Golf is a unique sport that can be played by all ages. The younger the player, the sooner they can learn the fundamentals of the game and build on those for decades to come. It is important to remember that golf is intended to be fun. The game has a reputation for being difficult and although it is challenging, it is like any other sport and the more you practice, the better you become.
Teaching children how to play the game starts with the understanding that kids need variety to stay engaged in the lesson. Activities that focus on hand-eye coordination can be useful for the younger players, even if it isn’t an activity that is specific to the actual game itself. Hitting balls helps the child learn their strength and gives them a chance to identify areas that need work with their swings. Good technique will develop as the child continues to play but this isn’t an instant development, so they will need to know it’s a gradual sport that takes lots of practice.
Kids tend to learn better in group settings where they have peers practicing the same lesson, but individual coaching is also an option for the more serious junior player. Not all junior players will want to compete in tournaments, some may prefer the game as a leisure sport that they enjoy with friends or family. Regardless of the player’s goals, teaching the basics is essential for all beginner players.
Practicing good golf etiquette is something all inexperienced players should learn right away as it is paramount for a good day at the course. Three basic and simple rules to live by are to wait for your turn, keep quiet while other players are playing and allow other golfers to get out of range before hitting your own ball. Addressing situations that may arise on the course, like a slow group ahead of you and what to do when that happens, is a great learning tool that will be invaluable for their entire golf career.
Golf safety is another essential topic that young players need to learn to keep themselves and others out of harm’s way for the duration of the game. There is always a potential for injury whether it’s your back and joints or an injury caused by balls or clubs. The more the player is exposed to different courses and the fundamentals, the deeper their understanding of the game will be.
Between equipment introductions, swing instruction and everything else a beginner needs to learn, golfing can seem like an overwhelming sport to try. But like anything, it’s all about the fundamentals and learning from an experienced golfer can make the difference between frustration and confidence in young players.