Recently I was approached by a friend of my wife’s who wanted to get her daughter started in golf.
As I did my own research to help her, I was a little surprised at how little information there is on just the basics of getting someone started (let alone a child), in golf. Like, what clubs should I purchase, where should I get lessons, how do I find a teacher, etc. It seems there are pieces of information here and there, scattered about.
What I hope to do here is lay out some helpful tips on getting someone started in the game. And to be specific, I’m aiming this at the younger generation.
Please feel free to reach out and let me know if you have any questions or things I may have missed addressing here.
Getting started in golf: where to begin
I’m going to assume our child (and parent) know next to nothing about the game and where to begin. Everybody is different in how they come into the game, so I am going to approach it in a simple manner.
Every child is different. Some have more athletic ability than others. Some may have never thrown a ball around or played catch, or tried to hit anything with a stick. So this is another factor in beginning golf.
Let me start by answering a few questions you may have.
- What equipment should I buy for my child?
This is a fair question and important one. But, let me tell you straight away. Golf is not one of the “cheaper” sports. Given that, let me start by asking you a question: “How serious is your child in starting the game?” And, you may not be able to answer this yet. Maybe your child is only interested because they heard Sally down the street is starting golf lessons – and they look up to Sally. Or, they saw it on TV or YouTube. That said, it’s a good idea to gauge their level of interest first. That said, we don’t need to go out and buy a full set of golf clubs, bag and balls straight out of the gate.If your child has a curious level of interest in the game, I would recommend taking them to a local par 3 golf course (if one is nearby) OR the nearest golf course, go into their pro shop and ask for the golf pro OR the attendant if you could burrow a junior putter. The putter is a club that is used exclusively on the putting green. Then, ask if you could take the putter onto the practice putting green to putt for a bit. It wouldn’t hurt to tell the pro or attendant that your youngster is beginning the game, doesn’t have a set of clubs yet, but you’d like to get their feet wet in the game. More than likely the staff there will be keen to help a child get started and will offer the putter for free. If they do charge you to rent it for 20-30 min, it shouldn’t cost more than $5-10.After your child has been out on the green for a bit with the putter, you’ll be able to gauge their interest. They may also want to look around at the driving range, or see where the golf carts are stored. It will likely wet their appetite for more OR convince them golf is not “exciting” enough. If you’re into golf as well – or have played – feel free to putt around with them too and maybe play a little game.If there is still interest there, you may wish to speak with the pro in the shop OR attendant if they have any used junior sets available OR where they might recommend purchasing these.Generally, it’s a good idea to get your child clubs that fit them. If the clubs are too long or heavy, they could become discouraged. Golf can be a frustrating sport – so we want to get them started with as many advantages as possible. If you have the money, you could get a junior set made by Callaway (a leading golf club manufacturer) on Amazon for $250 (on up to $400) that are available depending on your child’s height. Be sure to select the drop-down with your child’s correct height before purchasing.I would also recommend look at US Kids clubs. They have trade-up programs available as your child grows into new clubs and conduct junior events as your child grows in interest and ability. They also sell clubs based on your child’s height and have an easy-to-use sizing chart / guide.If money is of concern (and the local course doesn’t have any cheaper alternatives / used equipment), I would check out a local used sports goods store, your thrift store, and / or Craigslist. I’ve done my own search for my wife’s friend on Craigslist and was pleased to find some decent equipment for sale. Again, with used equipment, it is harder to find something that fits. Ideally, you’ll want to find equipment that is sold as a “package”: a driver, several irons, and a putter and bag to carry them.As you shop, be mindful of your child’s height, as many of the junior sets are designed based on height and gender. - Should I just let them play or get them lessons?
As I mentioned, every child is going to come at the game with different levels of interest and ability. So, I’m going to answer this question with that in mind.If your child shows athletic ability, and hand-eye coordination, I wouldn’t be afraid to let them go off onto the course to play. Some courses will have an age limit – but generally should be open to their playing, if accompanying by an adult.Even if your child shows some ability, I would recommend finding a local golf professional who specializes in youth lessons. I would recommend someone at a golf course vs someone at a driving range or golf shop. This is a personal preference from my years in the game, and I mean no slight to those in golf stores or driving ranges. There is many good teachers at these places, but if you have a golf course nearby – preferably a smaller course, like a par 3 or “executive course” – I would take them there first for lessons. When there, ask to speak with their head professional and if there, check on their rates for individual lessons and/or group lessons. If the pro is not there, the attendant will likely hand you their business card or fill you in on the details of lessons.Many courses will offer group lessons and individual lessons. Here is where your understanding of your child will help. Is your Joe or Sally shy or social? Athletic or uncoordinated? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you in deciding on group or individual lessons. Generally, group lessons will allow them to be in a setting where they can meet other kids their age, but they will not receive as much attention. In a one-on-one lesson, it will be tailored to your child and they will receive full attention. Individual lessons tend to cost more money, while group lessons are given in a “package” deal of – say – 4-6 lessons. Individual lessons can be given weekly or one at a time as the golf pro gets a sense for your child’s aptitude and desire to learn. My recommendation would be to get your child started in several individual lessons first to get them on the right track. The pro will be able to guide your child in a number of helpful ways.To find a pro near you, I recommend checking the PGA of America’s “coach finder“. - What if my child shows potential?
If your child starts to improve more rapidly in the game and enjoys playing, great! If you’ve been taking your child to a golf teaching professional, they will have the knowledge to help guide them to their full potential.Of course, golf is not cheap – so find out from the teaching pro what type of arrangement they can make to keep an eye on your child’s progress.Do not push your child if they are not showing progress OR are not enjoying the game. Allow them to come to you and request to play more, go to the course, ie. Earl Woods, the father of Tiger Woods, would often spend shorter times at the golf course when Tiger was learning the game, to give him a taste of the fun he could have playing the game. This helped foster a desire in Tiger to want to stay longer at the course, and spend more time practicing.
After they’ve taken up the game
It’s been some time now since you’ve introduced your child to the game – and they continue to enjoy learning and playing. Now what? Continue to guide them and gauge their interest level. Fuel their interest, if they continue to want to play. Introduce them to different parts of the game. Take them to a local professional golf event. Bring them to a golf store. Maybe watch a golf movie (One of my favorites, Follow the Sun – which is based on the life of Ben Hogan).
In the end, golf is a game and it is meant to be enjoyed. Starting your child in the game will open them up to possibilities in life – including friendships, teaching life lessons, and the enjoyment of nature.
Feel free to reach leave a comment if you have more questions!
