Tiger Woods was a golf prodigy who could assume a great stance and swing a club effectively at 3 years of age. Woods went on to break numerous barriers in his career and entered his first PGA tournament by age 18. [1] However, some kids haven’t reached the level of maturity to manage dangerous equipment until they’re much older. Some children take years to develop a good stance. Determining what age to start golf lessons depends on each child. In extraordinary cases, your child can begin at 2 or 3 years of age. Others shouldn’t begin until they reach school age. Kids who have no interest in the sport shouldn’t be forced, but they can be encouraged by example.
Your child’s interest in golf is the best barometer. Today, kids can develop an interest in playing golf by playing video games. Parents can begin informal lessons by showing their children how to stand, grip the club and swing. Ideally, keep the lessons short and fun. What age to start golf lessons? Children who express a real interest in the sport are candidates for lessons regardless of their age. [2]
Deciding when or if to give your kids golf lessons depends on their interests and ability to grasp the concepts and manage golf clubs. When you decide to begin lessons, rest assured that the sport of golf offers some outstanding benefits for children.
The benefits of golfing for kids
More children are definitely developing a taste for the game. Kids can expand their golf interests on social media, develop lifelong friendships and learn about personal responsibility. Other signature benefits of starting golf lessons at a young age include: [3]
- Kids can enjoy a safe and beautiful environment for play.
- Exercise that fosters wellness for life is a benefit of golf.
- Golf teaches kids to improve their abilities constantly.
- Spending time outdoors offers many health benefits.
- Golfers learn to control their emotions.
- Golf results in fewer injuries and risks than other sports.
Junior golfers under the age of 18 in Australia now account for 3.5 percent of total golfers across the country. Boys make up 4 percent, and girls comprise 2.3 percent. It’s estimated that there are 1.1 to 1.2 million golfers in Australia. [4] Fostering an interest in golf at an early age is important for the sport.
What age to start golf lessons depends on your venue
Once you’ve determined what age to start golf lessons, you just need to find an appropriate venue. It’s always best to start lessons with an impartial organisation to give your kids a diverse outlook and an age-appropriate social setting. Environment is critical in fostering a love of golf and a safe space for learning and development.
Aussie Kids Golf Academy is an ideal environment for golf lessons where your child can develop based on his or her skill level. Aussie Kids offers programs for beginners or junior golfers who want to move to a higher skill level in a beautiful and safe environment.
References:
[1] Espn.com: Hidden demographics of youth sports
[2] Hazeltineinternational.com: What Age Should Kids Start Playing Golf?