When is too early?

Ally @ 3 and Katie @ 1

Over the last 3-4 years, I have had countless people ask me the same question, “when is the right time to start their child (or grandchild) playing golf?” The short answer is now, but the long answer is below! Let me explain…

First off, you have to change your perspective on “what golf is” to a young child. For them, golf is not about hitting golf balls or playing holes… it is about spending some “fun time” with their parent or family member. I often say that going to the golf course is like a long conversation with your child, where hitting golf balls gets in the way (much like fishing). Some of my most enjoyable times with my girls is not hitting golf… but just having fun together on the golf course.

If you want to take your child to the course… the main thing is to just go out there and let them spend time with you… even if they don’t even want to pick up a club… this is ok. Don’t force it!

For those of you looking to take your young’ in out to the golf course, here are a few activities you can engage in… both in hitting balls and other fun non-golf activities.

Golf Stuff

• Age 0-1 – Sit them on the putting green by the hole and let them crawl around play with balls on the green and/or in the hole.
• Age 1-3 – Give them a putter and put the ball an inch away from the hole… and help them knock it in. When they do… a very important key action is for you to celebrate when they hit the ball…watching them smile and get excited will make your day.
• Age 3-5 – Play games, play games, play games. Everything you do needs to be structured as a game. A few suggestions: hit balls into the water, clip the tee game, or the longest putt game. A key suggestion to peak their interest is to let them make up the game… this will get them more engaged in the activity.

Non-Golf Stuff

Through a childs eyes, going to the golf course islike going to a big playground. As a parent, it is your objective to take advantage of the golf course resources that would be fun for a child…a few suggestions include the following:

• Play in the sand trap (build a castle, make a snow angel)
• Look for turtles, fish or other creatures in the water
• Skip rocks
• Climb/swing from a tree
• Roll down a hill
• And of course… take a ride in the golf cart and let them steer

A final rule of thumb that will be applicable to anything you do while on your golfing adventure… pay close attention to their attention span. Once you see them fade… move onto another activity (don’t press it). Something’s they will want to continue for 15 min… while others for 30 seconds.

Sisters on the 17th hole

Enjoy your adventure!