It is important to remember that there are no athletic scholarships handed out at age 9 and that developing a love for the game is of the utmost importance in the early years .
Instruction
However , starting your child in golf at 3 years old is not vitally important . I often get asked , “ When should my child start playing ?” I always answer , “ as soon as he or she shows an interest in golf .” Keeping the game fun and letting children move at their own pace is what will keep them interested . When children want to learn the skills , instead of being forced , the possibilities become endless . Our main goal should be to provide children with the right tools and skills as they develop their own love and passion for the game .
As a child ’ s love and passion for golf grows , it is still vital that the child participates in other sports as these sports will assist the child ’ s athleticism . The skills that young athletes develop from playing a multitude of sports will help them throughout their entire athletic career no matter which path they choose . It is important to remember that there are no athletic scholarships handed out at age 9 and that developing a love for the game is of the utmost importance in the early years .
Early specialization can often lead to burnout for these athletes before they have even realized their true potential .
It is essential to allow young golfers to follow their passion and drive . Their selfmotivation and passion will determine their future course in the sport . Parents are often pleasantly surprised by how far a child will go to achieve the child ’ s dreams .
The question then is what do parents do if they discover their child is showing an interest in golf ? I have three top tips for you :
First , bring the child to the course in the evening or when it is not crowded . Start on the putting green . Later , locate a vacant pitching area , let them see the ball fly and roll without consequences . It is the best way for their brains to discover a critical part of the game , as well as reinforcing repetitive ball striking . Remember children just want to have fun , so let them explore the game on their own . Accompany them to practice and explain things as they ask about them . Remember , you are there to assist them in their journey , but it is important they are in the driver ’ s seat . It is important to encourage children , but do not instruct them . When a child hits a good shot , say “ Great shot .” When a child hits a bad shot , say “ Great swing .”
It is important to remember that there are no athletic scholarships handed out at age 9 and that developing a love for the game is of the utmost importance in the early years .
Second , give your child the right equipment . Too many children use clubs that are too long , too stiff and too heavy . It is very important that your child is fitted for the correct set of clubs . When a child plays with clubs that fit , he or she is able to develop consistent swings that will stay with him or her forever . U . S . Kids Golf offers a variety of clubs in different weights and lengths specific to the child being measured . Always remember that a child should grow out of the golf clubs , not into the clubs .
Third , find the right junior golf program with a coach that the child is drawn to . The program should offer a good balance of competition and fun .
Finally , if the child is particularly gifted in golf , that is great ! Here are a few tips on how to help that gift grow :
• The more accomplished an athlete becomes , the more he or she needs the parent to simply act as a supportive mom or dad . The parent ’ s first job is to keep golf fun and to provide the child with opportunities that will allow him or her to keep learning .
• If the parent concentrates on the most important aspect of golf — the enjoyment of the game — this might help the child develop an undying passion and a great work ethic . Who knows what exciting things the future may bring .
• Always praise attitude / effort / selfimprovement over winning . Place emphasis on the process , not the outcome . Rather than praising scores , put the focus on effort , attitude and enthusiasm .
• Allow the child to set his or her own goals and encourage him or her face challenges .
• Encourage the child to develop his or her own practice plans . Encourage the child to take ownership of the game .
• Be willing to let the child make mistakes .
• Always arrive at the course as a happy family and leave a happy family , regardless of the result . Make sure he or she knows you understand that golf is just a game and that the child is not defined by his or her score . Important words to help . “ I love to watch you play !”
• Encourage the child to participate in other sports . Athletes become better athletes when they play multiple sports . I encourage highly skilled golf children to go out and play a new sport they would not necessarily play in combination with playing golf . This will help the child deal with golf ’ s grueling lesson : there will be more bad days than good days in competitive golf .
• Finally , get involved . Some of my happiest memories are of playing golf with my father and grandfather . Make it a family experience and show the child that golf is a game that can be played no matter what age or level of skill . Show the child that golf is a game that can be played forever .
Cahoon Plantation ’ s Michelle Holmes was voted a top 50 U . S . Kids Golf teacher in 2015 and is a regional coordinator for the VSGA Junior Golf Circuit . For more information on the Michelle Holmes School of Golf , visits michelleholmesgolf . com .
MICHELLE HOLMES
36 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY / J UNE 2016 vsga . org