subject: Children and golf [print this page] Tiger Woods arguably the best golfer ever to have graced the sport. One of the noticeable advantages Tiger Woods had was the fact that he started playing and training at a very young age. Many children are becoming interested in the sport also because of this and are starting to learn the game of golf at a very young age. Children may start to play courses with their parents and there is a rise in children's golf lessons being offered at courses throughout the world. Schools are adding both boys' and girls' golf to the roster of available extracurricular sporting events that are available.
For children who are interested in golf, the first step is to get a set of clubs. Because children are smaller, their golf clubs will also be smaller. The same clubs will be used in the golf bag, the most important being a driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges and the putter. Most golf supply stores carry smaller sized golf clubs designed specifically for children. The golf clubs can also be made, creating the shaft at a length that is ideal for the child's height. As the child grows, they will be able to use standard sized clubs.
As with any sport, the only way to get better at the game is to practice. A child should first have a fundamental understanding of how the game is played and the rules. If a child is playing at a golf course, they should also be educated in the etiquette of the game including any particular rules found at the course in which they are playing including dress codes and acceptable behavior.
The basics of the game should be practiced with the use of drills. While this may not be as exciting as a full round of golf, it will help the child hone skills so that when they are able to play, it will be more enjoyable for them and less frustrating. Practicing swings at a driving range can be just as fun as playing a full round of golf.
For children, the emphasis should be on fun, especially if they are younger children just getting interested in the game. Parents can look for day camps and private coaching opportunities at their local courses. This is a great way to spend some time in the summer teaching skills and having fun. As the child progresses in the sport, more practice and detailed lessons may be advisable to get them ready for more competitive play.
