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What is the best age to start golf lessons for kids?

February 12, 2019 admin Leave a comment

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?

[3] Pga.com: The Top 10 Reasons Kids Should Play Golf

[4] Golf.org.au: Golf Participation Report

Golf Tips, Training

Youth On Course in Atlanta

June 16, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Youth on Course – Play Golf For Just $5

Youth on Course is a program of the Georgia State Golf Association. When you join, you will receive an official GSGA / Youth on Course membership card in the mail. Simply show membership card at participating GSGA clubs and play golf for just $5!

Youth on Course Offers a Unique Golfing Experience

youth on course atlanta Youth on Course is a unique golf centered program aimed at helping children between the ages of 6 and 18 years to have access to affordable golf courses in a wide variety of locations across the United States. Youth on Course was created because of the belief that the game of golf can impart vital life skills to kids of all ages, and that no child should be prevented from being able to play golf simply due to a lack of affordability. This program is a great supplement to your kids’ camps and after school programs at Aussie Kids because it provides them an opportunity to continue to practice and refine their learned skills.

The Background of Youth on Course

Youth on Course started in the state of California in 2006 and was a byproduct of the Northern California Golf Association. It simply began as a way to increase the accessibility of this game to children of all socioeconomic backgrounds and ages, as well as to provide life changing opportunities for scholarship programs, paid internships and many more similar types of things that can set kids up for a successful career.

Since 2006, the Youth on Course program has exploded due to its popularity at providing the skills the game of golf offers at the price of only $5 or less in most of their locations. There was such a warm reception and an increased demand for the program that it spread from the state of California to many other locations across the United States. Youth on Course programs now exist in 12 regions and they have provided more than 400,000 rounds of golf to children across the US, as well as awarded a whopping $250,000 in scholarship funds to deserving youths every year. Youth on Course in Atlanta is just one of dozens of locations offering this exciting privilege to area children everywhere, providing the opportunities to learn life enhancing skills.

Youth on Course and The First Tee

The First Tee is a program that introduces children to the game of golf and provides them with the life skills they learn by interacting with others on the course as they learn to play the game. These two programs work together to provide additional benefits aside from the amazing opportunity to play golf on over 330 golf courses across the US at a cost of just $5 of less.

Youth On Course in Atlanta can provide your child with the unique opportunity to play golf on some of the finest golf courses throughout the state of Georgia at an affordable rate of just $5 or less. The skills that are learned through this unique program can provide lifelong benefits to your child.

Golf provides the opportunity to form lasting and unique relationships with other players and professionals, as well the training and mindset to overcome adversity and grow through challenges. The following are some of the other types of benefits that playing golf can provide:

* Golf Teaches Maturity

Bad plays occur on the golf course, and it can take a great deal of determination to bounce back from them. Additionally, young people aren’t necessarily equipped with the best self control or maturity levels, but with practice and learning to deal with set backs experienced while playing golf, they can become more mature in the way they respond to these events.

* Golf Increases Patience

Unlike some other sports, golf is not a fast paced game. Much like maturity, patience is something that is learned and the experiences that golf offers can do much to support this learning process. You can’t rush or force a great shot, and standing by and patiently lining up a good shot or waiting for another player to take their turn is a great learning experience for children.

* Golf Teaches Acceptance

Accepting the consequences of our actions is something we all have to learn, young and old. When a child makes a poor play on the golf course, he learns through trial and error to accept and learn from that play. In concert with this, when he makes an amazing play, he experiences the joy that comes along with it.

* Golf Provides a Unique Perspective

No matter what a child decides to do in life, there will always be people out there that are better than he is. On the flip side of that, he will also always be better than some other people at those same skills. Life isn’t about constantly comparing ourselves to others but is more about being the best that we can be in the things that matter most to us. Golf can help increase these unique perspectives about focusing on becoming the most authentic versions of ourselves with the realization that players of all skill levels exist.

The game of golf is well loved and respected for many reasons. Children and adults alike have loved the game of golf for decades, and it provides the development of many lifelong skills that can serve a person well in many aspects of their life.

Join Youth on Course today and start playing golf for as low as $5 dollars!

Golf Tips

Golf Tips For Beginners

August 4, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Golf Tips For Beginners Aussie When 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.

Golf Lessons

The Many Benefits of Playing Golf

August 4, 2015 admin Leave a comment

The Many Benefits of Playing Golf Aussie If 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.

Golf Lessons

The Many Benefits of Having Kids Play Golf

July 28, 2015 admin Leave a comment

The Many Benefits of Having Kids Play Golf Aussie Kids If 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!

Golf Tips

Tips For Keeping Young Golfers Safe In The Sun

July 8, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Tips For Keeping Young Golfers Safe In The Sun Aussie kids Young 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.

Training

Should College Golfers Go Pro or Stay in School?

June 25, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Should College Golfers Go Pro or Stay in School? Aussie Kids There 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.

Golf Tips

Tips For Playing Golf In The Summer Heat

June 23, 2015 admin Leave a comment

Tips For Playing Golf In The Summer Heat Aussie Kids When 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 Lessons

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

June 23, 2015 admin Leave a comment

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.

Instructors – 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 Ratios – How 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 Costs – Costs 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.

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