How to Help Your Child Get Into Golf
Is your child bursting with energy and you’re looking for a rewarding way to channel it?
If yes, have you ever considered golf? It might surprise you, but golf offers a fantastic range of mental and physical benefits for kids of all ages.
Playing golf isn’t just about mastering the perfect swing (although that can be pretty cool too), it’s about developing skills, enjoying the outdoors and maybe even making some new friends along the way. The best part? You can search online for golf courses closest to your location to find a great place to introduce your child to this exciting sport.
Our Tips to Get Your Child Interested in Golf and Golf Lessons
Before we jump straight into lessons or fancy golf clubs in Western Sydney, let’s focus on getting your child excited about golf itself. Here’s how you can do this:
1. Introduce them to golf as early as possible
The earlier you introduce your child to golf, the more natural it will become for them. You don’t need fancy equipment right away. Plastic clubs and wiffle balls are a fantastic way to introduce the basic mechanics of swinging and hitting a ball in your backyard or living room.
2. Try out mini golf
Take your child to a nearby driving range (look for “golf courses near me” online) and let them simply hit some balls.
The wacky obstacles and fantastical themes will make it a fun family outing. Most importantly, it will introduce them to the basic concept of putting and aiming.
3. Enrol them in camps
Golf camps are a lifesaver for busy parents and a fun way to keep your kiddo active. These camps are designed especially for youngsters, with coaches who know how to make learning golf fun, not stuffy.
One of the best things about camps is that your child gets to learn alongside other kids their age and skill level. It takes the pressure off, and they can all figure things out together.
Plus, if they have a friend who wants to come along too, even better. Having a buddy by their side can make the whole experience even more fun.
4.Get them starter sets
Just like you wouldn’t put your child in adult clothes, you wouldn’t want them swinging adult golf clubs. A good starter set, typically with just 5 or 6 clubs, is all they need to learn the basics and have fun.
As your child gets older and their skills improve, their equipment needs will evolve too. You might need to upgrade to a set with more clubs (around 10 to 13) to accommodate their developing game.
5. Invest in golf-appropriate clothing
Golf is a sport best enjoyed in comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement. When you pick out outfits for your kids, go for breathable fabrics like cotton or polos, and comfortable pants or shorts. And don’t forget a hat to shield them from the sun.
6. Keep it light and playful
Don’t worry about the strict rules and techniques for now. Just let them experience the joy of hitting a ball with a wiffle golf set in the backyard or at a local park.
You can also encourage them to chase after the ball, turn it into a game of tag, or create their own mini-golf course using household objects.
7. Spark their curiosity
Watch golf tournaments together on TV. In simple words, point out the exciting moments and the skills the players possess. Let them ask questions and explain the game in a way they would understand.
Finding the Right Equipment and Kids Golf Lessons
Now that you’ve managed to pique their interest in this fun and rewarding sport, let’s focus on getting them the right coaching and equipment to hone their skills.
Finding the Right Equipment and Kids Golf Lessons
Once your child shows a genuine interest, consider enrolling them in kid golf lessons. Look for a PGA-accredited coach who specialises in junior development.
These coaches understand the importance of creating a fun and positive learning environment. They’ll tailor lessons to your child’s age and skill level, using games, drills and positive reinforcement to keep them engaged.
For your child’s first experience, look for a course with shorter distances and facilities specifically designed for beginners.
Many courses offer “executive courses” with par-3 holes, perfect for building confidence without the pressure of a full 18-hole game.
Before heading out, take a moment to teach your child some basic golf course etiquette. Simple things like maintaining a quiet pace of play, repairing divots (marks left in the ground by their club) and raking sand traps will go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
At Liverpool Golf Club, we have designed a strategic junior golf program, where our PGA-certified coaches will help your little one learn the basics of golf and strive for excellence as they commit to the game. Contact us today to discuss our kids’ golf lessons.
Consider Training them Yourself
Perhaps you have a passion for golf yourself and want to share that love with your child. The good news is, you absolutely can be their first golf coach.
If you enjoy golf yourself, let your enthusiasm rub off on them. Practice alongside them, work on your own game, and even have a parent-child competition.
Young children have short attention spans. Keep practice sessions short and engaging, no more than 20-30 minutes at a time. You must always aim for quality over quantity.
Young minds don’t need to be overloaded with complex swing mechanics or fancy golf jargon. Focus on the fundamentals – a comfortable grip, proper posture, and a smooth, fluid swing. There are plenty of golf courses in Sydney where you can train your little one. Further, those “how-to” videos on the Internet can also be a helpful start for you both.
At all times, you must keep in mind that learning takes time, and there will be days when frustration sets in for both of you. You have to be patient with their progress and always offer positive encouragement. Always celebrate their effort and good technique, not just the outcome of a shot.
Bonus: Do remember that playing golf is a great social activity. While playing this elite game with your little ones, you can discover the power of golf and networking and make some promising leaps in your career!
Wrapping Up
Introducing your child to the game can be a win-win for everyone. Golf offers a fantastic opportunity to build resilience, cherish teamwork and create lasting memories together.
Whether you’re practising putting in the backyard, searching for the perfect starter set or cheering them on during their first camp competition, golf provides a chance to bond and share a new experience. The fresh air, exercise and skill development are just the icing on the cake!
So, why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much your child, and you, enjoy this unique and rewarding family activity. Get in touch with the Liverpool Golf Club team to learn about our kids’ golf lessons in Western Sydney.