quick coaching

9 Tips from a PGA Coach to Help Your Kids Enjoy the Game of Golf

By Mariana Gottret, PGA

Published on Friday, October 9, 2020

Children look up to their parents in every aspect of life. Golf is no different.

Starting at a young age, children not only want to mimic what their parents do, but they also look for their parent’s approval and interest in their performance. When speaking about golf, children want to make their parents happy and show them what they are capable of.

Here are a few tips to fully take advantage of family golf:

Before practice

Choose the proper equipment.
Show high expectations about what your child is capable of. Show them you
believe in their skills.
Ask yourself:
Why is your child playing golf?
What are the long-term goals you want?
What are your child’s goals right now?

During Practice

Provide minimum instruction, always keeping it simple.
Let them teach you what they have learned in the past (let them be your
instructor!).
Praise the process, not the results.
Take them to the course and let them hit the tee shots or putt on the green.

After Practice

End practice with a reward and/or a bonding activity. For example, cleaning the
clubs together and having ice cream after.
Avoid talking about talent or comparing them to other children. Instead, talk about
commitment, effort, form.

And always remember, it is a game. It has to be fun!