Get Your Kid Hooked on Golf with These Helpful Tips

Golf is a sport enjoyed by over 25 million Americans over six years old. The fact that it's not too physically demanding and is played out in nature makes golf appealing to people of all ages and fitness levels.

You might enjoy golfing yourself, and you think it's time that you make it a family activity. But you're afraid that your child will be resistant to the idea, and rightfully so. With their short attention spans and reluctance to try new things, kids can sour quickly to golf.

But if you approach things the right way, your little one will be an avid golfer in no time. Here are some helpful tips you should follow.

Get Them the Right Equipment

It's a bad idea to give your kid hand-me-downs, especially if the clubs are much too big and heavy for them. They'll get frustrated since they're not the right fit, and they might even get injured. Needless to say, it won't be a pleasant time for your child.

You might be hesitant to buy children's golf equipment, especially since your child may not continue with the sport. The specialists at Affordable Golf suggest starting off with second-hand things in this case. Thankfully, there are affordable clubs, bags, clothing, footwear, and more you can get for kids.

Not only will this equipment make it easier and safer for your little one to play golf, but it'll also increase their chance of falling in love with the sport. Even if your child doesn't continue golfing, it shouldn't be too difficult to sell the items to other parents.

Further, technology such as calculators can also be very helpful. The people behind weekendgolf.co can explain how measuring handicaps and driver distance accurately is crucial in golf. By using modern tools, you can keep track of your child's progress and show them how they're improving over time.

Take Things Slowly

Don't jump straight into a full-length game of golf; even the most enthusiastic kid might be worn out from one. Instead, take things at their pace. You can start off with mini golf and see if they have an interest in that before graduating to a golf range.

If your kid says they want to stop after five holes, then don't push them. You can continue playing while they watch, and let them rejoin if they find their second wind. And if they're feeling overwhelmed and want to go home, pack everything up.

At home, don't force it if your child says "no" when you're going to the range, and invite your child along. Let them know your golfing schedule, and perhaps they'll come to you the next tee time.

Don't Nitpick Their Technique

It's no fun to try out your golf swings, only to have your parent nagging you about how you're holding the golf club or how you're standing. We guarantee that if you try to make your kid a pro golfer straightaway, they'll say "no thanks" the next time you invite them out golfing.

They're only starting out, so it won't matter much if their technique isn't perfect. You want your child to feel out the sport and see if it's right for them. Let them goof around and use the most awkward swings if they want!

Once they've gotten their bearings and want to learn more, you can enroll them in classes and correct them when needed.

Explain Things in Their Terms

Yes, there are proper terms in golfing that everyone should learn if they want to get serious about the sport. But as a parent, it's your job to make things understandable for your little one.

If you're starting off your sessions with terminology that sounds like gibberish, your kid will quickly lose interest, especially if they're just confused, lost, and/or bored. Pick smaller words and comparisons they can relate to. Get creative and make songs that'll make it easier for your child to remember specific golf techniques!

Enroll Them in Group Lessons

Speaking of golf classes, make sure you sign your kid up for group ones. When they're surrounded by other children who are excited about golf, this can encourage them to have more positive feelings about the sport.

Plus, kids tend to be more engaged in group settings when compared to one-on-one lessons. They might even make some friends who can go to the range with them. Before you know it, they'll be begging you to take them golfing to see their buddies!

Choose Slower Times to Go to Ranges

There's nothing more nerve-wracking than learning a sport and feeling like all eyes are on you. In addition to feeling self-conscious, your child may also feel rushed, especially if there are groups piling up behind you. This will make it a very negative experience, and it's not likely they'll want to return.

Make things less stressful for your little one by going to the range at off-peak times, such as later in the evening. With fewer people around, they won't feel pressured to swing quickly and get things over with. The two of you can enjoy practicing at a leisurely pace, which makes things a lot more fun!

Don't Fixate on the Results

It can be difficult not to fixate on game results, especially if your little one shows promise for golfing. However, your main goal should be getting a golf buddy, not training the next PGA winner.

Kids are intuitive, and they can pick up on you pinning your hopes and dreams on them. It's not fair to put this type of pressure on them, so make a conscious effort to focus on having fun.

However, if they're the ones who want to get competitive, then follow their lead. Some friendly competition never hurts, and it can motivate your little one to return for more games!

Make Golf Fun for Everyone

If you've been feeling lonely on the green, then it's time you bring your kids into the picture. Not only will they get some physical activity, but you'll also enjoy plenty of quality time together.

Just remember to take things slowly, have lots of patience, and focus on bonding rather than golf itself. The more inviting you make the environment, the more likely your little one will be eager to go golfing.

Need more parenting tips? Then check out the rest of our blog now.

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