Tips for Getting Kids Started with Golf

Spending the day on the golf course is a great way to spend time with your family.  Many youngsters enjoy playing golf from an early age, and those that stick with it often find playing the sport well is an excellent way to get a college scholarship as a teen.  But getting kids started with golf?  Here are a few tips to help your youngster develop a love for the greens.

Techniques that encourage children to learn to play golf:

1. Set age-appropriate expectations.  It may be tempting to develop the next 3-year old golfing prodigy.  However, the human brain isn’t ready for fine skill and coordination development until age 5 or 6.  Those younger than five may have a great time following mom and dad on the course or trying to hit the ball across the greens, but they are likely not ready for lessons yet.  Your child’s pediatrician can help you set reasonable expectations specific to your child’s development.
2. Keep it fun.  When you first take your kids to the golf course, don’t worry about teaching them the perfect swing or how to line up a shot properly.  Instead, let them explore and feel what it’s like to enjoy a day on the course.  Stay positive, and congratulate them for their efforts.  There’s a lot of time to fine-tune skills later on.  If they get tired out after a few holes, call it a day and grab lunch together.
3. Use the correct equipment.  The size and weight of the golf club should be proportional to the player’s height.  Using clubs that are too heavy or too long will cause the child to bend and swing abnormally, creating bad habits that may be difficult to correct down the road.  Be sure to talk with the professionals at the golf club to determine the correct equipment for your youngsters.
4. Enroll them in lessons.  Learning the game entails a lot of practice and error, including ongoing critiques.  It’s best to leave the instruction and coaching to the professionals at the golf course who are experienced in teaching the game to children.  As a parent, your role is to congratulate them on working hard in their lessons and reward them for achievements along the way.  Older children may be interested in joining a junior PGA league to learn skills and compete with peers of similar age.
5. Immerse them in the golfing lifestyle.  Actively hitting the golf ball is one thing, but look for other ways to keep them interested.  Watch a tournament together on television and discuss the techniques used by the pros.  Purchase coloring books or read stories together about golfing legends.  Challenge each other on a living-room mini putting green.  Have fun playing a round at your local miniature golf recreation center.  Buy your child a fun golfing outfit and cap.  The more your child enjoys the lifestyle itself, the more time they’ll want to spend playing the sport.

Bring the entire family to the Eagle Point Golf Club.

At the Eagle Point Golf Club, your whole family can enjoy the game of golf together.  Family membership packages are available that include dependent children under the age of 18.  Additionally, we offer an individual membership level at a reduced rate for anyone under 40.

Talk with our resident head golf professional, Logan Genaw, to coordinate golfing lessons for everyone in your family.  Logan will help you develop a customized lesson plan appropriate for each individual’s age and experience level.  He’ll also make sure youngsters are playing with the right equipment to build good golfing habits.

When your family needs a break from the course, grab a bite at the Talon Grill or the Osprey Nest.  Whether you want a light snack or a delicious meal, our world-class chefs will prepare the perfect selection for you.

Ready to enhance your golfing experience in the new year?  Please stop by our course or give us a call to learn more about making the Eagle Point Golf Club your home away from home.