Children and Golf
Dean Totten, Head Professional, Sechelt Golf & Country Club
Parents always ask me ” 1. What age should I start my child in golf?” 2. What do I need to do?” These two questions are among the most common questions I hear. I will try to answer and discuss these questions to the parent out there reading this.

1. Kids should start the game when they develop an interest (Keep in mind it is one of the few non-team sports that your child may ever participate in). Between the ages of four and ten should be an appropriate age to introduce the game to your child. All kids should be entered into a structured junior clinic, program or camp and not be taken to the driving range to hit balls. All golfers whether young or old must learn about the game, some rules, etiquette and most importantly that it is a game of honor, respect and it requires the utmost sportsmanship.

The junior golfers that excel quickly are those who have learned the game and have not been taught. Most children learn through mimicking or watching others. They do however need to be in a fulfilling environment that has some proper rules and structure. So as you can see by this it is not the age that matters but the interest level of the child and the enjoyment he/she receives will be dependent on the type of program, the CPGA professional and the facility that the student learns at. Whether your child excels at the game or not is not important and should not be important to you because golf can and will always continue to be enjoyed by all levels and all ages. What sport do you know of that you can start at age 10 and play until age 90?

2. Okay, you have decided to enter your child into a golf program, clinic or junior camp. Most programs supply equipment and if they don’t suggest that a 7 iron and a putter should be sufficient. The program you decide on should be dependent on the individuals who teach it (CPGA qualified professionals), the structure and content of the program and most importantly the FUN factor (what games do they play, how much fun have past students had, etc.). A little research will result in your child having an enjoyable first experience in the game of golf and perhaps result in a lifelong enjoyment for the greatest game on earth.

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Tags: GENERAL GOLF TOPICS //