Teaching Golf to Children

Golf is a great game for families. When teaching your children to play the game of golf remember to keep "play" in the equation. Golf is a game first and foremost and as such should be entertaining, enjoyable, fun. Having fun playing golf is the best introduction to the game a parent can give their child. Remember also, understand what your child's expectations and aspirations are and keep your expectations in line with their skill level, and goals. Lack of enjoyment is the biggest reason people quit playing, to much stress is second. Take your young child to the range and simply let them hit balls for fun.

It is necessary to understand the athleticism of golf in order to learn and enjoy the game. Achieving physical, mental and cognitive developmental levels are necessary for optimizing certain skills. Children need to learn basic movement skills before they can learn the game. Children younger than six are given the best start by simply being allowed and encouraged to be active in their play. Physical activity should be fun, routine and noncompetitive. Between the ages of six and ineencourage your kids to try and play many sports so they enjoy being active and learn to move skillfully. Children can be introduced to very basic grip, stance, balance and swing motions at this age. Between the ages of nine and twelvekids are ready to learn to play golf. Remember to keep it fun, to encourage participation in other sports and to continue encouraging unstructured play. Children are acquiring general sports skills during this age that will form the cornerstones of their athletic development. Children 9 -12 are ready developmentally to begin a basic golf instruction program including putting, chipping, sand play, full swing, golf etiquette and rules. Somewhere between the ages of twelve to sixteen kids will be ready to cope with the physical and mental challenges of competition.

If your child enjoys the challenges of golf competition encourage their goals and training. It's been estimated that it takes ten years or 10,000 hours of training for an athlete to reach an international elite level of competitiveness in their sport. An analysis by the PGA of the best male and female players revealed that it took twenty years from entry point to winning a major. So if your child is hoping to be sucessful on a competitive level, along with being patient, supportive and encouraging, keep the game enjoyable.

PGA golf professionals at golf facilities around the world welcome families with children to golf schools. These schools take place at local golf courses and major resorts. Make arrangements for a memorable golf vacation,golf weekend or golf day that includes learning and playing golf together as a family. Play better and enjoy golf togeather.


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Author Michael Cahill and PGA Master Professional Dave Cahill host golf schools around the world. They have Palm Springs Golf Schools, Sri Lanka Golf Schools, Whistling Straits Golf Schools and everywhere in between.
You can read more articles about improving your game at http:// www.cahillgolf.com