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Winter Golf Lessons For Kids

Winter Golf Lessons for Kids Aussie Kids
As the weather begins to cool down, most kids become less active and end up staying indoors spending their time in front of the television set or playing video games for hours on end.
 
It’s no surprise that cold and rainy weather can be a deterrent for young golfers, but their training doesn’t have to stop when the seasons change.
 
Indoor facilities provide the opportunity to work on their game regardless of the weather conditions outside. Simulators can create the experience of playing outside using state of the art graphics that allow you to practice in a small space. There are several benefits of using a simulator in order to continue lessons.

 

  • Instructional aid – Most simulators have sensors or cameras that track your swing, stance and club movement that offers feedback on how to improve your game.
  • Challenge – Most simulators have more than one course available so once you have mastered playing on one, you can choose from others so you’ll always be challenged.
  • All Weather Play – the weather tends to be one of the most challenging obstacles for many young golfers but having a simulator available means that you can continue practicing without worry of rain, cold or excessive heat.
  • Focus – Whatever you need to work on, your stance, swing, chipping, or any other aspect of your game, a simulator allows you to focus on it until you get it right.

 

Golf is a great game that offers kids an opportunity to learn real world skills and improve their confidence along with their golf score. The prevalence of childhood obesity is one of the biggest problems we have today, and it’s mostly due to poor diet and the lack of regular exercise kids get. Although it’s a complex problem, one of the most important remedies is getting and staying active, all year long.

Golf Tips For Beginners

Golf Tips For Beginners AussieWhen just learning to play golf, it’s important to start with the basics and get them right before moving on. After all, golf is a challenging game and without a solid foundation, you’ll most likely find yourself frustrated and throw in the towel before you ever get started.

 

Although there is a lot to learn, it’s important to take it in stride and not become overwhelmed. The key is to take your time and get it right. Golf is a game you can enjoy for a lifetime, so commit yourself and enjoy the ride.

 

The Basics

 

 

Golf Terminology – On the course, you will hear things like bogey, birdie, bump and run, and bunker and for most beginners, it’s pretty confusing. Don’t worry, you will learn what it all means and be speaking golf in no time.

 

Rules of Golf – There is no doubt that golf has a lot of rules. You’ll find that they are pretty important especially if you play in a tournament. Again, you will learn them over time but if you want to get up to speed quickly, golf lessons are a great idea.

 

Golf Wardrobe – If you have ever been on the course or watched the PGA you will know that some of the colors you’ll see are pretty bright. The rule of thumb is to wear a collared shirt and shorts or pants. No cut offs and T-shirts allowed.

 

 

Golf Etiquette

 

 

 

Making sure you know the do’s and don’t of golf etiquette is a must if you want to be allowed on the course. Yes, there are a lot of rules to learn but some are more important than others. They include:

 

  • Keep up with the pace of play – When it’s your turn, be ready.
  • Fix divots – Always repair the course before moving on.
  • No talking – When a golfer is getting ready for their shot, stay quit so they can focus.
  • Playing through – If your group is slow, let others play through.

Of course, there are additional considerations and you will want to learn them if you make golf a part of your life.

 

 

Golf Gear

 

 

Although having the proper equipment is important, you certainly don’t have to have it all on your first day. You will need:

 

  • Golf clubs – before you make a big investment, it’s best to get a few basic clubs. If you take lessons, they will be provided and your coach can help you to determine what you do need.
  • Golf bag – you will need to carry your clubs but getting a bag that stands up automatically and has straps is a good idea.
  • Golf balls – as a beginner you won’t need anything expensive.
  • Tees – you can get a bag of these without spending much at all.

 

There are endless amounts of golf gear but as a beginner it’s best to only get what you need to play. You can always add new things as you need them.

 

Learning how to play golf is an amazing experience. The game is fun, challenging and sometimes even heartbreaking. When first learning, don’t be discouraged as it will take time to feel like you’re showing any improvement. Lessons are a great way to get started so you will learn everything you need in order to have proper techniques for a great start to the game.

 

The Many Benefits of Playing Golf

The Many Benefits of Playing Golf AussieIf you’d like to help you child build some character while having fun, there is no better way than playing golf. As we rev up once again for another school year, you may be thinking about what type of after school program your child may enjoy. If you’re considering golf, you are going to be thrilled with the benefits of having your kids play the game.

 

Golf, like most sports, is a fun activity that kids can play while:

 

  • Making new friends
  • Improving their skills
  • Feeling like part of a team
  • Building confidence

 

The lessons that will be instilled in kids who play golf will be beneficial for a lifetime. As anyone who plays the game can attest to, golf, unlike most sports, can be a played throughout life which makes it uniquely gratifying.

 

Why Kids Should Play Golf

 

The lessons they will learn playing golf are valuable in the real world. They will learn that:

 

  • Hard work does pay off.
  • Dedication is something to be proud of.
  • Practicing is necessary when you want to see improvement in your game.
  • Honesty and self respect go hand in hand.
  • Challenging yourself teaches you not to give up.

 

The best part is that these skills are all transferable to real life situations like family, friendships, school and career. Teaching kids golf has another benefit as well. No matter how young your child is, golf is something that families can enjoy together. With technology  seemingly taking over our kids lives, golf is an opportunity to unplug and get outside. The walking alone offers opportunities for exercise and time to talk, and the bonding that takes place will never be forgotten.

 

After school programs can introduce them to a new world of fun, friendship and a social life that doesn’t include technology like social media and video games, all while teaching them valuable life lessons, without them even realizing it. No matter how old or young your child is, now is a great time to introduce them to the great game of golf.

 

 

The Many Benefits of Having Kids Play Golf

The Many Benefits of Having Kids Play Golf Aussie KidsIf you have thought about getting your child involved in the game of golf you’re not alone. These days we are seeing kids younger and younger on the course, and some of them are pretty darn good.

 

Just last month we saw fifteen year old Cole Hammer get a shot at the The US Open, playing along side golf greats Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, the twenty one year old who won this amazing event by one stroke. Cole didn’t end up making the cut, but what an exciting opportunity for this kid.

 

 

The reality is that playing golf offers so many benefits that go beyond playing a game. The amazing thing is these benefits will not just help them on the course, but help them with all the experiences they will have throughout life.

 

 

So, what are these great benefits?

 

First of all, they will learn life skills like mental focus and discipline. In order to continually improve, you have to get out and practice. There are a lot of different skills they will need in order to be a good golfer. They will need to work on their swing, putting, driving, chipping and a list of other skills. Having the discipline to work on something over and over takes work and dedication.

 

They will learn that healthy habits are very beneficial. On the course they will be outdoors enjoying fresh air and all types of weather, but they will also walk a lot, up to five miles is pretty standard. They will be getting some physical exercise, but many golfer say that their game improved even more once they included weight training and healthy eating into the mix.

 

Good manners are a must on the golf course. Along with learning the rules of golf, they will also learn about golf etiquette. Some of those rules include taking good care of the course you’re playing on, keeping your temper under control, being honest, respecting others time, turning off the sound on cell phones, dressing appropriately, and continuing to learn. Of course their are others, but the bottom line is that good manners do count.

 

They will learn social skills. Getting your kids involved in playing golf allows them to find others that enjoy the same thing. It facilitates bonding, friendship and most importantly, fun.

 

Golf is a game that offers a lot of fun for kids all while they learn valuable life skills, without even realizing it. So if you have been thinking that it might be a good idea to get your kids into a golf program, the answer is a big yes. They will love it!

Tips For Keeping Young Golfers Safe In The Sun

Tips For Keeping Young Golfers Safe In The Sun Aussie kidsYoung golfers are taking the world by storm and although it’s great for the sport, making sure they have sufficient sun protection can be an issue that can cost them dearly. Skin cancer is on the rise so getting educated is vital, especially for people who spend most of their time outdoors.

 

Fortunately, there have been some pretty amazing new sunscreens and other products that are available with the goal of keeping sun worshipers safe in the sun. Here are the top ten tips to stay safe while out on the golf course.

 

Always wear sunscreen. No matter what time of day you’re out, you are at risk when in the sun. Making sure you are fully covered is vital in staying protected.

 

Head out early. The sun’s rays are strongest between noon and two PM so going out early means that you can get in 18 holes before the UV rays are strongest.

 

Although the sun is hot, the UV rays is where the danger lies.

 

Choose appropriate clothing. Wearing hats, long sleeves, sun glasses and specialty clothing that protects you from UV rays is always a good idea.

 

Reapply sunscreen every nine holes to be sure you’re well protected all day.

 

Make sure your sunscreen has coverage for both UVA and UVB protection. Choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen will give you the most protection against dangerous ultraviolet light.

 

Understand the power of the sun. Golf courses have sand and water and the sun and UV rays can bounce off those surfaces and cause skin damage.

 

The summertime is an amazing time to be outdoors but staying safe on the golf course is vital in order to stay healthy. Choosing the right sunscreen is your number one defence against skin cancer but knowing other ways to protect yourself will ensure you can enjoy the great outdoors safely.

Should College Golfers Go Pro or Stay in School?

Should College Golfers Go Pro or Stay in School? Aussie KidsThere is a question that many college golfers have to ask themselves eventually if they’re really good at the game and want to make a career of playing golf. Should I stay in school or go pro? It’s not an easy decision to make. There are plenty of arguments on both sides and for most, it just comes down to talent and future goals.

 

For many golfers, college golf teams have a lot to offer. There can be travel, experience playing in tournaments and of course, getting a college degree. As TCU sophomore Julien Brun, winner of the European Challenge Tour has said about his decision to stay in school, “When you line up the pros and cons, it was not really a tough choice. I came to school to get a degree.”

 

But not all college players feel that way. Many college golfers choose to leave school and become pros. Jordan Spieth, who at 19 won The Masters in 2015 left school to pursue a professional career, and is doing rather well. Like many golfer’s before him, it was the right choice for him and in alignment with his future goals.

 

According to Hank Haney of Golf Digest, for those who would like to make golf their career, choosing to go to college rather than focussing on golf full time takes away from how successful many golfer could be. It’s not easy to juggle a full course load while putting the time needed into the game. In the end, it just takes the focus off the game.

 

There is no question that golf is a hard game to play, despite the fact that there are so many great golfers who make it look so easy. Watch Phil Mickelson or Rory McIlroy and you’ll know what I mean.

 

The game takes a lot more than just hitting a ball. There are weather conditions that you need to deal with, course conditions, knowing the best club to use for certain shots, knowing which shot is best and a variety of other details that if all done well, make a talented player.

 

So what is the best route to becoming a professional golfer? The answer is that there is no one right way. Talent is needed, and respect for the game, but most importantly, having a passion for the game is a must, because the reality is that it takes a lot of time playing to become good, and to become a pro it takes so much more.

 

Tips For Playing Golf In The Summer Heat

Tips For Playing Golf In The Summer Heat Aussie KidsWhen is comes to playing golf, dedicated players will be on the course no matter what the weather is, which means that even the summer heat won’t keep them away. But as temperatures rise and humidity sets in, it can be a challenge to enjoy a round of golf, even for die hard golfers.

 

The good news is that the summer heat doesn’t have to stop you from getting out on the course, if you follow a few smart rules.

 

  • Play early. During summertime, many courses open early so by getting an early tee time, you can get in your round for the day without getting bogged down by the heat. The hottest time of day is between 11 am and 2 pm so getting on the course when they open will help you to be more comfortable.

 

  • Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink lots of water, even if you’re playing early. Most of us don’t realize that we can become dehydrated even before we get thirsty so drinking a lot of water will ensure that you feel your best in the hot weather. It’s a good idea to freeze a few water bottles to ensure they will stay cold throughout your round.

 

  • Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must anytime you’re outside but especially on the golf course where you will be in the sun for a long time. Even with cloud cover, the sun’s UV rays are working so wearing sunscreen is vital.

 

  • Choose appropriate clothing. Many golfer like wearing black but choosing lighter colors goes a long way in keeping you cool on the course. Whites and light colored pastels are good choices and keeping clothing a bit loose will keep you comfortable as well.

 

  • Wear a visor. Wearing a visor is a great way to keep your face shaded without blocking the heat from escaping through your head. This ensures you keep your body temperature down as you protect your face from direct sunlight.

 

  • Have a towel. Bringing a towel can help to keep sweat to a minimum and allow you to wipe your hands off so the club doesn’t slip out of your hands. There are cooling towels on the market that can be beneficial if you play often.

 

  • Avoid sugar loaded beverages. Although sports drinks are advertised to keep you in balance, many of them are loaded with sugars which can actually cause you to feel dehydrated. Stick with cold water and sugar free beverages.

Staying cool won’t be a challenge this summer or keep you from getting on the course if you consider these tips for playing in the summer heat. Heading out during cooler hours is the main thing to remember, then you’ll get in your golf and still have time for a day at the beach!

 

 

Golf Training: What Parents Should Look For In Junior Golf Camps

With Summer quickly approaching, parents are looking for summer camps for their kids. For kids who enjoy playing golf or have showed interest in learning to play, golf camps are a great idea. But before you sign them up, there are a few things to consider so you can make sure that you are getting what you want from the program.

 

Most junior golf camps are suitable for kids from age seven to seventeen at any skill level. They will usually divide kids into groups, depending on what level they play at in order to make sure that they are able to work on the skills they need for their level of play.

 

We know that if your child is new to the game, they will have needs that differ from those kids who have been playing for a while, so in order to ensure your child isn’t left behind, here are a few tips on what to look for in a junior golf camp.

 

ITrevor Dozier - Aussie Kids Golf Academynstructors – You will want to know who is teaching the camp. For beginners new to the game, the instructors will most likely be assistants professionals or college golfers. The classes are more relaxed and fun with a variety of games and activities that teach newcomers the basics.This is a great way to find out if your child shows an ongoing interest in the game.

 

If your child has been playing for a while and is interested in improving skills to play a better game, you may want to have a PGA or LPGA professional as the instructor so your child can work on the skills they need to improve on.

 

Student – Instructor RatiosHow many kids will be in the camp? In order for a student to learn, the class must not be too large. A good ratio is a ten students to one instructor. If there are too many kids, it makes it hard for the instructor to give each child the attention they deserve.

 

Level of Play – You will want to ask about how the classes are divided up based on skill levels. You don’t want a child new to the game to be with experienced players or they may be watching the whole time. It’s important to know your child will get something out of the camp.

 

Camp Programs – There are a few different programs available so if your child is a girl, you can check out the LPGA golf camps as well. Of course, more and more girls are starting to play so having them in camp with the boys is great too!

 

Camp CostsCosts can vary depending on how long the camp lasts and their location. They normally have their own system so it’s important to ask about any requirements and memberships needed. The best thing to do is to call a couple of golf camps and compare costs to determine what is best for you.

 

The best thing about junior golf camps is the friendships that develop and the fun they will have while learning and improving on skills that not only benefit their golf game, but also help them with life. No matter what level your child is at, they will benefit from attending junior golf camp this summer.

 

 

Golf Tips For Kids

Golf Tips For Kids Aussie KidsIf you love the game of golf, most likely, you’ll want to pass your love of the game on to your kids. So if you are planning on taking your kids out to teach them how to play, there are a few things to remember.

First of all, how you teach them will depend on their age. For smaller kids, it’s important to let them just get a feel for their club and have fun. Although you probably want them to learn the correct way, when kids are young, they won’t care about that, and getting forceful with them will most likely turn them off to playing because it’s not fun. It’s best to make sure that playing is fun and as they become ready, teach them about the game little by little.

 

For older kids, you want to teach them correctly but remember to focus on one or two skills at a time because if they become overwhelmed and frustrated they will lose interest and that would be a real shame.

 

Here are five tips on how to teach kids how to play golf.

 

  • Make it fun. If kids are having fun, they will want to learn more and more. Incorporating games that teach a skill is a great way to teach them, and the best part is that they are enjoying it so much they don’t realize they are learning.

 

  • Start with putting. Putting is such a vital part of scoring and also a pretty simple stroke. Kids of every age can usually find success and that keeps them excited and motivated to continue.

 

  • Putt from various distances. Like playing horse in basketball teaches us to shoot from around the court, putting from different distances teaches them to have precision. You can make a game out of it and have them putt from 1 foot out, then 3 feet out and then maybe 6 feet out etc.

 

  • Add additional strokes and teach lessons on form. As they start to master one stroke, incorporate other strokes from easy to more difficult over time. As they become more comfortable, they will gain confidence and want to do better. Start to focus on how to hold clubs, the correct form for taking shots and the rules of the game.

 

  • Take time for teachable moments. It’s important to learn to do things correctly. Learning about the rules, keeping score and learning about golf etiquette are vital. It won’t help them if you tell them they doing great when they’re not. It’s important to be honest about how they can improve.

 

As a parent, it can be difficult to teach your own kids to play. They will sense it when you become frustrated or angry and will not want to continue. If you want your kids to enjoy golf as much as you do, getting them in golf lessons for their age group is a great introduction. They will learn from professionals who have experience teaching kids and your kids will learn how to play while meeting other kids who love the game. It’s a win-win for everyone.

 

When To Start Golf Lessons For Your Child

 

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?


When To Start Golf Lessons For Your Child

 

 

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.