Golf has been a family past-time for hundreds of years, with parents sharing their love of the game and fostering the aptitude of young golfers who then carry on the tradition. Many may wonder if their children will have the patience and coordination required to play golf, but for this reason it is actually an excellent sport to teach kids. Not only is it a fun family outing, but due to the written and unwritten rules of the game, playing golf can foster great qualities in children such as respect and courtesy for others, patience and honesty.

It is important to remember when starting a child out on the green, the focus should be on the fun of the game. Drills, grip lessons and fundamentals practice may not hold their attention, especially for the first few games. Allow the child to explore the game without too much direction at first. Simply stay close and answer any questions they have, letting them play their own way. This will go a long way towards fostering the kid’s love of the game and encourage them to come back to the green to learn more.

If your child is old enough to pay attention, teach them about the rules and principles of the game and go through some basic drills. If you can’t afford a coach and decide to teach your child the game by yourself, remember to be patient. It took you a long time to master the game, so don’t expect your son or daughter to turn pro after a month or two. Also, consider giving them larger, lighter balls to practice with first, then work up to standard golf balls as they master the less challenging ones. To make driving practice more fun for the little ones, try filling up water balloons for them to hit instead of balls. Finally, make sure that every practice or round ends on a high note, in order to keep the experience positive.

As for when and where to take your child to play golf, most courses are very accommodating. It is always wise to call ahead however, as some clubs or courses set aside specific time frames for junior golfers or families to play. Some clubs even offer day camps for juniors to teach them the basics of the game, or clinics to improve technique in young golfers who are just starting out. Contact your local club to see what programs they have available.

If done in the right spirit, teaching your child to play golf can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. Following these tips won’t necessarily secure your kid’s place in the next PGA Tour, but hopefully they will help you on the road to building lifelong memories of fun summers on the green.

via Golf is great for kids too.