Questions and Answers (Q&A) About Junior Golf

1.  When should I start having my son play competitive golf?

Some kids are starting as young as 5 or 6.  This would be the youngest I would recommend and only if the child was well adjusted, loved to play golf and was fairly mature for their age.  Other kids will be ready when they are 7 or 8 years of age.  However, if your child is not ready, then don't push them.  Many pros did not start until their early teens. 


2.  Are there kids clubs available?  Should I buy them a new set?

Yes, there are a number of quality manufacturers of kids clubs.  (US Kids Golf, Callaway, Ping, Cobra, etc.)

We all love a new set, but you might want to ask around and borrow a set to make sure that your son likes the game before investing in a new set.  Additionally, as your son grows, he will need different size clubs.  Therefore, all "kids clubs" are not the same size.  Most manufacturers have an established fitting system based on height to fit clubs to junior golfers.  Make sure you borrow/purchase clubs that fit your son's height today and all summer.


3.  What length of course should junior golfers play?

Great question.  Having younger kids play from the red (ladies) or white (men's) tees may make the game to difficult and give your son the wrong idea (making 8's and 9's is okay).  Most junior golf tours / organizations will use age appropriate tees for the younger players.  Below is an example:

Age                                         Holes                     Yardages
6 and Younger                       9 Holes              1,000 - 1,200 yards
7 - 8                                        9 Holes              1,500 - 1,800 yards
9 - 10                                      9 Holes              2,000 - 2,400 yards
11 - 12                                  18 Holes              5,000 - 5,400 yards
13 - 14                                  18 Holes              5,600 - 5,800 yards
15+                                       18 Holes               6,000+ yards


4.  What should I emphasize with my son when he is just learning?

1.  Solid fundamentals
2.  Good course etiquette
3.  Have FUN!!!


5.  How do I learn what's most important to teach my son?

You can buy a good golf instructional book (There are a number on the market, including mine) and teach / coach him yourself.
You can have your son take lessons from a local pro you trust and respect.
You can enroll your son in a junior golf clinic or junior golf camp. 


6.  Should I emphasize winning?

Winning can be a good thing, everybody loves a winner.  However, every kid is not going to be a winner on the golf course.  Golf is a hard game and it is very hard to be consistent at golf.  Your son my show great promise one day and be a total disaster another.  This is common in the game of golf.  Instead of emphasizing winning, you might want to emphasize the following character traits:

             -  Effort and Desire.  Giving it your best every time you step on the course
             -  Excellent self-control, keeping your composure
             -  Positive, never give-up attitude
             -  Being prepared (course management, pre-tournament practice, etc.)
             -  Integrity and honesty

If your son is able to model out the character traits above, he will be a winner regardless of whether he has the lowest score or not!


7.  What should I do to encourage my son in golf and in life?

Golf is a great game to teach life skills to your son and to enjoy with your son.  If you can teach your son to properly handle the challenges of playing golf, then there is a good chance you will be able to teach him how to handle the challenges of life.

Additionally, spend some time enjoying yourself with your son playing golf.  Being a father is a special gift and spending meaningful and enjoyable time with your son is what we are called to do.  Practice with your son, play tournaments with your son, caddy for your son...be involved in his life. 


Have questions that are not answered here?  Feel free to e-mail Coach Stouffer at Bruce@FatherandSonGolfAdventures.com.