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GolfRx: Getting Children Started in Golf

Golf is a lifetime game. Whether children take advantage and enjoy this game often depends on their early experiences. Golf has to be fun for children. When introducing the sport to a child, I try to get him/her to develop a passion for the game. I begin by teaching the basic swing form that will allow them to at least hit the ball in the air. If there is a major swing flaw that prevents this, the child will get discouraged and want to quit.

A child can start practicing golf if he can stand and swing a club. Get him out in the yard or to the driving range and let him swing away. There are many opportunities available to kids to get started. There are opportunities available that range from sponsored free clinics to week-long golf camps. Most golf facilities offer both group and private golf lesson to kids.

The Michigan PGA and Carl’s Golfland offer free junior golf clinics at both of Carl’s locations. The clinics are for boys and girls ages 8-17 of all skill levels. Kids golf from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and then enjoy free pizza and Pepsi after golf.

The next available classes are Thursday, August 9th at Carl’s in Bloomfield Hills and Thursday, August 16th at the location in Plymouth. To register: call 248-335-8095 for Bloomfield Hills, or 734-354-9274 for the Plymouth location.

Equipment for Kids

For the very young there are plastic clubs available that are very light with larger plastic golf balls to hit. The choices for junior golf clubs available from top manufactures have increased greatly over the years. They have realized that kids are their future customers.

They are available in many different lengths to fit all ages and sizes. We have a “First Club For Kids” program at Carl’s Golfland. Carl’s will give a new club to all kids to get them started with this game of a lifetime.

It is important to have patience and recognize the development levels of kids when you begin lessons. At first, just let kids go and don’t worry about form. If they continue to show interest, find a qualified instructor that works well with kids. My priority is to keep it fun. I will not go too long with the same exercise. If I see the kids are getting bored hitting full shots, we will go to the green and putt and chip for a while.

As a child’s skill level increases, I will help him understand some of the swing fundamentals and teach the etiquette of playing.

As they improve and develop more playing skills, competitive play is the next step. There are many opportunities for kids to play in tournaments throughout Michigan.

Playing in competition early-on is important. I have had many good golfers go out for their high school golf teams and struggle because they never had the experience of playing in tournaments. Playing with parents and friends is very different than in tournaments or high school tryouts.

Most important is to give kids the opportunity to take golf to whatever level they may choose. You never know who may be the next Tiger Woods.