When talk turns to junior golf and getting kids involved in
the game, there are some choice phrases that always
present. We’ve all heard “never too young to get started” or “you’ve got to start ’em young these days if they want to succeed in the game”.

There is validity in both statements. It is never too late for a
child of any age to be introduced to the game of golf and it is true that younger starters, who receive the right tuition, have every chance of becoming very good players.

Many young kids take an interest in the game by following their golfing mum or dad out to the course or driving range.
The sensation of hitting a ball out into the distance or the joy of getting the ball in the hole certainly sparks their interest.

In respect of age, I am often asked, “What is the right age to introduce a child to golf?” I never take any child for a formal lesson before the age of five years and then it may depend on their individual attention span and ability as to whether they should continue with lessons or attend junior clinics. You can give a child of that age some basic tips and see how they progress from there.

For kids younger than five, parents can assist their child’s ability to learn how to play golf later by playing any sort of games with them which will develop their hand-eye co-ordination. This can range from simply playing catch with a ball to letting them knock a tennis ball around with a cut-down or plastic putter.

In recent years, the access children have to quality golf instruction has improved considerably through school and club initiatives. The Cadbury Schweppes PGA Junior Golf program, which has been developed by the PGA of Australia, is an ideal introduction to golf for any child.

Through the program we are able to offer an introduction to
golf for kids, which not only teaches them how to play but it is
also fun. If kids don’t fi nd they enjoy the game at an early age
they could be lost to golf forever.

While parents can always play an important role in the
development of their child as a golfer– whether they themselves are a golfer or not – expert tuition from a PGA professional is always a better option.

However, you can use the instruction over the following pages as a guide to what
you can do to enhance your child’s golfing experience. I will show you what aspects of the game are taught to children of varying age groups as well as some of
the fun drills that help kids enjoy golf.

The age groups that are outlined are not
a hard-and-fast rule but more a guide as there will always be a crossover, in terms of tuition, into another age bracket based on the child’s ability.

While each aspect of the instruction is geared toward
improving the child’s ability, the common thread throughout is
that it must be fun.

For more on Training your own Tiger purchase the November Issue of Golf Australia

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