Introducing your kids to golf

Having fun is the key

It's never too early to introduce your kids to the great game of golf. Just remember to keep the game fun and let your youngsters enjoy the outing without any pressure to perform. I recently had an enjoyable afternoon of golf with the Olah family from Kimberley and their two young sons, London and Guy.

It was great to see the two boys, aged 7 and 4, grinning ear to ear as they wound up and connected on a good shot sending the ball soaring down the fairway or watch them as they carefully lined up each putt on the green. These fond memories will undoubtedly instill an early love of the game in the boys and get them off on a good footing when it comes to having an enjoyable experience on the golf course.

“If you have a child who is showing an interest in golf, check into the junior programs at the golf courses near you and get your child’s name on the waitlist as soon as possible,” said John Randle, CPGA at Victoria'a Bear Mountain Golf Course. “Each golf course has slightly different rules and regulations regarding age restrictions, dues etc., so you will need to talk to the office staff at whichever golf course you are interested in.”

Here are a few things Randle said to keep in mind as you and your child explore the wonderful world of golf:

• Start your child out at a driving range where they can hit a lot of balls in a short period of time. When they get bored and aren’t hitting balls any longer, leave. It is important for them to associate a trip to the driving range as a fun experience and not one that is fun for a while but ends with them sitting on a bench watching Mom or Dad hit balls.
• Spend some time on the practice putting green so your child can learn about the whole game.  Letting them roll a few putts into the hole will teach them what the game is about and will make them feel good having some early success.
• When your child is hitting balls at the driving range, keep instruction very basic. Resist the temptation to offer new pieces of information after each shot. Focus on one simple idea like balance or foot positions and just keep reinforcing that one idea. If they are keen and show a real interest, sign them up for a junior clinic or summer camp where they will learn basic technique, rules, etiquette and meet other children their own age.
• Ensure your children begin golf with clubs that are the appropriate length and weight. You don’t need to buy new clubs but make sure the rental clubs your child is using are short and light so they can easily swing them. If you want to buy your children some clubs or have the grandparents foot the bill, make sure the clubs are the correct length and come with lightweight, flexible shafts.  It is very important that your child uses clubs, which are suitable for them so they can swing the clubs with some control and power. No one likes an activity when they are using equipment that is big and heavy.
• When your child is mature enough to understand safety rules, can hit the ball in the air and has been introduced to putting and chipping, you can take them out to a short golf course. Bringing your child along to caddy for you is an ideal way to introduce them to the golf course before they go to play themselves. Taking them out with you later in the day will give you the chance to explain some rules and etiquette points so they will be ready when they go to play. You didn’t hear this from me, but if no one is around you may even let him or her hit the odd shot.
• When you do take them out to play, make sure the length of the holes is such that they can get near the green with a couple of shots so they can learn the scoring shots played close to the hole. Golf is no fun if you have to hit the ball ten or 15 times before you get to the green. If you don’t have access to a short course, have your child “tee-off” 100 yards from the green on each hole. Remember to make golf fun.  Try not to emphasize the score at first and emphasize the positives in everything they do.
• When your child is young, try to develop an athlete first and a golfer second. Offer your child opportunities to play several sports and help them develop basic movement skills first before worrying too much about golf-specific skills.
• If your child progresses with the game and begins to compete, it is your job as the parent to supply them with unconditional love. They need to know that how they play doesn’t affect who they are and how you feel about them.  It will be difficult because you will really want them to play well, but you need to show them that you are there for them regardless of how they play. At some point it will also be a good idea to find golf professional to coach your junior golfer.
• Choose your child’s coach very carefully, as they will have a huge influence on your child’s golfing life. With the help of a good coach, you and your child can put together a plan to help your child reach their goals.  With the coach assuming the role of instructor, this will leave you with the job of providing support and probably a few rides!
• So whether you envision your child as the next Tiger Woods or just want to help them develop a love of playing golf, it is important to get them off on the right foot. So take why not take your kids golfing? Chances are they will love the outing and the sport.