If you want to instill the values of hard work, patience, respect, and honesty in your child, golf is a fun way to do it.
It is a game of flair and patience, with subtle elements of competition. Giving your child the gift of golf can be a life-changer. The values, relationships, and skills learned through this great game will serve them for years to come.
It’s no surprise then that many parents get their kids involved with junior golf programs. But how do you kindle an interest in the game in them?
Learn 2 Golf has a solution. Here, we discuss how to help your child fall in love with golf, as recommended by instructors providing golf lessons in Mississauga.
There are different golf games for kids designed to instill the inherent values of respect and patience in young players. But most kids don’t find golf as inherently interesting or exciting at first as baseball or basketball. So, below are a few ideas on how to introduce your child to the beautiful game of golf.
When to get your child on the golf course is a personal decision, but you can get them interested early on. Remember: don’t force it. If you drag them to the course or force them into a junior golf camp, chances are they won’t love it. Sure, some may catch the golf bug, but it will be an uphill battle. Always think of this journey as a marathon, as it is a game they can play for the rest of their life.
So, instead of pushing them, try to get them excited about it. In the beginning, you don’t even need to leave the house. Instead of driving to the course and worrying about a busy range, start by hitting golf balls in your backyard. Or, if you have enough space, install an at-home practice area in your garage. The great thing is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Just buy the bare essentials: a golf mat, clubs and a golf net.
Start by knocking around balls. Kids love imitating adults, so chances are they will see you banging balls and want to watch or give it a try themselves. Then you can splurge and get them a junior golf set.
Consider junior golf lessons. Golf camps during the summer are also a great hit. Many new players find golf intimidating. But in a group of kids around the same age and skill level, they will feel less pressure as they learn the basics.
Learn 2 Golf offers junior golfers (ages 9 to 17) half-day (three-hour) golf schools. Kids will get comprehensive instruction focusing on putting, chipping and full swings. Individual lessons are also phenomenal for personalized instruction, but wait until your child has shown a definite interest in the sport.
Furthermore, you can start them out at an executive or par-3 course. These are great for kids who are new to the game. The shorter distances give them a chance to finish the game, which will allow them to gain more confidence and keep them entertained.
In addition, you can take them to a professional golf tournament. Many PGA tour events provide free admission for children 12 or younger and heavily-discounted tickets for teenagers. Watch them light up when they meet some of the sport’s biggest stars.
Buy your child clubs that are not too long, stiff, or heavy. That can ruin their game from the beginning.
A long shaft feels head-heavy and uncomfortable to swing for a beginner. The wrong length club will also affect the distance, accuracy, and feel of their swing.
When a small child uses a long heavy club and swings on an arc that is too flat, their swing bottoms out behind the ball. So you have to make sure that they have the right club relative to their height and stamina to maximize their swing as best they can.
But you don’t have to spend a fortune in the beginning. You can let them use the Kids Yard Club. This learning and development club for beginners is available in 10 unique sizes that accommodate player heights from 36″ to 66″. They are lightweight and have a grip guide and larger clubface that allows kids to swing faster and hit the ball up in the air more easily.
For additional help, ask their trainer to recommend the right golf equipment.
The universal rule for all parents who want to teach their kids golf is to keep it simple and fun. To keep them interested in the game, take them with you to the course and spend quality time that will instill fun memories.
You can plan little fun treats into achieving certain goals. For example, promise them ice cream for finishing nine holes. Eventually, they will want to get better even without these incentives.
Also, keep an eye out for when they get mad about a bad shot. That’s actually a good sign because it shows they care. Just make sure they don’t break any rules or etiquette of the game.
Being a parent, you have to understand that the path to your child loving golf is a bumpy one, so you need to be patient. For example, if you see that their grip is imperfect and they can’t stand perfectly or they lose their balance, understand that these will come with time and practice. So, when you introduce your child to golf, make sure to keep it fun and give them enough time to practice to perfect their swing.
You can also potentially get their friends involved (with their parents’ permission). This way, they may develop golfing partners they can play with for years to come.
Golf teaches its young players much more than just how to play a sport. They also learn to respect their opponents. By following these suggestions, you can get your children interested in golf. If you are a parent looking for a good golf lesson in Mississauga for them, contact Learn 2 Golf today.