Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Golf

 

There is nothing better than a great round of golf with your friends. Golf is a sport for life, and we believe it is important to instill your passion for golf to your children. The bonding experience you receive while teaching your kids to golf is irreplaceable and something they will remember for a lifetime. We would like to share a few of our tips on how to get your kids excited to learn the game of golf:

Make it Fun

When it comes to teaching children a new skill, kids want to have fun. If you focus too much on the mechanics of the game rather than the amazing feeling when they finally hit the ball or beat you in a game, they will lose interest quickly. Don’t forget to celebrate the little things.

Start Slow

Golf is a hard sport to master. Before you hand them a club, be sure to explain to them the reasons you love to golf, teach them the importance of golf etiquette and let them set goals for themselves.

Finding an Instructor

Not everyone is a great teacher, and that is okay. Many courses offer private or group lessons to children, as well as camps that not only teach the kids how to golf, but also the patience, focus and correct form it takes to take their golf game to the next level.

Finding the Right Equipment

Using a club that is too long or too heavy will hinder a kid’s ability to learn correct form. A new player will already have enough trouble learning technique without having to deal with improper equipment. A popular trend with adults teaching their children the game is taking their old set of clubs and having them cut down to fit the needs of their children. This ensures the children are properly suited to handle their golf equipment.

Where to Play

It is very important to think about other golfers when you choose a course or time to practice. Try late in the evening or at a time when it’s not crowded. If your kid wants to chase after the ball or rake every bunker, you don’t want to have to worry about a group waiting behind you.

Be Patient - Practice Makes Better, Not Perfect

It takes a lot of time, effort and patience to master the game of golf- even the pros aren’t perfect. Celebrating achievements and praising improvements will motivate them to be an even better player. Remember, not every young golfer is going to be the next Tiger Woods or Rory McIlory.

Show Them Instead of Tell Them

For most, visual learning will get you a lot farther than just telling them what to do. While you are teaching them, don’t get discouraged if they can’t perfect their grip or if they only hit the ball once every ten times. Let them try a few different clubs and mimic your stance.

Make it a Game

Spend time on the putting green. Have putting contests. Putting is one of the easier mechanics for a child to learn. As they become better at putting, they will be encouraged to develop the rest of their game.

Set Goals

Setting goals with rewards is a great way to encourage your kids to focus and improve their golf game. Once they complete their goal, give them a break and treat them to soda and a treat in the club house. There is no better feeling than accomplishing a new skill on the course.

Here at Blueberry Pines, we know young golfers are the future of the sport and we believe in them- golf is a passion, not a sport. When you become an experienced golfer, the course becomes a whole new world. We hope to see you and your children enjoying our course very soon!