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Where to Start If Your Kid is Interested in Golf

By Brendon Elliott, PGA

Published on Wednesday, July 14, 2021

For parents of junior golfers, or parents looking to get their kids into the game, the road to navigate in finding what is out there, and what is best for your specific needs, can at times be daunting.

Whether you’re looking for what is out there for a budding junior golfer or you have seasoned linkster that may be looking for ways to start competing in a fun environment in hopes of one day competing in a PGA Junior Championship of their own one day, the list below is a great place to start.

Programming Options for Youth Golfers...

PGA Jr. League is a game changer, especially when a local PGA or LPGA Captain is running the program as it was designed...being inclusive of all ability levels.

The overarching theme of the program is team play with events that are contested over 9 holes and three, three-hole "flags." The kids, of mixed abilities, play in 2 vs. scrambles with the option of subbing in a 3rd teammate every three holes. Each team has 4 matches going on simultaneously and the outcome of each of those culminates in a final team score.

For me, as a program adopter from the origins of PGA Jr. League, I can say that the competition is secondary to what this program offers, or should offer, to youth golfers. It is a fantastic way of getting kids together socially, surrounded by golf and to offer structured yet fun practice sessions which allow kids to learn the basics. For older and possibly more advanced juniors, PGA Junior League allows them to mentor and assist newer kids just getting started in the game.

Other fantastic programs on a broader scale include Drive, Chip and Putt which is a collaboration of the major golf organizations (PGA of America, USGA and Masters Tournament) where the major skills of the game are tested in a fun competition. Again, all ability levels are welcome through local qualifying as kids try to work their way towards Augusta National where the National Finals take place.

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf is one of the longest-running group golf programs in the game. The emphasis of this awesome program is introducing girls to the game in a fun and interactive way. With a mix of social activities and golf skill building, this program has proven to be a game changer as participation by young ladies is the fastest growing segment in golf over the past few years.

Operation 36 is another fantastic program for getting your child started in the game. The premise is learning on the course and starting from close to the hole and working your way out as you progress./

The following are examples of some initiatives on a broad scale. On a regional or more local scale you have countless fantastic programs and youth academies to choose from. My Little Linksters organization for example is inclusive of all the programs mentioned above as well as countless programs that we have developed over the past 13 years. We offer a wide range of offerings for kids as young as 3 and up to 18, all abilities, group and private coaching and even specialty programs for youth with disabilities.

Our goal, as is the goal of countless PGA and LPGA Professionals, is to continue to offer opportunities for every single youngster that wants to learn the game as well as those that want to continue to excel at it.

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

Meet Brendon