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How to get the grandkids into golf

how to get your grandkids into golf

How can I get my grandkids off the devices and into golf? PGA Professional, Wade Hooper, shares his tips.

I want to help you to guide your grandchildren towards the golf course in a fun and encouraging way. Golf can be a cruel and frustrating game at times, then it can bring you so much joy, peace and happiness and at times all emotions within the same hole!

In this modern technical age we find ourselves living in, maybe golf can be the game that keeps future generations in check by rewarding persistence, planning and hard work. But before we put a club in their hand and read them the rule book let’s talk about the real benefits for young children playing golf.

Benefits of getting grandkids into golf

– Learning the art of learning

– Learning to deal with success and failure

– Get them outside/ great environment

– Eyes off a device

– Social engagement

From my own experience I believe that introducing golf to juniors provides a massive benefit to their maturity with the game, putting a large focus on etiquette and a need to follow the rules with honesty and integrity. Pretty handy values that will serve them well in any future life endeavours if you ask me!

I also believe the game of golf can be a fantastic way to get the youth outside while being active and socialising which I think a lot of kids who are stuck inside on some sort of device could benefit from.

Ok sounds good but how do i get them interested in golf?

 

Here is my top 5 ways to get grandkids into golf

1 It Must Be Fun

My number one rule is to ensure the golf course is remembered as a fun place, if that means building sandcastles in the bunkers, climbing trees, running through sprinklers, chasing birds then let them do it. This may mean you’ll have to pick a quiet time on the course to play or rake up a few bunkers after them but trust me it’s so important that they simply enjoy being on the course.

 

2 Keep it Short

It’s very important not to let them get to an “I’m bored” state of mind, if you’ve followed step 1 then you might get 9 holes in but that should be the maximum at the start. If you see them starting to show signs of having enough then finish that hole and then give them a race back to the clubhouse for a Grandmama or Pa treat and a quick putting comp. You are far better off playing 4 holes that they really enjoyed than 18 holes that took way to long.

 

3 Join a regular “My Golf Junior Clinic”

Another great way to get the youngsters going is to enrol them into a My Golf Junior Clinic which is the nationally recognised program developed by Golf Australia. Here they will be in a great environment to not only learn the necessary basic skills but to also make some new friends and have a lot of fun. And if you hang about and listen you may even learn a thing or two that can help your game!

 

4 Get the right clubs

It’s very important, particularly for kids under 12, to have the right golf equipment to help them get the ball airborne and to also avoid getting into some bad habits that come from using clubs to heavy and with not enough loft. If we want them to like this difficult game then let’s give them the best chance with a light club that’s the right length for them. Check in with your local pro for further guidance.

 

5 The ultimate golf hook for youngsters is………The Golf Cart!!!

If your having a difficult time getting your grandson or daughter to join you for a game of golf then introduce the ultimate hook! As soon as you mention the word GOLF CART they will be jumping up and down and ready to go. I have used this strategy myself and recommended it to some of my students and it’s amazing how it works.

Once you have them on the course they hopefully will start to see the beauty of the golf course and if they happen to catch one out of the middle of the club face and shoot it for miles into the air then you more than likely just hooked yourself a golfer.

So in summary I believe the game more than ever has a lot to offer the youth of next generation but it can be a tricky process so make sure you keep it fun and don’t be to strict with the rules – we can learn those a bit later down the track.

If you need more help on this subject or any other golfing matters please contact me and I’ll be more than happy to help.

 

Happy Golfing!

About the author

Wade Hooper

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