How to Incorporate Golf Into Your Child's Life

As a mother and avid golfer, I've found that incorporating golf into my children's lives has been one of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood. Let me share some personal stories and insights on how I've introduced golf to my kids at different ages. The advice overlaps with so many recreational activities, too! I spent years and years as a ski coach and ski instructor, primarily focused on the little ones (really anywhere from ages 3-9 for instructing, and 5-12 for coaching alpine ski racing). 

The Early Years (Ages 2-5)

When my daughter was just 2 years old, we bought her a set of plastic golf clubs for her birthday. To our surprise, she picked up a club and swung it like she'd been practicing for months! Well.... it was a little wobbly and her aim was terrible, but for a 2 year old, I was impressed. It reminded me of how children learn by observing, and I realized she had been watching me practice in the backyard all along.

My dad tells a similar story about skiing - when he first brought me to the hill to learn, apparently I mimicked his every move, which wasn't actually ideal considering he was skiing backwards in front of me. 

Building the Foundation (Ages 6-9)

As my daughter grew older, we focused on making golf fun and engaging. We'd set up mini-putting courses in the living room and have family competitions. I remember one rainy afternoon when we turned our hallway into a makeshift mini-golf course, using stuffed animals as obstacles. The laughter and joy on their faces as they putted around our "indoor links" is a memory I'll cherish forever. Plus, nothing broke in the process... big win!

Developing Skills and Passion (Ages 10-13)

When my son turned 10, we enrolled him in a junior golf program at our local club. Watching him make his first par on a real course brought tears to my eyes. It wasn't just about the score; it was seeing his confidence grow and his love for the game blossom.

One summer, we took a family golf vacation. Spending those long, sunny days on the course with my kids, teaching them about strategy and etiquette, while also just enjoying each other's company, was priceless. It was during this trip that I realized golf was more than just a sport for us – it was a way to bond and create lasting memories. Speaking of bonding, the kids may hate it, but matching father son polos and mommy and me outfits come in reaaaaal handy when you want an impromptu photoshoot.

Nurturing Talent and Enjoyment (Ages 14-18)

As my daughter entered her teens, she became more serious about golf. I remember driving her to her first junior tournament, both pride and nervousness taking me over. As we walked the course together, I realized my role was changing from instructor to supporter. Some parents can do both, but for us, separating that was important. This was present in skiing as well - my dad was my ski coach for my entire alpine racing career (ages 7-20). We butted heads far too many times, but I will say - having him on the hill with me was incredible bonding. If you do choose to coach your own child, make sure you can separate the line between coach and supporter. For my dad and I, that meant separating when we started to butt heads - send me off with another coach for the day and touch base later. Teens can be difficult to work with, of course, so I find it all to be a matter of working with them, never against them!

Anyways - seeing her handle pressure with grace and sportsmanship made me prouder than any score ever could.

My Own Golf Journey

Reflecting on my own introduction to golf, I realize how fortunate I was to a parent who shared their love for the game with me. My father golfed his whole, but while I was growing up, our focus was skiing. During golf season, he worked a lot, and during ski season he took off more in order to coach and provide the full experience for us. Despite the focus on skiing, my dad first put a club in my hands when I was about five years old. He had a patient, gentle approach, never pushing me but always encouraging my interest.

When he was able to work less, we spent weekends at the local public course, which was actually not technically local. Being from a 1,000 person town, we didn't really have a lot of amenities, so we actually just drove across the border from Wisconsin to Illinois to a course out in the country.

He made it fun, turning our sessions into games rather than stressful practicing. For example, we liked to see who could hit the ball closest to a tree or over a certain bunker, and if I won, we got the classic fresh frozen custard from Culver's. If you don't know about Culver's, get yourself to the Midwest and try a concrete mixer. You will not regret it!

As I grew older, these outings became cherished family time, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and invaluable life lessons.

What I appreciate most about how my dad incorporated golf into my life was his balance of encouragement and freedom. Again, skiing was our focus, and I felt much more pressure on the competitive end there. But for us, golf was presented as a joy, not an obligation, which I think is why it became such an integral part of my life. He provided opportunities but never pressured me to play

Lessons Learned

Throughout this journey, I've learned that introducing golf to your children is about so much more than teaching them a sport. It's about patience, perseverance, and quality time together. There were frustrating moments, like clubs thrown in anger after bad shots. But these become opportunities to teach valuable life lessons about emotional control and resilience, and a reminder that we must enjoy the present.

I've also learned the importance of letting my children develop their own relationship with the game. While I was thrilled when my daughter showed interest in competitive play, I made sure to support my son equally in his more casual approach to golf.

As I reflect on our family's golf journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the countless hours spent on the course with my children. From those first plastic clubs to watching them outdrive me (a bittersweet moment!), golf has given us a shared passion that I know will continue to bring us together for years to come.

To other parents considering introducing golf (or any other sport) to their children, I say: embrace the journey. Let it be fun, let it be messy, and most importantly, let it be a way to connect with your kids. The memories you'll create are far more valuable than any perfect swing or low score.

Introducing golf to your child can be a rewarding experience that fosters lifelong skills and passion for the sport. Here's a guide on how to incorporate golf into your child's life based on different age ranges:

Ages 2-5: Planting the Seeds

At this young age, the focus should be on making golf fun and exciting without any pressure to perform.

Introduce golf through play:

- Use plastic golf clubs and balls in the backyard or living room

- Set up mini-putting courses with household items

- Watch golf on TV together and point out exciting moments

Keep it lighthearted:

- Avoid technical instruction at this stage

- Celebrate any contact with the ball, regardless of direction or distance

- Let them explore and be curious about golf equipment

Parent tips:

- Be patient and enthusiastic

- Focus on creating positive associations with golf

- Don't force it if they show no interest

Ages 6-9: Building the Foundation

As children develop better coordination and understanding, you can start introducing more structured golf activities.

Begin with basics:

- Teach proper grip, stance, and basic swing motion

- Focus on putting and chipping before full swings

- Introduce simple golf etiquette and safety rules

Make it engaging:

- Use colorful targets and fun obstacles for practice

- Play golf-themed games and competitions

- Visit mini-golf courses or pitch-and-putt facilities

Parent tips:

- Enroll them in junior golf programs or camps

- Invest in properly fitted junior golf clubs

- Praise effort and improvement, not just results

Ages 10-13: Developing Skills and Passion

This is a critical age where children can really start to develop their golf skills and potentially fall in love with the game.

Enhance their learning:

- Consider professional lessons to refine technique

- Introduce more advanced concepts like different types of shots

- Encourage participation in junior golf tournaments

Fostering Independence:

- Let them practice and play on their own or with friends

- Teach them how to keep score and understand handicaps

- Introduce them to golf apps and technology for tracking progress

Parent tips:

- Balance structured practice with free play

- Expose them to different golf courses and experiences

- Be supportive without being overbearing

Ages 14-18: Nurturing Talent and Enjoyment

During the teenage years, your child may decide to pursue golf more seriously or simply enjoy it as a recreational activity.

Support their goals:

- If they show serious interest, help them find competitive opportunities

- For casual players, focus on the social and life skills aspects of golf

- Encourage them to try different formats like scrambles or match play

Expand their golf world:

- Watch professional tournaments together and discuss strategies

- Introduce them to golf history and famous players

- Consider golf-related travel or golf camps

Parent tips:

- Let them take ownership of their golf journey

- Discuss potential college golf opportunities if applicable

- Emphasize the lifelong benefits of golf beyond just playing

The key to successfully incorporating sport into your child's life is to make it enjoyable and pressure-free. Every child develops at their own pace, so be patient and supportive throughout their journey. I think the goal is lifelong enjoyment.

Have you ever played a sport, only to have it ruined by a coach who puts too much pressure on you, is too negative or harsh, or overworks you to the point of exhaustion? Those are the times where, personally, I've stepped away from activities that should have been full of joy for an entire lifetime - activities I've reintroduced as an adult. 

To foster positive environments and longevity, we help create a cycle of fulfillment through these activities from generation to generation and a long life of recreation and joy!