"They just have zero fear, which is perhaps the greatest difference between the kiddie corps of today and those of the previous era."

Steve Elling mines a topic that has been severely undertouched by the golf media: why are there so many more talented and mature young players than ever before? Lots of interesting food for thought, though the role of technology is not delved into. Still, I found this part with David Leadbetter reminding us of those who didn't make it just as interesting:

The current crop of kids hasn't just been fast-tracked, it's like they are driving top-fuel funny cars over quarter-mile sprints. It has been a blistering pace. Recall that a mere decade ago, 16-year-old American Ty Tryon, another Leadbetter student, was the overnight co-leader at a now-defunct PGA Tour event called the B.C. Open. He earned his tour card at 17 a few months later at Q school. Since then, none of the usual developmental rules have applied -- anywhere, not just in the States.

It has been incredible to watch, from both sociological and sporting perspectives. There has been some roadkill along the way, including Tryon and the Wonglukiet sisters, who have labored to stay relevant in the game. That's the side of golf's indelicate child-labor issue that doesn't get much sunshine.

For every kid who climbs the professional ladder when barely past puberty, there is a legion who don't come close, and in many cases their families are investing their financial futures in the game, especially in Asia.
"Serious burnout is one thing that has to be looked at," Leadbetter said. "We are seeing injuries today that we have never seen before. Kids' bodies are not fully developed and in some cases they are hitting thousands upon thousands of balls."

Wrist, tendon and back injuries among teen players? You bet. Repetitive-strain injuries have fast become issues at younger ages amid the all-consuming push to reach the top. Leadbetter said golf could use a voluntary version of baseball's pitch count for developing players. There's another peer pitfall, too.
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