 | Jack Richards has been a PGA professional for more than 25 years. He and his wife, Deb, are the new owners of Clearwater Golf Course. Jack can be reached at (620)
584-2799. |
Golf
2006-03-01 13:04:00
How to get kids involved in golf?
ANSWER: You may be surprised to learn it’s never to soon to introduce a child to the game of golf! As a matter of fact, as soon as kids are able to walk, all you have to do is offer a lightweight club and ball (preferably plastic) and give them some room. They’ll start to swing right away! Any two-year old picks this up immediately.To maximize the fun factor, as well as you child’s interest and skill level, look at the SNAG golf equipment and learning program at www.assuranceind.com/snaggolf/. SNAG (Start New At Golf) is a great way to jump start a child’s basic golf skills, which can be learned as early as four or five years of age. As children grow older and stronger, you will want to introduce a lightweight junior club. Single clubs vary in size and weight, and can be picked up at almost any golf shop. Some junior clubs are made to be lengthened easily, which softens the blow on the wallet in the long run!Seven to nine-year-old children are ready for a structured golf program. As with adults, golf is best offered in small doses to speed learning. Find a program that runs for several weeks over the summer that will give kids the opportunity to work on what they learn from week to week. Hold off on golf camps with intensive instruction till they’re older —possibly in their teens.Give them a lot of chances to play! Consider a junior golf membership at a local club. Generally, these are very reasonably priced, and allow your child to play as much as or as little as they’d like. Clearwater Golf Curse offers a five-day junior membership for $100. See http://www.clearwatergolfclub.com/.Foster interest in the game by talking and reading about it, and going to local tournaments or watching tournaments together on TV. Take them to a golf shop to look at equipment, and let them purchase an inexpensive golf ball with a logo they like, or a bag of colorful tees. Two fun, informative and interactive Web sites to check out are http://www.edimples.com/ and http://www.juniorlinks.com/, the official junior golf Web site shared by the PGA, LPGA and USGA.Expect kids to show varying levels of interest in golf. Of course, the best way to cultivate you child’s interest is to practice and play yourself. Expose them to the game by taking them to the putting green and practice range. As much as possible, let them experience golf on their own terms without a lot of pressure. Before you know it, they’ll be asking you for help! Make the most of teaching opportunities when they arise. Notice small improvements and praise them for their successes. With a few tools and a little encouragement, you can grant your child a gift that will last them a lifetime. Think spring! No matter how old or young your children are, now is the best possible time, as well as the best possible time of the year, to begin!
