Golfing With Kids: How to Make It Fun For Them

Anyone who has ever tried to play golf with small children knows that it can be a challenge. Kids are often more interested in running around than hitting the ball, and they can quickly become bored with the game.

However, that's not to say that golf doesn't make for good family time. By just making it enjoyable for the kids everyone can have a great time. And with a little know-how, you'll be glad you did. Read on below to discover ways to make this great for family bonding.

Find a Course That is Family Friendly.

Golf is a great game for the whole family. It's a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. However, one of golf's challenges is finding a family-friendly course.

Many courses are designed with adults in mind, and they can be tough for kids to navigate. That's why it's important to find a course that is specifically designed for families. Family-friendly courses typically have shorter holes and less difficult terrain. They also often offer special amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas. As a result, family-friendly courses can make golf more enjoyable for kids and help them develop a lifelong love for the game. You also want to make sure the course is well-maintained and has a good reputation.

Make Sure Your Children Are Dressed Appropriately.

When taking your kids to the golf course, it's important to make sure they have dressed appropriately. Golf is a game that is traditionally played in very specific clothing - usually khakis or slacks for men, and skirts or dresses for women. While you may not have your kids dressed in full golf attire, it's important to at least have them in clothing that is clean and neat.

Showing up to the golf course in dirty jeans or T-shirts sends the wrong message - it shows that you and your family don't respect the game or the people who play it. Additionally, appropriate clothing helps to keep your kids comfortable while they're out on the course.

Too much sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion, so it's important to make sure your kids are wearing light, breathable fabrics. By dressing them appropriately, you can help ensure they have a fun and safe experience at the golf course.

Don't forget to attire them with closed-toe footwear and a wide-brimmed hat for combatting the heat if necessary.

Teach Your Children The Basic Rules of Golf

Before starting to play, take some time to teach your children the basic rules of golf. Explain how the game is played and what they need to do in order to hit the ball properly.

It can also be frustrating for kids who are trying to learn the game. If you're thinking about taking your kids to a golf course, you may want to consider teaching them the basics of golf both before, during, and after a game.

This will give them a better understanding of the game and help them to enjoy it more. In addition, teaching your kids the basics of golf will help them to avoid some of the common mistakes that beginner golfers make. By taking the time to teach your kids this, you'll help them to get the most out of their experience on the course.

You can also show them how to keep score so they can keep track of their progress as they play.

Start With Putting and Work Your Way Up to Full Swings

When you first start playing with your kids, it is best to stick with putts and short shots. In fact, if this is the way many amateur golfers were taught growing up, without a doubt there would be many better players.

Once they get the hang of it, you can start working on their full swing. This helps teach them patience and how to control their shots. Just like anything else, practice makes perfect.

Let Them Play Through Even If They Are Taking Longer Than Usual

One of the most important things when playing with kids is to be patient and let them play through even if they are taking longer than usual. It is important not to rush them or get angry if they make a mistake.

Beginners often feel pressured trying to match the pace of more experienced players, which inevitably leads to mistakes and missing the opportunity to harness their skills.

A slower-paced game gives them a chance to learn the game and develop their skills. Secondly, it allows them to enjoy the game without feeling pressure or stress. Finally, it helps to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere on the course. When everyone is playing at their own pace, there is no need to hurry or compete. Everyone can simply relax and enjoy the game.

Family-friendly courses do just this, as they do not penalize players for the slow pace of play, taking into consideration the age and experience of the diverse family set.

Encourage Them When They Make A Good Shot

Whenever your child makes a good shot, be sure to encourage them! This will help them stay positive and motivated throughout the game. Positive reinforcement is a well-established technique that helps children learn new skills and improve their performance.

It is also important to praise your child's effort, even if they don't make the shot. This will help them to understand that it is not just the results that matter, but the process and the effort that they put into the game.

By encouraging your child and praising their efforts, you can help them to develop a love for the game that will last a lifetime.

Let Them Win Sometimes

While it is important to teach your children how to play the game properly, it is also essential to let them win sometimes. This will help them to build their confidence and keep them interested in the game.

You can also give them small tips on how they can improve their next shot if needed but try not to micromanage it as this can be frustrating for them.

Help Them Look For Their Lost Balls     

It’s inevitable that your child will lose some balls while playing golf but that’s all part of the game! Can you keep track of the number of balls you have lost over the years? Probably not.

When this happens, help them look for their balls and offer encouragement along the way.

Yes, it may seem practical to just move on in the essence of time, but helping them look for it instills value for your equipment, as well as helping to build perseverance and determination.

Always End On a Positive Note

Regardless of how well or poorly the game might have gone, always end on a positive note. Thank your child for playing and let them know that you had fun spending time with them.

Plus, there must have been some positive from your game with them; build on that positive while gently hinting at what can be done better next time. It's a recipe that works every time.

Equip Them Properly

As any golf enthusiast knows, having the right equipment can really contribute to playing good golf. This is especially true when it comes to playing with kids. While they may not be as picky as adults when it comes to clubs and balls, they still need the right gear in order to play their best.

Without the proper equipment, kids can quickly get frustrated and give up on the game altogether.

So what exactly do kids need in order to play golf? First and foremost, they need a set of clubs that are sized specifically for them. Kids' clubs are shorter and lighter than adult clubs, making them much easier for small hands to control. In addition, kids need golf balls that are designed for their swing speed and hand size. Adult golf balls are simply too hard for most kids to hit, and they will often end up losing them in the woods or water.

Finally, kids need comfortable shoes and clothing that won't restrict their movement. Golf is a game that requires a lot of walking, so they need shoes that will support their feet and clothes that won't impede their swing.

By equipping your kids with the right golf gear, you'll help them fall in love with the game and set them up for success on the course.

Have Them Play With Other Kids

If you know other families who also enjoy golfing, see if your kids can join in on the fun. Playing with other kids their own age will help keep them interested in the game and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved.

There are many other reasons why it is important to allow kids to play golf with other kids on the course as well. For one, playing with others helps to develop social skills. Kids learn how to take turns, share space, and cooperate with one another. They also learn how to handle winning and losing gracefully. In addition, playing golf with other kids provides an opportunity for physical activity. Golf is a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is a great way for kids to get outside and move their bodies.

And finally, playing golf with other kids gives kids a chance to learn about the game itself. They can learn the rules, practice their swings, and develop critical thinking skills as they strategize about how to tackle each hole. All of these reasons underscore why it is important to allow kids to play golf with other kids on the course.

Let Them Drive The Cart 

Kids love being in charge, so let them drive the golf cart while you walk behind them and give them pointers on their swing. They’ll feel like they are really in charge of their game and it will be a lot of fun for both of you. Of course, however, please use your discretion when letting them drive and ensure they are old enough and responsible enough to handle the cart.

Take Lots of Pictures

As any parent knows, kids grow up fast. One minute they're crawling around the house, and the next they're headed off to college.

That's why it's so important to take lots of pictures of your kids while they're still young. And what better way to capture those precious moments than by taking pictures of them playing golf?

Golf is a great sport for kids of all ages, and it's a perfect opportunity to get some quality time with your little ones. Not only will you get to watch them swing a club and try their best to make a putt, but you'll also get some great pictures that you'll be able to look back on for years to come.

So next time you're out on the golf course with your kids, make sure to snap plenty of photos. You'll be glad you did when they’re older and reliving all of the fun times you had together on the course.

Play Mini Games With Them

Another great way to make golf fun for kids is to play games with them. There are a number of different games that you can play that will help to keep their attention. For example, you can set up a course with different obstacles and have them try to hit the ball through the obstacle course. Or, you can play a game of target practice where you set up targets around the course and see who can hit the targets the most. Games like these are not only fun for kids, but they also help to teach them about focus and concentration.

Give Them Prizes

If you really want to make golf fun for kids, you can give them prizes for doing well. For example, you can give them a small toy or piece of candy for every hole that they finish under par. This will help to motivate them and keep them interested in the game.

Or how about some of that delicious Whole In One Bar you have been munching down throughout the course?

A small and simple prize can keep them wanting to play for years to come.

Final Words

Golf is a great game for kids of all ages. It is a sport that the whole family can enjoy and it is a great way to teach kids important life skills. If you want to make golf more fun for your kids, try some of these tips. You'll be sure to create lasting memories that your kids will cherish for years to come.

Have a great time out there!