While parents are finding it more difficult to pull their kids away from cell phones or computer games, one great way to achieve this is by introducing them to golf at an early age. There are numerous benefits to children playing sports, such as physical activity, developing social skills, and building self-esteem. With the game of golf, kids gain these advantages and many more - from learning etiquette and how to treat others to developing the drive for continual self-improvement. The great Jack Nicklaus once stated, “A kid grows up a lot faster on the golf course. Golf teaches you how to behave.”
Whether you are a parent looking to introduce your kids to golf or perhaps a teacher looking to arrange golfing extra-curricular activities, inspiring youngsters to take up this sport has a plethora of benefits that will stay with kids throughout their lives. Golf isn’t for everyone, and you shouldn’t force this upon your kids, but if you are willing to emphasize the fun aspects of this game, you may be surprised at how many want to keep returning to the course.
Kids Golfing on the Gulf Coast
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the perfect destination to introduce golf to kids of any age. Why not book a vacation at the beach and give your kids the opportunity to enjoy beach life while also heading to one of the many courses on the Alabama Gulf Coast to have some fun golfing?
Orange Beach Golf Center and Driving Range is an excellent spot for all the family to visit. Kids can grab a small bucket of balls and have fun hitting them on the range. The short 9-hole, par-3 course is kid-friendly, given that it’s shorter and less daunting than other iconic golf courses on the Alabama coast.
What's the best time to take kids to the course? Try late in the evening or when it's not crowded. That way, if your kids want to sink putts from two inches or rake every bunker, you don't have to worry about holding up the group behind you.
Head to Glenlakes Golf Club in Foley to not only enjoy 27 holes of unforgettable golf but also to encourage kids to play footgolf - a combination of soccer and golf played with a soccer ball and using 21-inch-diameter cups.
Scores Don’t Matter at an Early Age
When kids first start playing golf, they are not thinking about birdies or bogeys as they focus solely on hitting the golf ball and admiring when they hit that great shot. Similar to how swing mechanics should be ignored in the early days of kids playing golf, the same is true with scores when they first visit the course.
Focus on having fun, hitting solid shots, and teaching them more about the game. As they improve and interest levels grow, you can begin encouraging them to track their scores. If you are heading to the range, have some fun by having a chip-in competition by the practice green, or see who can hole the longest putt. All these fun activities will keep your kids engaged and wanting to return in the future.
Plan a family vacation to Alabama’s beaches and take your youngsters to one of the 15 courses in the area.