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How to Teach a Child to Golf

Contributor
By Lisa Ellis
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Practice makes perfect, particularly when it comes to the game of golf. Part of the appeal of this sport is that you can compete with yourself to improve your score each time you play. If you have a young child and want to introduce him or her to the rules of the game, there are some simple, but important, steps to get started. Before you know it, they will be able to join you out on the course.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Golf clubs (putter, iron, driver)
  • Golf bag
  • Balls
  1. Step 1

    Understand that the rules of golf can be hard for a young child's mind to grasp. Therefore, keep it very simple at the start and just get your child comfortable with the sport. The finer points can be taught as you move along.

  2. Step 2

    Invest in the clubs that are the right size for your child. The newer children's clubs are the right weight and length for children so they can handle them appropriately. (If you cut down an adult club, the shaft will be heavier and may be harder for your child to swing.)

  3. Step 3

    Bring your child to a driving range and go over some of the basic safety rules. Then let them hit some balls off of the mat. Adjust the tee height to match the child's swing.

  4. Step 4

    Work with your child to practice putting the ball on a putting green. Make it fun by having a contest to see who can get more balls in the hole.

  5. Step 5

    Keep the lessons short and engaging to match your child's attention span. If your child seems to have had enough, switch gears or stop playing until next time.

  6. Step 6

    Find a local golf course that offers classes for children. The First Tee program is provided by many golf courses to teach school-age children the fundamentals of the sport.

Tips & Warnings
  • Realize that there are many life lessons that go along with golf. When you teach your child the game, he will also learn respect, honesty, hard work and good sportsmanship. These are important values that will translate to many other situations and sports.
  • You can watch professional golf together as a family. Your child can learn some of the rules by watching others play.
  • Be sure not to pressure your child to love golf, or your efforts may backfire.
  • If your child doesn't seem to enjoy playing, take a break and try again in a year or two.
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