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.
Don’t Worry About Swing Mechanics
We are all too frequently confused by the swing mechanics we are told to follow by club professionals or training guides. For kids just starting, the best advice anyone can give is simply to go out, swing the club, and have fun! It’s critical that kids can improve their game and develop their skills at their own pace, all in a relaxed atmosphere and having plenty of fun along the way.
Showing youngsters some critical characteristics, such as holding the golf club and keeping their eye on the ball, will undoubtedly benefit them, but don’t spend too much time on this and let them develop their own swings. There will be plenty of time as kids get older to learn the fundamentals of the golf swing, and of course, those that have an inherent interest in taking this game more seriously will be willing to learn and develop these mechanics at a level required to really take their games to the next level.
The philosophy of a youngster should be to “grip it and rip it.” There is nothing wrong with challenging your kids to swing as hard as they can because it will be fun for them, and secondly, distance will set them up for success as they develop the fundamentals of the game and accuracy improves.
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.
Group Instruction
A great way to inspire kids to keep wanting to go back to the golf course is by introducing them to local golf clinics. Group instruction is not only a great way for your kids to meet new friends but also a way for them to learn from each other. Many courses on the Gulf Coast offer after-school clinics or summer golf camps, and it’s definitely a great way to encourage them to want to play more.
If you really want to get your kids involved in golf, have them recruit a few of their best friends to enjoy the game with them. Whenever kids head to the course in pairs or small groups, they are likely to have much more fun, encouraging them to keep returning or heading to the local range to practice more. Plus, this will allow for some friendly competition, and as your kids improve, they will strive to be the best among their peers.
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.
