how to start a toddler to golf

1. Group instruction. It is so important for kids to be with other kids when learning golf. The younger they are, the better group instruction is for them.
2. Make it fun. One issue I see is that parents feel their children need to do everything properly when they are learning.
3. Have proper equipment. Cardinal sins are the hand-me-down clubs or the gifted set that is way too long or heavy for that particular child.
4. Let it be their idea/Don’t push. As your child becomes interested in golf, let it be their idea to go to the range and hit balls. ...
5. PGA Junior League. For any kid interested in golf, PGA Junior League is an amazing opportunity to get hooked. ...

Full Answer

How can I teach my child to play golf?

Encourage them to play other sports or develop other talents in areas such as art and music. I highly recommend that you start your child out by teaching them some of the most important principles of the game. These initial teachings do not even require a club or a ball. The most wonderful thing about the game of golf lies in these principals.

What is the best age to introduce your child to golf?

Here, in no particular order, are her recommendations for fostering a love of golf in your little one. FORGET WHAT YOU’VE HEARD, START THEM NOW! “I am all for getting kids to start at any age. As soon as they show interest. But as early as age two, you can have them swing a plastic club. It’s never too young.

Can a child learn to swing a golf club?

Some could be like Woods and have the ability to grip a club, stand properly and swing at an early age. However, other children may take years to get this down. One school of thought is a child needs to be at a good level of maturity to play the game.

What is the best toddler Golf Club?

This may be the best toddler golf club for the golf enthusiasts. The USKids Yard Club RS39 (i.e. Right Start, 39 inch height) is the lightest and most flexible club that U.S.Kids Golf offers. It will help first time golfers, age 3 to 5, learn to hit balls, have fun and see quick success. There are also other Yard Club sizes for older children.

How do I introduce my toddler to golf?

Get your kids to walk back six feet and, using a wedge (the club with the most angled head), get them to hit short, lofted shots — 'chip' shots — through the triangle. This teaches them to make the low, short-swing shots they need to put balls onto a green. It's challenging, but fun, too!

How do I teach my 2 year old to play golf?

3:245:09How To Teach Your Kids How To Play Golf! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen go to a smaller golf ball and let's try it but not before the water balloon actually teachesMoreThen go to a smaller golf ball and let's try it but not before the water balloon actually teaches them how to release a golf club and have fun at the same time.

Can 2 year olds play golf?

Kids can be exposed to the game of golf as early as 2 years old. Research shows those starting early are more likely to play golf as adults. Formal instruction is generally better from school age (5-6) when longer attention spans enable kids to better learn the rules and risks associated with golf.

Can a 3 year old learn golf?

Determining what age to start golf lessons depends on each child. In extraordinary cases, your child can begin at 2 or 3 years of age. Others shouldn't begin until they reach school age. Kids who have no interest in the sport shouldn't be forced, but they can be encouraged by example.

What age did Tiger Woods start playing golf?

He took an interest in golf at age 6 months, watching as his father hit golf balls into a net and imitating his swing. He appeared on The Mike Douglas Show at age 2, putting with Bob Hope. He shot 48 for nine holes at age 3 and was featured in Golf Digest at age 5.

When should a child start golf?

If you believe they are mature enough to understand the rules at the age of 3, then that's the appropriate age for your child to start golfing, if not don't be afraid to wait a couple more years. For more information on getting kids into golf, do not hesitate to contact us.

How do I teach my 3 year old to play golf?

4:327:45HOW TO TEACH GOLF TO YOUNG KIDS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGenerally speaking pay more attention the golf club teach them with the golf club don't teach himMoreGenerally speaking pay more attention the golf club teach them with the golf club don't teach him what their knees should be doing in their head in their legs.

What is the appropriate age to start playing golf?

around five to six years oldParents can enter their children into formal golf lessons when they start school, which is around five to six years old. This is an age your child may begin showing a strong interest in playing sports, especially once they make friends at school and want to partake in activities similar to their peers.

How do I start my daughter in golf?

Give a kid detailed instruction about the golf swing and watch their eyes glaze over and their excitement about the game fade away. If a child watches good players, most times they will pick up the game in the same natural way kids learn, by watching and trying. I like this plan.

How do you teach a child to hold a golf club?

1:044:35Getting your kids started in golf: How to grip the golf club - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo take your fingers squish them together squish them together really hard let's squish themMoreSo take your fingers squish them together squish them together really hard let's squish them together on that grip. Put them together squish all those fingers together.

How do you play golf for kids?

6 Tips For Taking Your Kids Out On The Golf CourseLooks for lulls in the action. When you contact a course, be clear and tell them you're coming with junior players and are looking for a quiet time. ... Keep it short. ... Again, keep it short. ... Put your own game aside. ... Create time-saving games.

How do I get my child to like golf?

Children are more likely to become excited about golf if they associate the activity with fun, joy, family, and play. You can do that by sharing with them the aspects that inspire your love for the game, what first attracted you to the sport, and by sharing any happy memories you have of playing when you were young.

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What to replace a golf ball with?

When in doubt: replace a golf ball with a water balloon.

Why is it important to have the right clubs for kids?

“It’s really important that kids have the right clubs. Get them clubs that fit them, because learning with the wrong equipment can be such a turnoff. If the clubs are ill-fitting, it can make it so hard.”

What happens if a kid explodes a water balloon?

If a kid explodes a water balloon, it makes them laugh, because they’re soaking wet at the end, but it also shows them that they can do that. At any skill level, you can break a water balloon. It doesn’t matter if it goes up in the air, you just want to make a splash.

When kids start playing golf, do they want to feel like they belong?

“When kids are first starting out, you want them to feel like they belong playing golf, that it’s a sport they can do, and enjoy. Then, focus on skill development, but not necessarily technique. As they get a bit older, you can start doing some technique.”

Who is Megan Padua?

As a parent of a 21-month-old, I have a vested interest in this topic. So I asked club professional Megan Padua, who heads up the junior golf program at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton, N.Y., and serves as a teaching professional at the Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Fla., during the winter season.

When can you start swinging a plastic club?

But as early as age two, you can have them swing a plastic club. It’s never too young. I hear a lot of parents say they don’t want to start their kids until they turn a certain age, but that time has come and gone. It’s more about doing different things at different ages when it comes to instruction.”.

What to do when a youngster is ready?

Ideas on what you can do to determine when a youngster is ready. Equipment. What is necessary and what is not necessary. Developing Skills. Learning by watching and formalized instruction. Playing Partners. Getting friends involved is vital. Courses to Play. What to look for in courses that are best for juniors.

What is the most important thing to do when a child is playing golf?

If a child is going to become a good player and enjoy the game, the most important thing that must happen is that he or she has buddies to play with. Parents or grandparents are OK, but they must also have golfing buddies their age. If you have one priority in getting a kid started, this is it.

How much does a junior golf set cost?

You can get a junior set that includes a bag and enough clubs for $80-$200. These sets will start with a lofted wood, a mid iron, short iron, and putter. Most companies have three sizes of junior clubs depending on the youngster’s height. The biggest company in junior golf, US Kids Golf, has 9 sizes.

How to get your child to play golf?

Parents need to give thought to developing the plan for getting a child started in golf. As far as playing with your child, here are some suggestions: (1) Let them play without a lot of helpful hints or instructions. (2) Sometimes go out with your child and act as a caddie, letting your child be the boss and having the joy of being the center ...

How to find a junior golf teacher?

Be aware of the point when you need to look to a PGA or LPGA Professional. Not only for their golf knowledge but it’s a different relationship than your child has with you. The best way to find a junior teacher is to ask other parents who have kids playing golf. If you don’t have that option, US Kids Golf (www.uskidsgolf.com) ranks the best kids teachers in the country and you can find one near you.

How to get your child interested in golf?

One of the keys to getting your child interested in golf is finding a program where they can get started. Select a program that nurtures their interest and stresses having fun. A visit to www.worldgolffoundation.org is a good place to start. This site has information on the latest junior golf initiatives. Included are:

What is the role of a parent in golf?

As a parent your role involves two things ; access and encouragement. This will pass along your love for the game. Keeping these few tips in mind will also get your child’s golf career going in the right direction.

How tall is a golf club for a toddler?

Its height is only 18 inches and makes a great gift for the budding, baby golfer under 39 inches tall. This may be the best toddler golf club for the golf enthusiasts. The USKids Yard Club RS39 (i.e. Right Start, 39 inch height) is the lightest and most flexible club that U.S.Kids Golf offers. It will help first time golfers, age 3 to 5, learn ...

What are golf clubs made of?

The golf club heads and balls are made of plastic and can be swung without damage indoors and outdoors (the shaft of the club is metal but heads are plastic). The set comes with 3 different style of clubs (driver, iron and putter) and a colorful carry bag.

What is the name of the movement of the eyes simultaneously in the same direction to bring something into view?

Very often, kids that have natural hand-eye-ball co-ordination have good, what is termed , ‘ gaze control ’. This is simply the normal movement of the two eyes simultaneously in the same direction to bring something into view. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience titled, Eye-Hand Co-ordination in Object Manipulation, supports a theory that gaze control is a major contributing factor in developing good hand-eye coordination (e.g. practicing putting a golf ball), by learning to controlling gaze shifts and fixations proactively, to gather visual information for guiding movements.

What is the first club Putter?

USKids Golf, the leader in golf clubs for young to pre-teen junior golfers, has brought out the U.S.Kids First Club Putter, a small golf club designed for toddlers as well as the USKids Yard Club for the youngest beginner golfers starting at age 3. The First Club is marketed as the perfect gift for new parents and it comes in blue or pink in an attractive gift box.

How old do you have to be to wear junior golf gloves?

Once juniors reach the age of approx. 5 years old you should look at the junior golf gloves that we have reviewed and rated.

Can toddlers wear golf gloves?

Toddlers like to look like mom and dad - and having their own golf glove is a cool touch. Golf gloves can also help kids to grip a club better and not have it slip in their hands. There are not many golf gloves that are small enough for toddlers but the Tot Jocks Toddler golf glove are made for toddlers and they also have very good feedback from buyers.

When is the best time to swing?

As the great Bobby Jones once said : You swing your best when you have the fewest things to think about. The toddler years are probably the best time to start swinging, in this case!

How to teach kids how to golf?

First and foremost, it has to be fun or you will lose their interest. Incorporate games into their practice . Do not use technical terms--kids respond better to visual cues and words they understand . Be sure not to overload a kid with too much information ...

What to do if your child misses the ball?

If they miss the ball, have them take half swings to promote contact and confidence. Some visual cues to help them: making a big "U" with the clubhead or sweeping the ball off of the tee. Tee up all the balls during the first couple of lessons. The only thing to watch as far as correcting form is movement of the feet.

How to grip a child's golf club?

Allow the child to grip the club however is naturally comfortable (usually a 10-finger/baseball grip), but make sure the hand position is correct. Also make sure of the setup: Feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent are the keys. These are the fundamentals you do not want to ignore.

How to encourage kids to make putts?

Make the kids' goal to hit a putt inside these circles; assign point values for each circle and a point value for making the putt. This is encouraging, because they are not likely to make too many putts, but they will be rewarded for coming close.

Is it good to teach kids to putt?

Teaching kids how to putt is a good place to start. Besides the fact that putting is the most crucial aspect to scoring well in golf, it is also the simplest stroke.

Who is Michael Joseph?

Michael Joseph is a golf industry professional in New Jersey. He has worked as a golf professional, instructor, and clubmaker. Joseph's education includes a degree in golf operations management and a certification in club-fitting from The Golf Academy of America (formally the San Diego Golf Academy).

Do kids step all around while swinging?

The only thing to watch as far as correcting form is movement of the feet. Kids tend to step all around while swinging. Not only does it make hitting the ball much more difficult, it's a terrible habit. Golfweeks' Adam Woodard breaks down the results from the match.

What is the most important thing about golf swing planes?

It’s probably the most difficult of the four to explain, but the most important. A correct golf swing plane can often overcome any shortcomings in a poor stance, posture, or grip. It is the basic fundamental building block of a good golf swing.

What is the stance of a golf swing?

The Stance. Without a proper golf stance, it is extremely difficult to perform a fundamental sound golf swing that will repeat for years to come. The stance forms the basis of every solid golf swing and is the first thing to cover when teaching kids to play golf. Make sure the child can maintain a proper golf stance.

What is a good golf posture?

A great golf posture puts a young golfer in the best possible position to craft a good golf swing. When a young child masters correct posture, this skill will improve their game for years to come.

What is swing plane?

The swing plane is basically a strategy of swinging the club in the correct path around your body. It’s best to teach this technique by demonstrating in person or on video, providing the young golfer a visual demonstration so they can see the direction of the golf swing in relation to the rest of their body.

Why is it important to teach kids proper posture?

It’s important that kids are taught the correct posture because this will ensure they look after their growing bodies as they progress in life.

How many grips are there for golf?

However, if your child can at least settle on one of the more popular grips and feel comfortable with it, this will stand them in good stead. There are three basic golf grips, the overlapping, the interlocking, and the baseball grip.

Is golf a growing sport?

Golf is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. In the last few years, it has become increasingly popular, so it’s no surprise that a number of kids want to take up the sport. Tiger Woods, as a youthful 21-year-old, exploded onto the golfing stage in 1997, and many have followed since. It’s important to note, however, that teaching kids to play golf must be done the correct way or bad habits can be ingrained into young golfers and can take years to disappear.

How old should a child be to play golf?

According to GolfDigest.com, golf company The Littlest Golfer, believes kids as young as 18-months should be learning the game.

Why should kids learn golf?

The company states kids need to learn golf early as it will make them players and fans of the sport for life.

What does it mean when a kid plays nine holes?

This doesn’t mean they are picking up clubs and playing nine holes. It simply means there is an exposure to the sport. With the advancement of video games, kids can be introduced to golf simulation games. Once children are old enough to be mobile and their attention span lasts more than a matter of seconds, kids could take part in simulations.

What should a child know before playing golf?

The PGA’s website recommends before a child even picks up a club that they should learn the etiquette of the game. This is also a great chance to begin teaching your child the complex rules associated with golf. Again, a child needs to be ...

What is the most important rule for teaching children to play golf?

According to PGA.com, the most important rule for teaching children to play golf is for them to have fun.

How old was Tiger Woods when he appeared on the Michael Douglas Show?

Parents need to remember all children advance at different ages. Sure, Tiger Woods was just two-years old when he appeared on the Michael Douglas Show in 1978. Woods was a prodigy when it came to golf, but not all children can be at the same level within three years of being born.

When can kids start golfing?

Parents can enter their children into formal golf lessons when they start school, which is around five to six-years old. This is an age your child may begin showing a strong interest in playing sports, especially once they make friends at school and want to partaking in activities similar to their peers. In addition, children are learning ...

What is the best time to play golf with kids?

What's the best time to take kids to the course? Try late in the evening or at a time when it's not crowded. That way if your kid wants to hit and chase the ball or sink putts from two inches over and over or rake every bunker, you don't have to worry about holding up the group behind you. Some courses reserve times and areas for children. -- Bob Rotella, April, 2004 Read Rotella's advice on getting kids started playing golf

What are the problems with junior golf clubs?

The second problem is a result of the first one: With a club that is too long , too stiff and too heavy, a smaller player swings on an arc that is too flat relative to his height, so the swing bottoms out behind the ball. And simply cutting the shafts down to a shorter length isn't the right answer. A slow-swinging young player already has enough trouble getting the ball to fly at the right trajectory. Stiff, heavy clubs with grips that are too big for him will just make that more difficult. -- Hank Haney, January, 2009

How old should a child be to play golf?

You're right to be encouraged by your kids' enthusiasm for golf, and you should bring them to the range and let them have at it (preferably with plastic clubs and balls for toddlers), but don't try to teach them the right way to swing until they're at least 5 or 6 years old.

Should I try to teach my child how to play golf?

Should I try to teach my child how to play? Parents should embrace the attitude: I'm going to let my kid teach me golf. Don't worry about teaching your kids the proper grip right away. If they want to play three holes and go to the clubhouse to get a soda, so be it. The best thing you can do is show your kids what a great time you're having. If they see you having a wonderful time, then chances are they'll have a good time, too. -- Bob Rotella, April, 2004

Is practice green better than verbal?

Visual Is Better Than Verbal. It's rare to see an adult who uses the practice green as much as the practice range. This chronic neglect of chipping and putting is a mistake you don't want to make with a young child. The rule is this: Never walk past the practice green with a child.

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How to get your child interested in golf?

You may be asking yourself how you can get your child involved in golf and, more importantly, keep them interested in it. Here are the best things you can do to help your child fall in love with the game. 1. Group instruction. It is so important for kids to be with other kids when learning golf. The younger they are, the better group instruction is ...

What is a Cardinal sin?

Cardinal sins are the hand-me-down clubs or the gifted set that is way too long or heavy for that particular child. This makes it incredibly difficult for a child to swing and get a ball up in the air with any success. I would prefer if parents simply purchased the US Kids yard club and a putter for their beginner golfers instead of a full set. These clubs are lightweight and have a grip guide and larger clubface, which allows kids to swing faster and hit the ball up in the air more easily. This sense of success is essential to them sticking with the game. As your child gets older, the US Kids full sets are still the best option for your junior golfer. They are based on height and have different weighted clubs based on your child’s ability.

What are the things that a child can do to improve their golf game?

If your child is taking lessons (group or private), make sure that the coach is aware of developing them as an athlete. Being able to run, jump, kick and hit are things that will aid them in playing good golf and being a well-rounded athlete.

Why is it important to have group instruction in golf?

Group instruction. It is so important for kids to be with other kids when learning golf. The younger they are, the better group instruction is for them. Kids have more fun and are more engaged when they are in a group, versus one-on-one with an instructor.

Is PGA Junior League the same as Little League?

For any kid interested in golf, PGA Junior League is an amazing opportunity to get hooked. It is similar to Little League but for golf, with the team atmosphere and matches. Your child will be paired with a more experienced player and be able to get out on the golf course quickly. Some programs even provide weekly practices.