Like first – Love second – Passion for life!

As mentioned, my ultimate goal is for my girls to develop a strong passion for enjoying the game of golf for a lifetime.  In order for them to develop a passion (i.e. – love for the game), they must first develop “like the game.”

The absolute worst thing a parent can do to a child is “force the game” on them.  You know the one, the super manic parent that is there grinding on their child, leaving their child next to tears.  I have seen this play out on multiple occasions and the story always ends the same – the child ends up either burnt out and/or resentful toward their parent.

I am begging you…parents please don’t make this mistake.  You child has a higher chance of success if they drive themselves vs. an outside force (you/coach, etc).  Golf is a lifetime game, let this soak in… a game they will can play for the rest of their lives, you assisting them develop a passion may be one of the best gives you ever give them.

3 tips for a healthy relationship (developing passion)

1. Keep the end in mind.  Fast forward 15 years, what do you want your child to take out of this experience.  Do you want them to be playing golf with you on the weekends or vacations?  Or do you want them burnt out refusing to pick up a club?
2. Golf is secondary – life skills and character is primary.  Do you realize that the time you spend with your child on the golf course has the potential to be the most powerful learning they will receive?  More than school – yes.  This is one-on-one time in a fun environment where you both are playing a sport.  Use this time to lay a foundation that will end up defining your child (see the First Tee Program core values).
3.  Enjoy the small stuff.  Kids love big hugs, high 5’s and celebrating wins.  Every time on the golf course, there is something to celebrate.  For a child to develop a passion, they need a lot of little wins that reinforces the fun of the game.  If every time they go out to the golf course and they get a “grilling” on how they should do this or that… guess what, that gets old even for a child.   Always find something to celebrate!

A kid grows up a lot faster on the golf course.  Golf teaches you how to behave – Jack Nicklaus

 Carpe Golf!