How to cultivate interest in a junior golfer
The sport of golf has become increasingly popular among children and young adults, prompting a growth in junior golf programs around the country. If your junior has indicated a desire to play, it’s important to follow some basic steps to make golf a fun, enjoyable sport he or she will play for a lifetime.
Equipment
It is very important that juniors have clubs that fit them. Too often parents cut down clubs for the junior, which makes the club too heavy and too stiff. As a result, juniors have difficulty getting the ball in the air and can become easily frustrated. Several equipment companies, such as U.S. Kids, now make clubs designed specifically for juniors.
Lessons/clinics
Start the junior with lessons on basic fun-damentals such as grip and setup. If there is a junior program available in your area, I encourage you to enroll your junior in the program. It is important for juniors to learn and play with other juniors. The First Tee program is always a great way to get the junior involved in golf.
Parents
It is very important that the parents are in the support role for their juniors. Parents should leave all instruction to the golf professionals. The parent’s role is to be encouraging at all times and give juniors the opportunity to practice and play. Never push your junior golfer to play. It has to be something juniors want to do.
Playing vs. practicing
I highly recommend that juniors learn to practice and to have fun practicing before they go to the golf course. I always like to set fun goals for practice; if juniors achieve their goals, then take them to the golf course.
If the junior is young and a beginner, it is important that you make the course very short for play. For example, have the kids play from 100 yards to the green and set their own par.
This will make the game a lot more fun and enjoyable for all. When a junior golfer has had enough and wants to leave, it is important to leave at that time and not force a tired or frustrated junior to stay longer.
Fun
If you want your junior golfer to enjoy the game for a long time, then it must be fun at all times. Once juniors learn to love the game, they will be hooked for life. As golf professionals and parents, it is very important that we do whatever we can to support the golfer and make it a ton of fun every moment you are at the golf course.
I hope these five suggestions will help you get your junior golfer started in the great game of golf. As the juniors get older and progress, keep encouraging them and then meet with your local PGA Professional for further steps.
This will make the game a lot more fun and enjoyable for all. When a junior golfer has had enough and they wants to leave, it is important to leave at that time and not force them a tired or frustrated junior to stay longer.
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