Tag Archives: youth development

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

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

Kids Golf Equipment

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.

Tips On Teaching Kids Proper Golf Etiquette

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.

Tips To Improve Your Child’s Swing Accuracy

The swing is a fundamental part of any golfer’s game, regardless of skill level. After all, if you can’t swing a club properly, how can you make it through a round of golf? That’s why perfecting your swing and consistently working on swing accuracy is something that you never stop doing.improve-childs-swing-accuracy

 

At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we think kids should have the opportunity to improve their swing accuracy in a fun, safe and positive learning environment. We encourage kids to not only be great learners but great teachers as well. By fostering their love of the game and their naturally inquisitive natures, we help them develop an intuitive feel for how their swing technique can be improved.

 

In addition to our lessons, we think it’s great for kids to keep practicing at home. Even if you don’t have a golf course in your backyard, your child can still use the tips below to improve his or her swing anytime.

1. Find Your Ideal Grip

 

There is no single “correct” way for every golfer to grip a club. Various types of grips fall in and out of style, but it’s more a matter of where your child’s grip naturally falls. Not only will a particular grip feel more comfortable, but it will allow your child to get the club in his or her fingers, which is ideal for achieving maximum grip mobility.

 

Have your child experiment with grips like the baseball, Vardon and interlocking to see which feels best. Finding the right grip is the first step towards improving swing accuracy.

 

2. Ball Position Matters

 

Nothing is more frustrating than when your ball goes in a completely different direction than you expected it to go. Often, this is because the ball position isn’t set up correctly. Learning to position the ball correctly will drastically improve swing accuracy.

 

When the ball is too far back, the swing will end up too far on the inside, which almost always leads to a hook. If the ball is too far forward, the swing won’t connect squarely, and your child will usually pull the shot. Both of these incorrect positions can also lead to your child developing poor posture or compensation habits, which can further impact accuracy.

 

3. Pay Attention to Distance

 

Your child’s distance from the ball is just as important as the position of the ball itself. Standing too close will result in his or her posture being too straight and stiff, and standing too far away leads to his or her posture being too slumped over. It’s more common to stand too far away, which leads to poor body rotation and too much weight in the arms.

 

Have your child work on posture and distance to create a more consistent, powerful swing.

 

4. Swing With All You’ve Got

 

A lot of instructors will teach kids to slow their swing because they falsely believe this improves accuracy. Typically, when kids first start out, they have a tendency to swing hard and miss the ball. When the instructor tells them to slow down, they notice more accuracy. However, slowing down a poorly formed swing doesn’t help your child at all.

 

Instead of teaching kids to swing more slowly, help them work on swinging powerfully and accurately. Making up games and fun drills that teach accuracy while allowing them to swing powerfully will help them develop into better players in the long run. Kids are naturally inquisitive and excellent at intuitively grasping concepts, so the more they focus on accuracy, the better they will be able to develop a natural feel for the proper form.

 

Let Aussie Kids Golf Academy Improve Your Child’s Swing Accuracy

 

Aussie Kids Golf Academy is dedicated to developing junior golfers who are confident in themselves and their skills. Our group lessons, private instructions and summer camps are all centered around fostering a love for the game and giving kids the ability to succeed in life and on the golf course.

5 Tips to Improve Your Child’s Putting

Chipping and putting are two of the most fundamental parts of mastering your golf game. Despite this, many adults tend to spend a lot more time on the practice range than they do the practice green. This is why we think that it’s so important to start your kids off right when it comes to learning improve-childs-puttingto putt. By starting good habits at a young age, it will become ingrained in them as adults, and they will be able to drastically improve their game.

 

At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we design every aspect of our training so that it emphasizes the fun and excitement that comes along with the game. Because we want our kids to love golf and be excited by it, we employ teaching styles and techniques that foster a fun, positive learning environment. Putting is a concept that takes a lot of practice and focus to truly master, so we have compiled a few of our favorite tips below that will help your child build confidence in his or her putting skills.

1. Play More and Teach Less

 

Children have notoriously short attention spans, and that’s okay. When you’re young, you want to explore and experience things instead of being told to pay attention to someone lecturing you.

 

Keep your lessons short and simple. Use words they will understand. Get down on their level when you speak to them. Above all else, let them play. Show them that every aspect of golf is fun, and they will gravitate towards becoming more focused and interested in the nuances of the game on their own.

 

2. Lend a Helping Hand

 

You should absolutely let your child try and fail when it comes to learning a new concept. Nobody ever learns the right way until they’ve made a few mistakes. However, you should also remember that some of the things we take for granted as adults are major obstacles to a young child.

 

Don’t let your child get so frustrated with the small things that they lose interest in the game itself. Watch for signs of frustration, and be willing to help at all times.

3. Show, Don’t Tell

 

There’s a reason that children’s books are always filled with bright, interesting pictures. Kids are great visual and tactile learners, so your lessons should reflect that.

 

Rather than using proper terminology and long explanations, show your child the correct way to grip or exactly how your feet should look during a putt. You can point out the explanations as you go along, but it’s more important to give your child a visual to follow.

 

Games are a great way to do this too. Turning practice drills into games can change something tedious, like learning to control your putt, into something exciting.

 

One particular game called “two putt” is a simple way to make the lesson of control more fun. You simply need one golf ball and a putter for each of you. Drop your balls on the green, and choose a hole to putt towards. If you get the ball in one putt, that’s one point. A two-putt is zero points, and three putts costs you a point. By only rewarding the one putt, it forces the child to focus on controlling the speed of the initial putt.

4. Make Etiquette a Priority

 

Your child is never too young to learn proper putting etiquette. Not only will this instill good manners and respect for other golfers, but it will make sure everyone stays safe.

 

In spite of their excitement, kids should learn quickly that it’s never okay to run or yell on a golf course. Don’t nag or scold; simply give them gentle reminders about how the game must be played. This goes for rules of safety and courtesy as well. Children should learn early on to never step into a putter’s line, and they should understand what it means to tend the flag for fellow golfers.

 

Another important rule is dress code. Unlike many other sports, golf requires a more polished appearance. Help your child follow the dress code by getting a special outfit or two that can only be worn while golfing.

 

Finally, teach your child to take care of the golf course. Show your child how to use the divot tool, the correct way to rake sand in bunkers and how to repair divots made in the ground.

 

5. Give Praise Freely

 

For young children, it’s more important to reinforce positive feelings than give correction. Kids tend to think of things as either “fun” or “not fun,” and receiving constant critiques will make the game seem “not fun” because the child may feel like he or she is “doing it wrong.”

 

Rather than pointing out when your child makes a mistake, find something positive to say. For example, even if the putt was too forceful, you can praise your child’s form or swing. If your child’s grip was off, compliment the control of the putt instead.

 

There will always be time to correct mistakes later on. In the early stages, it’s much more important to foster enjoyment and interest.

 

Let Aussie Kids Golf Academy Improve Your Child’s Game

 

Our training programs are designed to help children as young as three develop a love for golf. We hold group lessons, private lessons and summer camps all focused on creating good golfing habits, building confidence and instilling the skills needed to perform with pride and success.

Junior Golf Tournaments in Atlanta

Aussie Kids Golfing Academy-Junior Golf Tournaments in Atlanta

Preparing for Georgia Junior Golf Tournaments

Besides the lifelong friendships that your child will likely develop with peers, parents, and instructors during their golf training sessions, they are also preparing themselves to compete for golf scholarships. If they are interested when the time comes to head off to college, your child could qualify for athletic scholarships that are based on their performance in junior golf tournaments. If you`re a resident of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, you can enroll your child as a member in Georgia Junior Golf where they can compete in golf tournaments as early as seven years old.
 
If you would like for your child to learn a fun sport as well as the foundations of sportsmanship, then Aussie Kids’ golf training programs are to be seriously considered. Young children who participate in our programs go to junior golf tournaments prepared to compete against and make friends with some of the state’s best future golfers.
 

Benefits of Early Golf Training for Children

The golf course has been and remains the primary place where deals are done in Western society. In fact, many details of mergers, acquisitions, and new partnerships are crafted on the greens long before formal boardroom meetings take place. One way to set your child up for success in the business world and in life is to get them interested in the game of golf early.
 
Golf training with a professional firm like Aussie Kids can start as early as three years old. While you may think that the age of three is a bit early to start grooming the next Fred Couples or Kathy Whitworth, there are many good reasons why your child should start developing his or her swing as early as possible.
 
For starters, golf training helps them to develop mentally as well as physical coordination. Since height and build have little to do with a golfer’s success, your child has the same opportunities to succeed at the sport as any other child who puts forth the effort to train. Just like any other sport, learning to golf builds confidence, and golf is a much safer activity than other sports such as football, soccer, and basketball.
 
Many successful people from all walks of life have been avid golfers. Heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, statesman Winston Churchill, actress Katharine Hepburn and even Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders were all passionate golfers. Subsequently, the golf course has been known throughout recent history as the place where successful people hang out. It definitely offers excellent networking opportunities for skilled players who exercise the right course etiquette. Aussie Kids can get your child on his or her way to developing the skills and positive attitude that they need to win on the golf course and in life.

<Click here for more information on why you should get your kids into golf today!

 

Kids Winter Golf Classes in Atlanta

Aussie Kids-Kids Winter Golf Classes in AtlantaAll children desire to be a part of a group, and self-esteem is vital to their success at all stages of their lives. If you are looking for a fun way to help your child build confidence, get in shape and meet new friends, you have come to the right place. Our team is proud to host the kids winter golf classes at Aussie Kids Golfing Academy for the chilly season, and we hope to see your child when we get started!

We gladly welcome children ages 4 to 17, and classes begin Monday, Nov. 27, and run until March 3, 2018. If you are curious about the benefits your child can gain from joining us, the following information will point you in the right direction so that you can make your decision with peace of mind.

Build Confidence with Golf

Rather than coming naturally, confidence is something that children must work to achieve, and we can help. Here at Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we teach children of all skill levels, and those who remain dedicated to the process will enhance their skills as time passes. When children can see the improvements in their abilities, they will know that they can also gain skills in other areas.They will understand that they can do almost anything to which they set their minds when they are willing to practice and put in the effort. The confidence boost that children gain from this process will empower them to chase their dreams.
Since we know it is tough to practice sports in the winter time, we set up a winter session for our little golfers that will help understand that they can do almost anything to which they set their minds when they are willing to practice and put in the effort. We don’t let the cold winter stop our Academy! The confidence boost that children gain from this process will empower them to chase their dreams all year round.

Golf Builds Social Skills

Whether it comes to going to college, getting a job, forming friendships or something else, social skills are a critical piece of the puzzle and will impact your child’s quality of life. Children who attend the Aussie Kids Golf Academy will spend time with their peers in an environment that promotes cooperation.

Our golf school facilitates the growth and interaction with others in a positive way and to form meaningful friendships that can last a lifetime. Meeting people from a range of backgrounds and walks of life will empower children to thrive in almost any social setting they encounter. When children are enrolled in a sport while they are developing their social skills at an early age, they will be armed with the needed tools to connect with others on a meaningful level. Additionally, golfing can teach them competitive skills, collaboration skills, and the ability to work in a team or individually.

Learn to Set Goals

Goal setting and achievement is a critical skill that you can’t afford to overlook.  Our coaches are trained and experienced in working with children of all skill levels and learning styles, they will always push students slightly beyond their comfort zones, empowering them to enhance their abilities. It is important for us at the Aussie Kids Golf Academy to show our kids that even though things may be tough to follow through with, it is always important to set short- and long-term goals. We teach our students to break their goals into small chunks that are easy to reach, and each milestone will serve to enhance their motivation. We know it’s not as fun or easy to participate in sports during the colder and crummy weather season, but we make it a point to keep our Aussie Kids active!

Enhance Focus

The ability to maintain focus is critical for anyone who wants to achieve sustainable levels of success, and learning to play golf is an incredible way for children to work on their focus. Mastering the sport requires students to pay attention to the lesson plan, but they will also need to focus on their grip, the location of the ball, the environment and more. Like a muscle, the ability to focus can be strengthened with practice, and we will guide them at each step.

Enrollment in Aussie Kids Winter Classes

Enrolling your children in the Aussie Kids Golfing Academy will give them the tools and skills that they need to overcome life’s many challenges. Not only will they build confidence and self-esteem, but they will also create memories. Allow your kids to learn the important skills in their life while having fun in the winter time!

How Old Is Old Enough To Start Your Kids Golfing?

Aussie Kids-How old is old enough to start your kids golfing
Getting your child interested in golf can realistically happen at any age. So, how old is old enough to start your kids golfing? There is no “correct” answer to this question, but most experts agree that the best time to begin is when your child shows curiosity about playing.
If golf is not already a sport that your family plays, you can always use golf simulator games to introduce the idea of the sport to them in order to see if there is an interest. The most important thing to remember is that your approach should initially be hands-off, meaning that you expose your child to the game and let the excitement come organically.
 

Let Aussie Kids Golf Academy Make Golf Fun For Your Child

At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, there is a variety of group and private sessions to choose from. We also offer camps and special programs for children of all ages. Contact us at one of our two locations today to schedule a tour or have your questions answered by one of our friendly staff members. Let’s start together!
 

What Age Range is Appropriate to Introduce Golf?

While most of us have seen the video clips of a toddler Tiger Woods on the green, it is not necessarily realistic to expect your own toddler to have that kind of coordination or patience. Remember, children are still experiencing leaps and bounds in their physical and mental development in their toddler years, so it is not unusual for them to have short attention spans or uncoordinated movements.
 
Of course, you know your child’s development better than anyone else, so if you feel like your child is ready to start swinging a club at age two or three then there is no harm in that. In fact, Aussie Kids Golf Academy even offers group lessons for children as young as three years old.
 

Getting Your Child Interested in Golf

If you or someone in your family plays golf, you can take your child to a driving range or tag along during a short game to foster excitement about the sport. If you’re an enthusiast who doesn’t play, consider taking your child to a golf tournament and see if that sparks an interest.
 
Another way to gauge your child’s interest in golf is to schedule a private lesson or two and let the instructor give you some insight about what the best plan of action will be. Some children will take to the instruction right away, but others may not be ready for structured lessons just yet.
 

Benefits of Formal Instruction

Again, this may be different for each child, but in general, once kids are old enough to start school or daycare, they are old enough to begin formal lessons. By this time, they typically have the appropriate level of focus and cognition that is necessary to benefit from golf lessons.
 
Giving children an opportunity to take golf lessons will do much more than simply hone their skills in the sport. Golf is a game that requires precision, discipline, and critical thinking, so all of these skills will also be developed as your child grows and becomes better in the sport.
 
In addition, golf can lay the foundation for positive character development and help your child acquire the skills necessary to succeed in other sports and non-athletic pursuits. To instill a love of overcoming challenges while your child is young will set the foundation for mental models that will be useful later in life.
 
As a parent, it is important for you to be encouraging and allow your child to have fun with golf. Once a sport no longer is fun, the child often loses interest and misses out on all of the benefits. We at Aussie Kids Golf Academy strive to make golfing fun, interesting and stimulating all year round for our kids.

6 Tips for Taking Your Kids Golfing

Aussie Kids-8 tips for taking your kids golfingHave you always pictured golf as a game that only adults enjoy or benefit from? The reality is that young children can get a great deal of enjoyment and health benefits from playing golf as well. At Aussie Kids Golf Academy, we believe that the game of golf has a lot to offer to children of all ages and from all backgrounds. Golf teaches important life skills in a fun and family-centered environment that promotes ease of learning and the development of many new skills. Please contact us today if you have questions or would like to discuss our various enrollment options. Here are 6 tips we’ve come up with for taking your kids golfing.

 

Tips for Making Your Golf Session More Enjoyable

The prospect of engaging in a brand new activity with a young child can be daunting. Children are prone to mood swings when they tire out or get hungry, for example. They may also be easily discouraged as they learn the ins and outs of a brand new sport. However, there are many things you as a parent can do to make the experience more enriching for everyone involved. The following list is a good place to start.

  • Bring Snacks and Drinks
    You know your child’s hunger and thirst patterns better than anyone else. If you feel your child might get hungry or thirsty while on the course, it’s best to bring along light snacks and hydrating drinks that you know they’ll appreciate.
  • Bring an Umbrella
    A large umbrella can protect you from the bright sun and any other weather elements that might crop up. Unprotected sun exposure isn’t recommended, especially for a young child’s delicate skin. Additionally, too much time in the sun could make your child restless or tired.
  • Bring a Friend or Sibling
    If you think your child would enjoy company, it may be wise to bring along a friend or a sibling. In between plays on the golf course, they can have a buddy to play with.
  • Purchase Special Equipment
    You can make the game even more exciting by purchasing some inexpensive gold equipment just for your child. It could be something as simple as bright colored gold balls that are all his own.
  • Dress Appropriately
    If you’re going to be on the golf course, you may as well dress the part. Golf professionals and newbies alike often prefer the comfort of collared shirts. The same shirts that are available in clothing stores all over the country as part of their back-to-school clothing choices will work just fine on the golf course as well. Old Navy and Gap are two of many stores offering these types of shirts.
  • Be Encouraging and Patient
    Perhaps the best thing of all that you can do as a parent is to be patient and to encourage your child to simply do his best and enjoy the game. Young children will likely run low on stamina and patience themselves. They may get frustrated, especially in the beginning as they are picking up new skills. However, they’re much more likely to enjoy the game and stick with it for the long term if they experience the joyous encouragement of their parents and other loved ones.

Golf is a safe, contact-free sport that offers many physical, emotional, and social benefits to children of all ages. Additionally, golf is a family-oriented game that parents and children can engage in together, creating the opportunity to expand on your existing relationship with your young children. Golf offers the further development of many social skills and teaches valuable life lessons that can benefit your child for years to come.

Best Place to Buy Golf Clubs for Kids

Aussie Kids-Best Place To Buy Golf ClubsNot only will children make friends on the golf course, they’ll get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Unlike football and soccer, which involve physical contact with other players, golf is a relatively safe sport. Although occasional muscle injuries and sunburns can affect a young golfer’s well-being, it’s a low-risk sport that teaches so many valuable lessons and distracts kids from otherwise negative activities.

Junior golfers also acquire basic etiquette skills that will serve them well in school and business someday. Children gain self-confidence, improve basic math skills and learn how to problem solve while they’re on the golf course.

Since anyone can play golf, children learn about diversity and how to get along with others who are different than themselves. Proper behavior, including the ability to control one’s emotions, can improve a child’s behavior at school and help them make new friends wherever they go. When children have golf buddies, they aren’t as tempted to succumb to peer pressure or join a gang while searching for acceptance.

Last, but not least, kids who play golf with friends and family spend less time using electronic devices. You can’t stare at a phone or tablet when there’s a beautifully-manicured course in front of you.

As you can see, children who play golf have a clear advantage. The only thing you need to do is outfit them with the proper equipment and find a certified coach near you.

 

What To Buy
If you’re a parent without a lot of knowledge on the game of golf, you may be wondering where to start. Unlike experienced adult golfers, there is really no need for a young child to carry the standard 14 clubs. Many pros suggest simply starting with a wedge and a putter, then adding irons, hybrids and drivers as the child progresses.

You’ll want to pay a great deal of attention to the height and strength of the child when choosing clubs since young golfers often struggle to launch the balls a great distance. U.S. Kids Golf specializes in outfitting players ages 4-12. They offer nine club sizes ranging from 39-to-63 inches in height.

By the time your little golfer reaches age 10, they should have between 12 and 14 clubs. Look for a retailer that offers a buy-back program. U.S. Kids Golf accepts trade-ins when young golfers graduate to the next size up.

Stores that specialize in kids’ golf equipment, such as U.S. Kids Golf, are known for their ultralight clubs and their reasonably priced certified coaching. They also offer local tours, which is a fantastic way for your junior golfer to gain experience and make more friends. Compare U.S. Kids Golf equipment and prices with Taylormade. It’s worth adding that U.S. Kids Golf customers receive every sixth club for free!

By the time your child is playing in tournaments regularly, you’ll want to consider investing in titanium drivers. Aluminum drivers cannot launch the ball as far and will affect overall performance. Kids need golf clubs that are light but high-quality, like those found at U.S. Kids Golf.

When it comes to choosing a golf ball, go with soft compression balls. They are ideal for slower swings that do not generate much spin. Slow swingers (children who average slower than 70 miles per hour) will require compression in the mid-50s.

For more advice on choosing equipment and balls for your junior golfer, visit U.S. Kids Golf at http://www.uskidsgolf.com. You’re only a click away from your child’s brighter future.

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