If you love the game of golf, you may be eager to pass on that love of the game to your child. After all, some dad’s have been know to buy their child a set of clubs before they can walk, and others think it’s best to wait until their kids are older. So when is the right time to start your child playing golf? 

 

According to John Elliott Jr., one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers, a great time to start lessons is when they can catch a baseball. He explains that once they have that eye hand coordination they are ready to learn. He also explains that the key in passing on the love of the game is making it fun from beginning to end. If they feel like it’s work, or are stressed out, you can bet that they will drop it and never look back.

 

What is the best way to get started? There are a few thoughts on this. Some instructors say that just getting out there is a good way to go and others think that discussing the rules and principals of the game should come first. Of course, it really depends on the kids age. If they are too young, they won’t understand the principals at first but will learn them as they play, but for older kids, learning the principals right away is an important part of the game.

 

By principals, we mean the etiquette and rules of golf, which focuses on the honor of the game throughout history. As a player, you must self police so honesty is vital. It’s actually a lot like how you live life. Golf teaches kids to be respectful of others, follow the rules and have high moral standards. The great thing is that once you adopt this way of living, it stays with you throughout your life.

Teaching kids to play is easy:

 

• Make sure they want to play
• Make it fun
• Find a school or instructor that works with kids
• Dress them appropriately
• Teach the principals
• Manage expectations
• Did we say, make it fun?

 

 

Golf is a great game that can grow with you so starting early is a great idea if your child shows interest. Remember, whatever your childs age, kids want to have fun, so making sure they do is the key to a love of the game.