How to introduce your kids to golf

Unlike football, in which parents can quite easily pass on their support for a local team, golf requires a bit more active participation from both parents and children. Plus, there are a number of other barriers to kids’ involvement, from restrictions on when and where you can play, to its lack of ‘coolness’ in the playgrounds.

But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until they’re 18 to get them interested in the glorious game. You just need to take it slowly…

Make it fun

First and foremost, it has to be fun. Not only will this make them want to return to the game, but children also learn faster when it’s fun. At first, golf can be difficult and frustrating, so making it as easy and enjoyable to start with is important.

And it’s not just the young ones who should be having fun – you should enjoy the process as well. Kids can pick up on moods better than we think. If you’re getting angry or frustrated by their lack of progress, they’ll spot it.
   

Start in the back garden

Keep things simple to start with. Just a plastic set of clubs and a light ball will do. You don’t even need targets or goals – just let them hit the balls to their heart’s content.

Once they’re happy striking the ball, you can slowly start to bring in targets or add games. It could be hitting a tree at the end of the garden or just hitting five balls in a row.

Bring them along

As mentioned above, kids are more likely to want to get involved if they see you having fun with golf. So why not take them along to a game or just to the driving range.

They might not want to stick around for the full 18 holes, but they can follow you around for the first one or two. They’ll see the joy on your face as you connect with a perfect drive and will see the variety in the game.

Teach the principles of golf

Golfing isn’t just about the game – it’s a sport with a long history and important rules and etiquettes. While these might not sound like the most important things to a kid, they can actually be a good learning exercise for children.

As golf is a game of self-regulation, you’re handing the power to a child – something they don’t often get. This will help them to learn that cheating never pays and to be honest and fair.
   

Don’t force it

Just because you love golf, doesn’t mean they will. Don’t force them to play, just take it as it comes. As with any sport, they’ll pick up certain aspects fast, but will hit a wall with other areas.

Often when children come up against these walls, they just want to walk away. Let them do it – for now. There’s no use them getting angry at the game and starting to dislike it. Try something else instead, then return to the problem another day when they’re fresher and excited about it again.

Get coaching

There’s only so far you can take them. And after a while, they might start to get annoyed with a parent telling them how to fix their swing.

If they’ve become invested in the game and want to take the next step, it might be time to bring in a coach. Whether it’s one-on-one or group lessons, it’s good for them to move into their own space and enjoy the game for themselves, not to please their parents.