Sometimes, getting a kid to actually hit a golf ball can be a chore, especially when they’re under the age of 5 and have their own agenda for the afternoon. Parents often become discouraged when their kid isn’t ‘paying attention’ or showing an interest in hitting ball after ball…How are they going to become the next Tiger Woods unless they hit 100 balls today, right? Wrong.
Our Golden Rule for kids is that they must be shown that GOLF = FUN. With this in mind, we should look for ‘teachable moments’ when your kids are on the course or around the driving range, even if they don’t look like they’re interested in hitting balls or listening to formal golf instruction.
On a recent trip to the range, I watched my 1 1/2 year-old become fascinated with the fact that she could empty an entire basket of range balls in about 5 seconds simply by tipping it over and watching all of the balls scatter about the range.
What did we accomplish during the ‘golf lesson’?
1) She worked on her fine motor skills as she carefully put the balls back into the basket.
2) We worked on our math skills as we counted each ball she put back into the basket.
3) We learned that if we make a mess, we have to clean up (can this skill be transferred to other areas of her 1 1/2 year-old world?).
4) We were so thoroughly entertained by this game of dumping balls and picking them up, we learned that GOLF = FUN. The formal lessons and marathon practice sessions so my little girl can get that college scholarship 16 years from now will have to wait another day. For now, we had a terrific day on the golf course.
As a parent, don’t try to force your child into playing the game of golf. Instead, let them explore and become comfortable around a golf course, all the while teaching them that GOLF = FUN.
Take your kid to the course today and teach them about this game we all love!
