Even if fancy country club courses are not kid-friendly, your children can still enjoy a game of golf. While they may not be out teeing off like the pros, they will still pick up golfing skills such as aim, control and the amount of power needed to execute a shot. The rules and equipment can be flexible and the playing field can be your own backyard.
Equipment
Golf games for children require a club and a ball -- but it does not necessarily have to be a golf club and golf ball, as exemplified by Goffle. A golf putter and golf ball work for putter points and backyard miniature golf, with each player needing his own ball but sharing the putters if necessary. Making your own golf putter out of a cardboard or plastic tube, long stick or wood slat is another option.
Putter Points
Putter points works by giving the golfer a certain number of points depending on how close his ball is to the designated mark. First designate a mark by placing a coin on the playing surface, which can be concrete, dirt or whatever surface you choose. If the coin is not high enough for grass, go for an empty can or jar. Once the marker is in place, each player stands with his back to the marker and walks a designated of steps away from the marker. Each player has three balls and the players take turns to see how close they can get the ball to the marker. A ball within one club length to the marker is worth one point, a ball within two club lengths is worth two points and a ball within three club lengths is worth three.
Backyard Mini Golf
Turn your backyard into a miniature golf course with recycled materials and help from your kids. First find nine containers that work as holes, such as empty coffee cans, wide-mouth cardboard boxes or metal lids off jars, and place them around the yard. Then set up obstacles with more recycled materials or things already in your yard, such as lawn ornaments, rocks and furniture. Other obstacle choices include running sprinklers, shallow boxes filled with dirt for sand traps or furniture cushions. Each hole should be a par three or four, and the player who completes the course with the lowest score wins.
Goffle
Goffle is a hybrid game that plays like golf but uses a Wiffle ball and plastic bat. Set up an empty coffee can or similar container on its side as the ball's final destination. Mark a starting point for all players. Each child gets a turn using the bat to putt the Wiffle ball into the empty coffee can. The player who uses the least amount of strokes to get the ball into the can wins. Variations on goffle can use bats and balls of different materials, such as a wooden bat and tennis ball.
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