Kids in Golf

[usedtoskidoo]

I got my son started on golf this year and he really seems to like it and I want to encourage his enthusiasm.

I will start with lessons but I want to know is there a golf circuit so he can play competitively. Hes only six and he already has a par and drives the ball over a 100 yards. I dont want him to be competitive next year but maybe when hes 8.....or so. I want fun over results first! I dont know just fishing. Can anyone help?

[dekker]

ask him,and if he's agreed spend the next 3 years on the course with him before you send him to a pro.It's better he has you around for some time yet,and don't become a hockey parent if you know what I mean.

[Grass Roots Tour]

ask him,and if he's agreed spend the next 3 years on the course with him before you send him to a pro.It's better he has you around for some time yet,and don't become a hockey parent if you know what I mean.


Ha ha ha, agreed! I wouldn't start lessons till age 12. NOTHING will ruin the fun in golf for a kid faster than lessons, IMHO.

[goshawk]

I tend to agree. Depending on the maturity level of the indivual young golfer, I wouldn't suggest lessons until at least age 10, if not later. There are a lot of instructors who can still make lessons fun, but it takes a certain type of instructor. Take you time with him, teach him in a fun manner, and let him just enjoy the game for now. Spending time with dad on the course is much more important right now than planning for a golf future.

[corchard]

May I suggest a golf camp for week. There are a few in the area that are taylored to younger kids. As an example St Andrews Valley has one for 7-8 year olds that plays on a little 6 hole executive course. Whenever I passed by them they looked like they were having a blast.

[usedtoskidoo]

thanks all,

He plays hockey so I know what you mean by Hockey Dad.
I made the descsion last year that we would play every wednesday evening instead of lesson so we could hang out and he loved it. But I just want to give him some basics so he can start right. Im not talking crazy lessons or anything!...........

[hogannut]

I agree with Goshwak, forget the lessons for at least the first year. Go and get him a kids golf video. They have them at GT. It sounds like your son is an athlete, so let him figure it out for himself. THis will also help you decide if he is really into it, and if so then lessons after his first year are OK.

Kids these days are over coached at to young of an age. Just like when we were kids, let him do what comes naturally and then address any issues from there. I do think ANY beginner at ANY age should try to start with good basics, particularily the grip, but let him do what he thinks he should do in terms of hitting the ball.

It's like skating. When you are teaching a kid how to skate do you put their skates on for the first time and immediately sign them up for power skating? Most people let the kid skate on their own and form and technique aren't important at the beginning. This is my opinion and for what it is worth I am a hockey coach at the pee-wee level and used to hold a teaching card with the CGTF. Hope this helps!

[leftintherough]

Last year I sent my at that time 7 year son to a mini golf camp at Don Valley lead by Scott Myles. The camp was two saturdays in a row, 2 hours in length. My son had an awesome time and picked up some good fundamentals for both his full swing and putting. The emphasis was on fun! I would recommend something like that if your son is interested. The funniest thing was that I took my sons golfing after that (12 and 7 year old). My younger boy had a much stronger round and had way more fun even though my older boy has a very nice natural golf swing.

[owenmxz600]

Its great to see young kids showing interest in golf

[landlord]

May I suggest a golf camp for week. There are a few in the area that are taylored to younger kids. As an example St Andrews Valley has one for 7-8 year olds that plays on a little 6 hole executive course. Whenever I passed by them they looked like they were having a blast.
I always feel a flash of envy/resentment when I happen on the sight of those kids whacking it around. Looks like fun I never had.

[BirdieGirl]

This is sort of off-topic... but my same nephew who we started introdicing to golf at age 3 has now started skiing as well.

Auntie BirdieGirl has the pleasure of taking him to his lessons at night and on weekends. I bought him his first alpine racing helmet for Christmas and did we ever have some good laughs with that.

He was so impressed with the fact that he could basically bash his head off anything without it hurting that he now demonstrates this for anyone and everyone. My sister (his Mom) said he also flat out refuses to take his helmet off when they go out to dinner, shopping etc. A tad bit embarrassing for her~ funny as heck for the rest of us! :D :rofl:

[goshawk]

Ahhhh.... the joys of being an aunt. You can create all sorts of crazy situations and only have to be around to watch the fallout!!!