Seeing that your child is having fun while learning to golf is a key part of whether they’ll stick with the game.
If you want to make a difference in your child’s life, consider giving them the gift of golf. The morals, connections, and abilities that they acquire while playing this fantastic game will serve them for the rest of their lives. The question that you might be asking yourself is how you can get your child interested in golf and, more crucially, how you can keep them engaged in it. Here is a list of the most effective things you can do to assist your youngster in developing a passion for the game.
- Group instruction
When learning golf, it is quite beneficial for children to be in the company of other children. When they are younger, they are more suited to receive education in a group setting. When children are in a group setting, as opposed to working with an instructor on an individual basis, they are more engaged and have a better time. Find a teacher in your area who provides group classes for children, or, alternatively, get together a small group of your child’s friends and sign them up with a coach as a group for weekly lessons.
- Make it fun
One of the problems that I observe is that parents have the perception that their children must perform everything correctly when they are learning. If they are younger than eight years old, it is acceptable for them to have a sloppy grasp, to not stand correctly, or to lose their balance; these are all acceptable behaviours. In due time, those things will become apparent. My peewee golf classes are for children aged three to six years old, and I allow them to grip the club in a cross-handed position if they so desire, as well as allow them to have space between their hands. When it comes to holding the club at the top of their backswing, younger children, particularly girls, do not yet possess any of the strength necessary. If you give kids the freedom to choose how they want to hold the bat, they will be able to make a more powerful swing, improve their shots, and have a more enjoyable experience overall.
- Have proper equipment
The hand-me-down clubs or the gifted set that is way too lengthy or the gifted set that is too hefty for that particular child are examples of the cardinal sins. Because of this, it is quite challenging for a child to swing a ball and get it into the air with any degree of success. My preference would be for parents to get a putter and a yard club from US Kids for their children who are just starting out in the game of golf rather than a complete kit. Kids are able to swing more quickly and smash the ball higher into the air with greater ease when they use these clubs because they are lightweight, feature a grip guide, and have a larger clubface. This feeling of accomplishment is really necessary for them to continue playing the game. Despite the fact that your youngster is getting older, the full sets offered by US Kids continue to be the finest choice for your junior golfer. They are organised according to height and come with a variety of weighted clubs that are tailored to your child’s capabilities.
- Let it be their idea/Don’t push
As your child develops an interest in golf, you should encourage them to go to the driving range and hit balls on their own initiative. In no way should you coerce them into doing it or compel them to accompany you to the shooting range. If they do wish to come with you, you should make it a pleasurable experience for them. Participate in a game of putting on the green, challenge yourself to smash balls into a bin, or attempt to hit one of the targets on the range. The fact that they come along with you and decide that they do not want to hit and instead want to sort through golf balls is perfectly acceptable. During the time that kids are being introduced to the sport, let it be whatever it is that they want it to be.
- PGA Junior League
The PGA Junior League is an incredible chance for any young person who is interested in golf to get hooked on the game. The mood of the team and the matches are very similar to those of Little League, but when it comes to golf. Your youngster will be able to get out on the golf course in a short amount of time since they will be paired with a player who has more expertise. Additionally, there are programmes that offer weekly practices. Etiquette, the rules of golf, golf skills, and other golf-related topics will be taught to your child in a setting that is both enjoyable and welcoming.
- Allow for athletic development
A great number of children are incapable of kicking or throwing a ball. In the event that this is the case, they are going to have a hard time hitting a golf ball. It is important to make sure that the coach is aware of your child’s development as an athlete if they are taking lessons, whether they are private or group training. Being able to run, leap, kick, and hit are all skills that will help them become a well-rounded athlete and improve their ability to play golf. In order to be an effective junior golf coach, it is essential to incorporate some form of physical activity into each and every training session. An obstacle course or kicking a football are two examples of activities that can be considered basic, but they are both crucial components of your child’s growth.
- For girls, make it social
An important thing that I have realised is that girls are very outgoing and gregarious. They need to have friends that are either good at the sport or play it in order for them to continue participating in it as they approach closer to their teenage years. If you have a daughter who is interested in learning how to play golf, you should look for a local LPGA females Golf programme or a female instructor that teaches females in groups rather than individually. It is highly likely that she will participate in the activity if she observes a female instructor and/or other girls having a good time.