Secret to playing with kids: keep game fun

Rich Conwell / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: July 25, 2007

Junior golf is the lifeblood of the future of the game.

I think we can all safely say that the Tiger Woods effect on youngsters is about over.  He is now a staple of the American sports landscape and is probably not going to create any more interest in the junior era than he already has.  So now, carrying the torch is up to us.

How should you start a junior golfer-  Make sure that he or she understands this game is fun.  I am a real big fan of the integrity and rules of the game, but when you start a youngster out early, fun is the name of the game.  Introduce competition gradually and make sure they only compete against themselves.  Try making a game of everything; straighter shot than the last one, one fewer putt than the last green, play this hole a little faster than the last one.  The early rounds or holes should be about teaching the child to improve each area.

Do not fall into the trap of becoming your new playing partner's swing coach.  Children can figure it out pretty rapidly.

A few key things:  swing the club to the target, keep your feet flat on the ground and, when putting, roll the ball just over the edge of the hole.  These simple rules seem to make a lot of sense to youngsters and the game is much less confusing for them.

Wait on the integrity and rules.  Just have fun.  There is no better golfing partner than a young person just starting out.  It will try your patience, test your sanity and make your heart swell.  Those three things will probably happen on the first hole played.  Remember, it is not a round of golf, rather it is a memory in the making.