1) You and Your Kid Aren’t the Only Ones on the Course
Golf has been, and is still more or less, a mature adult sport and not everyone will be as thrilled as you are about bringing your kiddos to the course. While it can be a great opportunity to introduce the game you love to your little ones, others may be concerned that bringing inexperienced and young players out on the greens will affect their own game negatively. Kids may be slower and louder than other members would like. Out of respect for others, make sure your kids know and understand some basic golfing etiquette before hitting the course. If possible, schedule your tee time when you expect the course will be less crowded. This way, you and the kids can take more time to play and learn the course and you won’t have to worry about disturbing other players.
2) Golf is Traditionally for Adults
It is important to remember that golf is a game originally intended for adults and it involves practice, patience and a handful of other particular skills. It also isn’t the most exciting game for a kid who might have a shorter attention span. This doesn’t mean that kids won’t have fun playing; it simply means that you shouldn’t have high expectations for what they can, or will want to, accomplish. Perhaps for the first few times, bend the rules of the game a bit. Your child doesn’t have to tee off every time nor do they have to be concerned about getting it in the hole with a low number of swings. Take your shot and then let them hit it a dozen or so times until they get it. It will be less frustrating for them and allow them to get more practice swings in and getting better feel for the game.
3) It Doesn’t All Have to be About Golf
These days, there are all sorts of fun things about golf courses; ball washers, club scrubbers, the golf cart, sand bunkers, etcetera. If your kiddo becomes bored or impatient, don’t sweat it if cleaning golf balls and raking bunkers becomes the most entertaining thing on the course. They’ll get a kick out of the fun gadgets and tasks and you can enjoy having a handy little helper! However, remember to monitor their behavior and take any opportunity to educate your child about the game rather than leading them to think the course is one big playground. Additionally, keep in mind that any damage or disturbance caused by your child on the course is your responsibility.
4) Hit the Driving Range First
If it is your youngster’s first time playing the game, it is a good idea to hit up the driving range before the actual course. It allows them to get a feel for the swing before attempting to dive right into the game which is complicated and comes with a lot more to learn. Practicing at the driving range will hopefully save some time and frustration before attempting the actual course. It will also help you gage where your child’s skill set falls and how much instruction and adjustment your child will need on the actual course.
5) Consider Investing in Professional Lessons
While you may know the game well, it can be difficult to actually teach it to a child. Hiring a professional to teach your child can be a very beneficial thing for both you and your kids. It might alleviate any pressure the beginners feel about going out on the course with a parent and most of all it will provide them with a basic foundation that will lead them to be more successful when they are out on the course with you. After a few lessons, they will have the perfect head start to show off and practice their newly acquired skills with you. And of course you can still be a helpful coach and supporter to them when you all are out there together.
6) Don’t Get Too Competitive
This doesn’t mean actually being competitive with your child! Hopefully we all realize that there should be no serious competition going on between child and adult! Rather, this point is a reminder not to get too invested in your child’s interest with the game. While you may love golf, it is not a guarantee your child will too. If this is the case, don’t sweat it. Let them do what they feel comfortable with and enjoy most. If you push the sport too much, they may end up shying away just from pressure. This would be a bummer if it turned out that they actually had liked it!
7) Equipment is Expensive
If you are a player yourself, you already know this. However, it is worth emphasizing that golf equipment isn’t cheap and you only want to be spending money on it if it is worth it. If your kid is going to go out on the course with you one time, don’t waste the money on expensive clubs, clothing, etc. Not to mention, even if they do show signs of continuing, they are going to grow out of the equipment quickly. Instead, look for deals on Craigslist or eBay for used clubs. Seriously, you’ll be happy you spent ~$40, not ~$200.
8) Plan Your Day Well
It is one thing to hit the greens on your own or with a group of adults and a completely different day when kiddos are involved. It will most likely take a bit more planning in order to keep children happy and safe on the course. This includes thinking about proper clothing and gear, making sure they are well fed and hydrated and even things such as scheduling, as previously mentioned. This looks like planning for an early tee time in order to stay ahead and out of the way of other golfers.
9) Take Advantage of Supervising Their Game and Attitude
Just like you will be able to help coach your child about the rules and skills of golf, taking your kids on the course is a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids about other skills, such as sportsmanship. For example, take advantage of situations out on the course where you can show your child to be encouraging and supportive of both themselves and others. This includes demonstrating that it is okay to be frustrated but not ok to act out or that while winning is nice, it is more important to be respectful and considerate of all players abilities and feelings.
10) There is More to the Course Than Just the Game
Like number 3 and other points have already discussed, this general point is something that is always important to keep in mind. While ultimately you are bringing the kids on the course to play, there are so many additional lessons that come along with the course. These include things like learning sportsmanship as well as things like appreciating nature. There are many breathtaking courses around the world that not only provide fun and challenging golf but additionally pose the perfect opportunity to sit back and take in the surrounding scenery. Bottom-line, don’t let the sport itself take away from all the other wonderful opportunities and cultural lessons the golf course has to offer to kids.
Source: River’s Edge Golf Blog