Category Archives: Junior Golf

Junior Golf, Tournaments

Kangaroo Cup is Coming Soon

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kangaroo cup aussie kids golfYou won’t want to miss our next Kangaroo Cup!

Join us on the golf course for a fun day with your junior golfer! All juniors ages 3 – 13 years are invited to participate with a parent or other adult family member/friend.

Sunday, October 20th, 2019

Cross Creek Golf Course

1221 Cross Creek Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30327

10:00 A.M. Shotgun Start

2-Person (Parent – Child) Teams

Alternate Shot Format (junior family member will tee off on each hole, once on green both family members can attempt the putt and choose the best one until it is holed out)

Gross score, no handicaps

Food/Drinks, Contests & Prizes

$59 per Team

 

To register, email elizabeth@aussiekids.com or call the Academy at 404.812.6808.

All teams must be registered, and pairings made known, by Friday October 11th, 2019.

Payment is due at the time of registration.

Spaces are limited ~ reserve yours today!

After School Sports, Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Scholarships, Golf Tips, Junior Golf

Sports Change Lives: Why It’s Important To Introduce Your Kids to Golf

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It is important for children to practice golf. If you want to help your children in all areas of their lives, enroll them in a golf academy for kids. Golf enables your kids to spend fewer hours glued to their cell phones and more time outdoors. With the benefits of building strong bodies and minds, young golfers experience more stamina. Golf helps your kids develop a sense of well-being throughout their growing years.

Younger Children Develop Composure

Why is it important to introduce your kids to golf at a young age?Young children who are enrolled in a golf academy for kids at an early age learn to have confidence in their abilities. Youngsters enjoy comparing their previous attempts at playing golf to their current, improved undertakings. From learning new skills to attaining their goals, kids develop greater self-assurance.
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How old is old enough to enroll your kids in golf?

Mental and Physical Well-Being Accompany Golfers Throughout their Lives

Give your children the gift of health when you enroll them in a golf academy featuring classes geared toward training young kids. Instead of spending hours watching television or using their computers, kids spend time walking in the open air. Golf teaches children how to analyze situations. Probing the depths of any topic renders a child with an innate knack for tackling difficult homework assignments.

Young Golfers Develop Meaningful Friendships

Learning social skills is another benefit associated with playing golf at a tender age. Younger golfers enrolled in a golf academy are eager to strike up new friendships with fellow sports enthusiasts. Whether sharing insights on the golf course or over their favorite pizzas, kids who play golf form lasting friendships. Consequently, it is important for children to practice golf.

Kids Spend Less Time Fretting and More Time Enjoying Life

Above everything else, young golfers learn how to have fun. Instead of spending time worrying about various concerns, kids develop a sense of humor and camaraderie with other young golfers. Kids who appreciate the art of having fun have better chances of growing up into adults who embrace life with passion.

Golf Provides Youngsters with Important Dreams

It is important for children to practice golf because every child needs to have a purpose in life. A golf academy created with kids in mind features excellent instructors who care about instilling values into young minds. If you want to give your kids the best possible gift, enroll them in a golf academy for kids today.

 

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After School Golf Programs for Kids in Buckhead

After School Golf Programs for Kids in John’s Creek

After School Sports, Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Scholarships, Golf Tips, Junior Golf

After School Winter Sports for Kids

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Why Your Child Needs After School Sports this Winter

The winter is a great time to get together with family and spend time together. However, every parent knows how hard it can be to manage the winter with children. During the summer, kids like to play outside. During the winter, on the other hand, children often have to spend more time inside. This resulting cabin fever is a problem for kids and adults alike. We believe that this problem can be easily addressed with a quality after-school sports kids winter program.

The Dangers of Cabin Fever

Since many families face cabin fever year after year, you may wonder what the big deal is. All families cope in their own way to get through to the warmer weather of spring. The problem is that the way most families cope is not exactly healthy. Many kids spend more time being sedentary during the winter. They will watch more television, play more video games or spend time on tablets or phones. These distractions are fun sometimes, but when they become the predominant form of entertainment for months, the effect can be problematic. These activities provide no physical outlet, and they offer limited mental engagement. In short, children who rely on these activities for their winter entertainment get sluggish in mind and body.

The Difference of After School Sports

One way to prevent this problem is to create a structured outlet for your children. It is difficult for children to play outside on their own during the winter, but there are other venues for activity through structured sports. These sports can meet several times a week, providing physical engagement and mental stimulation. With an after school sport, your child will have specific times each week to get active. This increased physical activity can keep your child healthy, and it can easily keep cabin fever from becoming a problem.

The Benefits of After School Sports

Specific benefits can be hard to measure but easy to see. First, there is the physical reality. An after school sport provides exercise, which is something today’s youth need in great amounts. Keeping your children active is not just about keeping them fit. Physical health also has emotional implications. To this end, after school sports keep children engaged mentally. This mental engagement keeps them learning, which yields dividends in school and other contexts. Moreover, structured sports lessons keep your child involved, providing a social outlet that can be hard to achieve otherwise during the winter.

Winter Golf Lessons for Your Child

There are a number of after school sports kids winter programs to consider, but golf offers some unique advantages. Golf is a game that blends physical refinement with mental precision. This makes golf an invigorating challenge for kids, and our winter golf programs make the sport accessible with personalized instruction for kids at every level of play. Golf can teach your child discipline, promote physical fitness and provide focus during the long winter months. Learn more about our after school golf academy for this coming winter season.

After School Sports, Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Scholarships, Golf Tips, Junior Golf

How To Make A Good First Impression With College Golf Recruiters

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If you know that you would like to play college golf, you likely understand the importance of visiting the colleges and programs in which you are interested. Visiting colleges and golf coaches can be a great way for you to get noticed. It can also be a good way for both you and the coach to make certain that you and the college are a good fit. Here is what you should keep in mind about visiting college golf coaches.

college-golf

When is the right time to visit college golf coaches?

 

Before you begin your sophomore year of high school, it is a good idea to make a list of the colleges in which you are interested. You should then reach out to the college golf coaches by sending your golf resume, an introductory letter, your grades and a short video that shows your shots with wedges, long irons and drivers. Make certain to thank the coaches for taking the time to look at your materials.

 

You are able to make as many unofficial visits as you’d like, and it makes sense to try to visit multiple programs so that you can get an idea of what campus life is like at each university and a better sense of the golf program. Official visits, in which the college pays for most of your expenses, are limited. You can only complete a maximum of five official visits with one at each school. These visits cannot be conducted until after the first day of your senior year of high school. Before an official visit, you must submit your transcripts, ACT or SAT scores and a verification that you have registered with the NCAA eligibility center.

How to make a good first impression

 

Before you visit a college and meet with a golf coach, it is important for you to prepare so that you can make the best impression possible. In general, most college golf coaches prefer players who are able to speak for themselves. This makes it important for you to do more of the talking than your parents. You should speak with confidence about your future and be able to explain your plan for success. Have some questions prepared to ask the coaches about their programs. Make certain to dress professionally, and try to anticipate questions that you might be asked. Before you visit, make certain that you complete research about the college and its golf program.

Types of golf stats to discuss

 

The stats that you have achieved while competing at state and junior golf tournaments are much more important than talking about your handicap while playing at your home golf club. You should be prepared to talk about your state or USGA handicap index and your stroke average from high school. You should be prepared to discuss your tournament highlights, including the number of players, the name and location of the tournament, the course rating, the distance and your finish.

How to maintain a professional demeanor

 

Making a good impression on college golf coaches will require you to conduct yourself in a professional manner. You should dress nicely without being overdressed. When you meet the coach, maintain eye contact and make certain to introduce yourself and shake the coach’s hand. Be prepared to answer difficult questions that you might be asked. It is best for your parents to excuse themselves after they meet the coach so that you can communicate directly with the coach. Be confident in your abilities, but remember to maintain some humility. Let the coach know that you are seriously interested in his or her program. When the visit comes to a conclusion, thank the coach for taking the time to meet with you and restate your interest in the college and the golf program. Make certain to send a thank you letter after your visit.

Research to complete before your visit

 

Conducting research prior to your visit is vital. You should research the college as well as the program. You should be realistic and only target schools at which you have a good chance of acceptance. Make certain that your grades and your standardized test scores fit the school and that your golf stats are competitive with the program that you are considering.

When and if you should ask for scholarship money

 

In order to get a golf scholarship, it is important that you have strong grades and test scores. You should also have strong results from USGA tournaments and state tournaments. Golf scholarships are awarded on an equivalency basis. This means that the coaches have a specific amount of money that they have to divide among their recruits. If you have a strong academic and golf record, you should ask about golf scholarships when you complete your official visits. You should also keep in mind that you will likely not receive a full ride scholarship for golf.

What you should include in a follow-up letter

 

After you have completed a visit, make sure to send a follow-up letter. In your letter, you should thank the coach for taking the time to meet with you and to review your materials. You should restate your interest in the golf program and quickly remind the coach why you would be a good fit for the program.

 

Visiting colleges and golf programs can be very exciting. When you prepare for your visits well and work to make a strong impression, you may find the program and college that is the best fit for you.

Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Training

Junior Golf Development Tips

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Golf is becoming an increasingly popular game for young people of all ages. However, there are some important safety and development tips to keep in mind when you’re dealing with a young child or adolescent. The material presented here will help you keep the game of golf fun and exciting for your child, while still providing them the opportunities and training needed to advance their golf skills.

junior-golf-development-tips

Understanding Proper Training for Children

 

Children have unique needs when it comes to proper training for golf. Since their bodies are still developing and changing on a continual basis, care must be taken to avoid injuries and discomfort.

 

While it’s true that children need to spend time on the course to learn the game, consider ways to maximize this time so that it means the most in terms of productivity. For example, take your child to the course during off-peak times. This will allow him to practice his skills without interrupting adult players. Additionally, keep in mind hunger, thirst, pain, fatigue, and other aspects of functioning may strongly impact your child’s ability to put forth the effort required to benefit from their training session. Try to work with the needs and personality requirements of your child.

 

In terms of the physical demands of training, always keep in mind your child’s strengths and limitations. You know your child better than anyone else. Ensure he has the proper equipment for his size, age, and strength capabilities. Work with him on advancing his skill levels while still attending to any physical demands he may have.

 

Golf practice should not be a physically painful or stressful experience for your child. If your child experiences physical complaints when he swings or performs other golf movements, he may be training too hard or using equipment that is not suited for his current size and strength. You may also want to limit the amount of time your child spends on each training session. Children will tire out before adults necessarily will, so pay close attention to your child’s cues that he has had enough training for the day. As he grows and matures, he will be able to handle longer training sessions.

 

How Training Needs Change as a Child Grows

 

As your child gets older, he will change in many ways. These can include both physical and emotional changes. Older children will generally exhibit more patience, understanding, and consideration for others. As he changes in physical ways, your child will also require different equipment that is suited to his current height and strength capabilities. As he gains balance and increased upper body strength, your child will be able to swing harder and with greater accuracy. It may be normal for your child to overdo it at this stage since he feels a greater degree of power and force behind each swing. It’s important to ensure he still carries out each swing with proper safety and protocol in mind to protect his developing body.

 

Boosting Your Child’s Confidence and Self-Esteem

 

Some children struggle with their confidence level as they begin to advance in their golf skills. This may come from watching others who they feel are more adept at the game than they are. Children may also want to push ahead faster than their current strength or skill level allows them to do. If they are unable to achieve the level of success that they’d like as fast as they would like, they may begin to feel frustrated or defeated. It’s important to continue to encourage your child from a mental, emotional, and physical aspect. Let him know that he doesn’t need to compare himself and his skills to other players. Boost his confidence with continual praise and constant support both on and off the course.

 

Maintaining Proper Focus During the Game

 

Depending on the age of your child, you may find that he struggles to maintain focus during the game. This can be remedied in a few different ways. For starters, be sure to work around issues such as tiredness, hunger, or academic stress. Let your child’s practice sessions be scheduled for times when he won’t be distracted by physical discomforts, other players, or stress at home. Taking brief breaks or keeping practice sessions a bit shorter can also help your child’s focus remain sharp.

 

Keeping the Fun Alive

 

Most importantly, the game of golf should be fun for your child. Without the element of fun and joy, what is the point of playing? By providing your child with the proper equipment, allowing him to take breaks if he experiences fatigue, and rewarding each success along the way, he will likely experience all the joy that golf has to offer. Some families even make a special routine out of practice sessions or games. Perhaps you make it a tradition to head out for ice cream after each game and talk about the experiences you had on the course. Making the game special in your own unique way can add to the appeal and draw you closer as a family.

 

Golf is an exciting game that children of all ages can enjoy. If you listen to the needs of your child and offer him the support he requires, he will gain many skills from learning the game of golf. Many professional academies also exist that can help provide the direction and support that can benefit your child the most as he develops a lifelong passion for golf.

Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Training

Best Forms of Golf Training for Kids

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Golf can be an exciting sport for children to get involved with. In addition to developing many physical and emotional skills on the course, your child will have an opportunity to develop strong friendships that will last for years to come. However, any sport requires a great deal of dedication and practice in order for your child to reach his full potential. The following information will provide important tips regarding the best ways to get optimal golf training for your child.

 

golf-training-for-kids

 

How Many Hours Should Children Practice?

 

Children typically have short attention spans. In addition to this factor, their mood can be influenced by many outside forces. These factors can include such things as the temperature, hunger, thirst, physical pain, fatigue, or emotional stress. Therefore, the hours and time-frame that your child should spend practicing on a weekly basis may depend a great deal on his age and maturity level. For a younger child, it may be wise to begin with an hour or two once each week. As your child matures and gets accustomed to the game, you can increase the number of hours spent playing golf each week.

 

What Kinds of Training Exercises are Best for Children?

 

Golf is an interesting sport that requires various types of shots with different types of clubs. The following categories of training exercises will allow your child to develop well-rounded golf skills that cover all areas.

 

* Golf Chipping

 

In the sport of golf, chips are very short shots that are played around the greens with a variety of specific golf clubs. By having a specific point of reference in mind, your child can be allowed to practice his skill at chipping the ball. Since visualizing how the shot will turn out is an important part of successful chipping, your child may need a lot of practice sessions to hone this skill.

 

* Golf Putting

 

In the sport of golf, putting shots are shorter and slower shots aimed at getting the ball rolling in the direction of the hole from a short distance away. Being an accurate judge of distance is important in accurate putting, but other factors come into play that requires a great deal of practice. These additional factors can include the slope, wind factors, and other environmental aspects of the course.

 

* Golf Swings

 

The driving range is a great way for your child to practice a full golf swing before taking to the course to play an official game. Using the driving range for this purpose has the added benefit of not disrupting the games of other players on the course while your child is still in the learning phase of developing this vital skill.

 

* Golf Etiquette

 

Of course, no lesson on the sport of golf would be complete without a section on proper golf etiquette. Learning proper etiquette can involve everything from showing respect for other players to taking good care of the golf course. Even wearing the proper golf attire and paying careful attention to safety habits can fit into this important category.

 

How Often Should Children Practice with Different Clubs?

 

In order for your child to become successful at the game of golf, he needs to be playing with the right equipment. The main thing to remember when it comes to children and golf clubs is the child’s smaller stature. Of course, learning to use all types of golf clubs properly is an important aspect of the game. However, it’s imperative that your child doesn’t get unduly frustrated because he’s playing with clubs that are ill-suited for his stature.

 

Focus on finding golf clubs that suit your child’s height and size properly. Attempting to use a golf club that is too stiff or too long can cause your child’s skill to suffer and his frustration to build. It may also be wise to let him get the hang of one type of golf club before moving on to others.

 

What Time of Day Should Children Practice on the Course?

 

Children who are still learning the sport of golf will obviously be playing at a very different level than adults, even if those adults are also beginners. However, it’s important for children to spend time on a proper golf course in order to learn the game efficiently.

 

It’s in your child’s best interest to take him to the golf course during times when it’s naturally less busy. For most golf courses, this will be times during the late evening. It may be wise to ask your local golf course what their least busy times are to give you a better indication of ideal days and times for your child to play. Taking your child to play golf during quieter times will be less frustrating for both him and the other players on the course.

 

Important Safety Precautions for Children

 

Golf is likely one of the safest sports that children can get involved in. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t accompanied by a few risks that need to be carefully addressed with your child. Many injuries that occur on a golf course involve being inadvertently hit by a golf ball. It’s vital that your child learns to keep an eye out for other players and to take responsibility for his own safety on the course. Additionally, following proper guidelines while using golf carts is important, as is knowing what to do during dangerous weather situations.

 

Golf is a fun, exciting, and safe sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Golf can allow your children to develop incredible physical skills, manage their emotions and expectations successfully, and forge lasting bonds with other players. By following the training advice outlined here, your child can gain mastery over this sport while enjoying the time he spends on the golf course to the max.

Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Tips, Junior Golf

Kids Golf Safety Tips

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Golf is an excellent form of exercise that provides many additional benefits for kids of all ages. In addition to enjoying the outdoors, your child can gain skills surrounding the management of emotions, self-control, and the development of lasting friendships.

 

Although golf is considered an incredibly safe sport, there is always a possibility that accidents, injuries, or trauma could occur. By following the tips listed below, you’ll be able to lower your risk of these incidents and enjoy all the benefits that golf has to offer.

 

kids-golf-safety-tips

 

Weather-Related Safety Tips

 

Knowing how to deal with unpredictable weather is vital in the game of golf. Although the weather can change at the drop of a hat, being prepared for these changes can help you remain safe. Consider the following weather elements and tips for handling them appropriately.

 

* Sun Exposure

 

Since you’ll be outdoors for long periods of time, you will want to protect your skin from the sun. A proper sunscreen, visor, and light-colored protective clothing is recommended.

 

* Lightning

 

During certain times of the year, thunderstorms can seem to pop up at a moment’s notice. Since you’ll be carrying around a metal rod, lightning presents a true danger to those on the course. If a thunderstorm occurs while you’re playing golf, you should put your club away and seek proper shelter until the storm passes. Never take a chance on continuing to play when lightning is present.

 

* Wind and Chill

 

Safety glasses and a windproof umbrella, paired with the proper attire, can provide a great deal of protection from harsh winds and colder temperatures. Wind can make it difficult to see properly, so the correct gear can keep you safe and improve your game.

 

Golf Cart Safety Tips

 

People may not give a lot of thought to operating a golf cart in a safe manner. After all, they aren’t being driven on a busy highway. However, accidents and injuries do often occur as a result of driving a golf cart recklessly.

 

First and foremost, a golf cart should only be driven by someone who is licensed and experienced in handling its basic operations. Adolescents are sometimes qualified to properly handle a golf cart, especially if an adult is present to oversee things. Basic rules such as remaining on the proper golf cart path, avoiding driving over rough terrain, and keeping extremities inside the cart at all times can drastically cut down on the risk of injuries.

 

What Happens When Someone Yells “Fore”?

 

Another common injury that can occur on the golf course involves being hit by a stray ball. While it’s not common, potentially serious or even fatal injuries can occur from a golf ball striking an individual. For this reason, it’s imperative that a golfer pays attention to his surroundings constantly. Never take a swing if there’s a possibility that your ball could end up hitting someone. Rather, wait until the coast is clear before swinging.

 

It’s possible that someone may inadvertently step in the way of your ball after you’ve made your swing. Perhaps they went unnoticed because they were behind a tree or bush. It’s important to always yell “fore” if this occurs. This will allow other players and individuals on the course to be aware that a golf ball may be headed in their direction.

 

On a similar note, if you’re playing golf and another player yells “fore”, don’t look for the ball or you risk being hit directly in the face or head. Rather, take cover behind a tree or inside your golf cart if it is nearby. If there are no objects to use to protect yourself, you can always shield your face and head with your arms.

 

Swinging Safety Tips

 

As stated earlier, golf is considered a very safe sport. Most golf injuries are repetitive use injuries, meaning they occur due to making frequent motions in a similar fashion repeatedly. Conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, and pain in the back or joints are common repetitive use injuries that can occur in the sport of golf. Using a proper technique each and every time you swing your club can reduce the chances of suffering from one of these injuries. For example, back pain most often occurs as a result of an incorrect stance when swinging.

 

Keeping Yourself and Others Safe

 

In addition to repetitive use injuries, swinging a golf club can injure others too. If someone is standing too close to you when you swing, they could be accidentally hit by your club. Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure that others remain a safe distance from you as you take your swing. It also important to remember that you are responsible for your own safety on the course. Take steps to protect yourself from being hit by someone else’s club by remaining a safe distance away when they swing. Don’t assume that they’re watching out for you and will let you know if you’re in the way.

 

Proper Attire and Gear Helps Performance and Comfort

 

Wearing the proper clothing and shoes can go a long way toward keeping you safe, comfortable, and successful on the course. Light-colored clothing reflects the sun away from you, helping you remain cool on hot days. Many players also use appropriate umbrellas, glasses, and other accessories to help block dangerous winds and chill that can affect the player’s comfort and safety.

 

As with any physical activity, it’s also important to practice a safe warm-up prior to the start of the game. Taking a brisk walk or engaging in some basic stretching exercises can help warm up your muscles prior to playing, thus reducing the risk of injuries and pain.

 

Golf remains a popular sport for children and adults of all ages. Golf is engaging, fun, and allows children to develop important skills that can benefit them in many areas of life. Lastly, golf is also a very safe sport. By following the tips outlined here, your child can enjoy the advantages golf has to offer in a safe, healthy, and productive manner.

Benefits, Girls Golf, Golf Lessons, Golf Tips, Junior Golf

How to Start Your Kids in Golf Tournaments

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After children have had some experience on the golf course with an instructor and have learned the rules and the etiquette, they may be ready to start competing in youth golf tournaments. There are many different tournaments for youth across the U.S. for players of all ages and scoring levels. Before signing up your child for a tournament, it is important that you are sure that he or she is ready so that his or her confidence isn’t destroyed.kids-golf-tournament

How old do children need to be to enroll in golf tournaments?

Some tournaments require that children are at least seven years old or older while others have levels for children who are under age seven. When your child is ready to play tournament golf, you will want to check around to find a tournament that matches your child’s ability level as well as his or her age.

How to choose a suitable tournament for your child

It is important to choose the right tournament for a junior golfer. You should consider your child’s skill level and choose a tournament that fits it. You should check the prior year’s results to assess how competitive it is and whether or not your child’s scoring level fits it. If your child is young, you should understand that some tournaments make all children ages 7 through 10 compete with each other while others have competitions for each age. The locations are important. It is a good idea to have a mixture of tournaments with some being closer to home and others further away. Once you have identified a good golf tournament for your child, you will then need to understand how to help him or her to prepare.

How to prepare your child for a golf tournament

Before registering for a golf tournament, it is important that your child has plenty of opportunities to practice. When they are ready and after you have registered, you should help them to get to know the course where the tournament will be held. Make certain that your child gets plenty of sleep. It is also important that your child stays well hydrated before, during and after a golf tournament. Finally, teach your child to visualize successfully completing the tournament. This may help him or her to remain focused on the day of the tournament.

How to make certain that your child’s equipment is ready

Before a golf tournament, you should make certain that your child has all of the equipment that he or she will need. You should make certain that your child has the following:

  • Junior golf bag and cart
  • Junior golf tees
  • Junior golf clubs
  • Junior golf clothing and shoes

In addition to these basic supplies, you should gather some additional items for your child to carry in his or her golf bag, including the following:

  • Golf balls
  • Golf gloves
  • Extra golf tees
  • Small towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

How children and parents should act at golf tournaments

Competing in golf tournaments requires that both children and their parents know all of the unspoken rules of etiquette. While golf is very social, it is important that you and your child are silent when another golfer is preparing to swing. Your child should also leave the course in good shape. He or she should fill in his or her divots and ball marks and rake the bunkers. Make certain to watch your shadow so that it is not in the visual field of someone else who is putting. Both parents and children should understand the importance of good sportsmanship. Your child should be taught to yell “Fore!” if he or she hits a ball that goes the wrong way towards another person.

What attitude should parents project to their kids before golf tournaments?

Before golf tournaments, parents should work to help their children to gain confidence. They should act positively while also preparing their kids for the chance that they might not win. You should stress to your child that playing in a tournament will give him or her good experience regardless of the outcome.

Choosing a competition level according to your child’s scoring level

In order to choose a competition level for your child, you should choose it according to your child’s scoring level. You should calculate your child’s average score and then choose a level that fits his or her average. Many junior golf tournaments post scoring ranges for different levels, helping you to know which level to register your child for. Don’t choose a competition level that is above your child’s average scoring level or it might destroy his or her confidence.

How to keep your child positive during a tournament

Before a tournament, help your child process through his or her emotions. If you also help him or her to visualize successfully completing the course, he or she is likelier to remain focused on the day of the tournament. Whenever he or she misses, stay positive and tell your child, “Good effort!” Stress that the most important thing is to continue working to improve and let your child know that it is okay if he or she does not win.

Junior golf tournaments can be a great way to help your child to improve his or her game. You should make certain that your child is ready for tournament play and understands all of the rules of etiquette. By helping him or her to prepare and choosing the tournament and level that is right for your child, your child can have an excellent experience regardless of his or her score.

After School Sports, Benefits, Golf Tips, Junior Golf, Performance, Training

Kids Golf Equipment

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kids-golf-equipmentAs any golfer knows, choosing the right clubs makes a big difference when it comes time to play. This is especially true for kids. Young players need clubs of the right size and weight for their needs. Equipment that is ill-fitted can create bad habits and swing problems that can be difficult to unlearn later. Children may also get frustrated with the difficulty of the game or their results and not want to keep playing due to ill-fitted equipment.

Why Kid-Specific Clubs Are a Good Idea

 
Before golfing equipment for children became widely available, it was common for parents to modify adult clubs for their kids. However, simply cutting down the shaft isn’t enough. Adult clubs have heavier heads and stronger lofts, which can make it difficult for kids to achieve a good swing and get the ball airborne. Clubs made for kids are more lightweight, flexible and lofted.

 

What to Look for in Children’s Golf Clubs

 
Height and weight can vary significantly between children of the same age group, which is why clubs should be purchased based on your child’s individual size rather than age. Athleticism, height and weight should all be taken into account when choosing clubs.

 
Length is the most important factor when it comes to choosing golf clubs.

 
Typically, golf clubs are sold with recommended height ranges. You should aim for your child to be within the middle of the range. If your child is barely within the height recommendations for the club you’re looking at, you may want to consider a different club that provides some room to grow without being much too large.

 
Because golf clubs can be expensive, you may wish to buy a set of clubs your child can “grow into” over time, saving you from needing to buy new clubs with every growth spurt. You can usually get by with a club that’s approximately 1.5 inches longer than necessary; this provides some room for adjustments for hand positioning on the grip as the child grows without affecting the swing technique too much.

 
When buying clubs, it might be a good idea to buy them in-person rather than order them online. Bring your child to the store to try out various clubs and see how they feel. This will give you the best idea of how the club will fit and whether the swing will be comfortable.

 

Other Considerations When Buying Golf Equipment for Kids

 
Younger golfers do not need a full set of clubs. When they’re just beginning to learn the game, three clubs should suffice: a putter, a wood and a 5-7 iron. Additional clubs can be added as the child gains proficiency with the game, but avoid any of the lower lofted clubs as a child may struggle to get the ball air-lofted. Your goal in teaching a child should be to ensure success and minimize frustrations that might discourage the child from continuing to practice and play.

 
Although clubs are important, ball selection will also help to set your child up for success. For the best results, you’ll want to buy a ball with low compression. The compression rating you choose should be based on your child’s average swing speed, which can be measured at the course. Low-compression balls are more likely to be hit straight at low speeds, which makes them ideal for kids.

 
You can buy golf balls made with children in mind from most manufacturers. When choosing a ball, you may want to pick one with high visibility to make it easier and more fun for your child to keep track of his or her ball on the course.

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Tips On Teaching Kids Proper Golf Etiquette

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teach-kids-proper-golf-etiquetteGolfing can be a great family pastime and wonderful sport for kids, but you’ll need to be sure that your children understand more than just the rules of the game. Etiquette is very important at the course, and you’ll want to take the time to ensure that your children are well-behaved before you start teaching the secrets of a good swing.

 

One of the best ways to teach golfing etiquette to your kids is to bring them along as spectators the next time you go golfing. You’ll want to be sure that the course allows this, of course; you may need to do a bit of research to find a family-friendly golf course in your area.

 
Once you’ve settled on a location, allow yourself plenty of time to get through the game and teach your eager spectators about the rules as they come up. Showing them simple etiquette lessons throughout the course of a regular game will be much more effective and less overwhelming than trying to tell them everything at once.
Here are some fundamentals you’ll want to be sure your kids understand before they pick up a club for the first time:

 

No Yelling

 
Golf is a quiet sport and one that requires immense concentration. Making a lot of noise is sure to earn some unfriendly looks from your fellow golfers. Teach your kids the appropriate time to cheer and when to yell “fore!” to warn others of errant shots, but otherwise impress upon them the importance of lowering their voices and not being tempted to yell across the fairway.

 

No Running

 
Running can raise the risk of accidents and damage the turf. It’s also a distraction for other players. Be sure that your kids understand that golf is played at a more leisurely pace than some of the sports they might be familiar with, and discourage them from running across the green.

 

Remember the Dress Code

 
Every course has its own specific rules regarding how players should be dressed, but the basics are the same from one location to another. Men should wear dress slacks or shorts and a collared shirt. Women should wear slacks or a skirt and a collared shirt. You can help your child get involved with the game by buying a collared golf shirt and nice slacks to wear on this special occasion.

 

Don’t Disrupt the Pace of Other Players

 
It’s okay to take your time on the course, but holding up the game for other players is rude. It’s recommended that you let faster players play through ahead of you, especially while you’re learning and may be slow. Try to avoid socializing when it’s your turn to swing; wait until no one is waiting on you.

 

Respect the Course

 
There are certain things that every player is expected to do to ensure the health of the course. These include filling in or replacing divots on the green, fairway and tee boxes as well as taking sand in bunkers after you’ve passed through them. Show your kids how to use a divot tool, and let them practice during your game so they get used to this responsibility.

 

Observe the Right Order of Play

 
Although some concessions can be made for special circumstances, like letting a group move ahead of you when you know that you’ll be slow, play generally follows a specific order. The player farthest away from the pin hits first on each shot, and the winner of the previous hole is the first to tee off at the next. Point these out to your children as you go so that they can get into the rhythm of the game.

 

Don’t Mess Up Shots for Others

 
Unexpected things can damage a player’s concentration. Your child might not realize the importance of staying quiet while someone else is taking a shot. Be sure they know not to walk across the line of someone else’s putt on the green or crowd too close to anyone preparing to swing. If your kids are starting to get restless or have a hard time staying still during another player’s turn, it might be time to take a break for a while.

 

Stay Safe

 
Many etiquette rules are also safety guidelines. You don’t want to do anything that might put you or someone else in danger of being hit by a stray ball. Be sure your kids know to wait until the group in front of you is out of range before you take a shot. Also let them know not to linger in places that they shouldn’t be or that would put them in range of someone’s shot. Finally, be sure they understand that golf should never be played when there’s a risk of lightning strike; be ready to pack it up if the weather turns foul.

 

Follow the Rules of the Game

 
Even if you’re playing for fun, it’s important to follow the rules laid out by the R&A and USGA. Don’t be tempted to let your kids cheat; if they’re not mature enough to play by the rules, they may not be ready to start playing yet. Even if you’re playing a different sort of game or golf challenge that does not follow the official rules, be sure that everyone knows and agrees to the rules before you start. Teach kids how to handle disagreements respectfully.

 
When you’re first teaching your kids to golf, you should bear in mind that a full game may last too long to hold their attention. Bored kids are prone to acting up, which will cause problems for everyone. Keeping that in mind, set your kids up for success by playing shorter rounds at first or playing other games on the course that can help to keep them entertained. Think up some “mini-games” or challenges that can give your new players an immediate goal to focus on, and you’ll be set for success.