younger players shifts focus away from their own score. It builds confidence and perspective at the same time.
Track the attempts visibly. Show students their attempt count. Knowing they're at 8 of 20 is motivating. Feeling like they've been stuck forever is not.
Watch for the big swing round. Students often shoot one of their best scores right before one of their worst. Give parents a heads-up so they aren't caught off guard when it happens.
The Perseverance Award
Op 36 created the Perseverance Award to recognize students who stick with a challenging level and break through. Bring them up in front of the group. Celebrate the grind, not just the pass.
The students who take the most attempts often become the most resilient players. They're building something the quick passers aren't.
If you have any questions or need help, reach out to us at support@op36golf.com.