Teaching your kids the game of golf can inspire a lifelong passion for the sport. If you love the game yourself and envision spending family time out on the course, it's never too early to start. Remember that kids have limited attention spans, so they might only play a few holes, or even just a few shots at first. However, the payoff in terms of quality family time and skills acquired can be immense if you have the patience to persist with teaching your kids how to golf.
Step 1
Get the right equipment. Ladies' clubs work well for younger children as they are lighter and shorter than regular clubs. However, the best bet is to purchase equipment that is built specifically for kids.
These clubs often include exchange policies that allow you to trade the clubs in for a discount on the next-sized set.
In addition, make sure your kids have appropriate golf attire that fits the requirements of whatever course you might play. For most courses, this means a collared shirt for a boy and no blue jeans for anyone.
Step 2
Focus on fun. U.S. Kids' Golf founder, Dan Van Horn, notes that kids love to have fun. He emphasizes that the technical side of golf is too often dwelt on too early when teaching kids to play the game.
Although golf is a technical sport, focusing too much on technique and not enough on the fun part of playing the game is the primary reason kids give up the sport.
Step 3
Give the children a small etiquette lesson before they hit the course and enforce the appropriate behavior gently. Focus on key behaviors such as being ready to play as your turn approaches, keeping your voice down and not stepping on someone's line near the hole.
Golf etiquette is often the reason parents don't want to golf with their kids. However, the sooner your child is on the course and can understand the reasons behind the rules of play, the sooner you can relax and enjoy a good round of golf with your kids.
Step 4
Set up a round at a good time. Check with your pro shop as to when the course is least busy, or busiest with other families golfing.
Sunday afternoons are often a common time to see families golfing together, so kids can see other kids playing golf and families can relax knowing other parents are on the course teaching their kids, too.
Step 5
Have realistic expectations. Most kids can't make a full 18 holes, so keep an eye on how you're kids are doing on the course. Rather than force them to complete nine holes and make the experience torturous, end when you can see that your kids are tired and not having fun anymore.
Alternately, you can bring snacks and games or books for the kids to play so that they can entertain themselves while you finish the round.
Step 6
Focus on basics. Keep the equipment to a minimum--a driver, one iron and a putter to start--to avoid overwhelming your child with options.
Help your child create a good stance that addresses the ball correctly--slightly bent forward, head down, eyes on the ball, feet hip-width apart, ball placed in front of you between your feet, or slightly forward toward the front foot for older kids who are learning how to drive the ball.
Step 7
Enroll kids in summer camp or clinics. Most clubs or courses offer junior golf clinics that either run for a week or two, or over the course of the summer on a specific day. This gives the kids a chance to learn some basics from a professional as well as have fun with golfers their own age.
Things You'll Need
- Kid-sized golf equipment
- Golf attire
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
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