Kids Golf: A Parent’s (Fun) Guide to Getting Started
Kids Golf: A Parent's (Fun) Guide to Getting Started
When my son joined his school’s golf team this year, I went from “occasional range parent” to mini–team manager overnight — snacks, schedules, swing tips, the whole thing.
If your kid is just starting out, here’s the guide I wish I had: practical, light, and focused on helping them fall in love with the game (and improve).
Why Golf is Great for Kids
- Focus without pressure: One shot at a time teaches patience and bounce-back.
- Movement that grows: Play 3 holes, hit 20 balls, or putt in the living room — progress still happens.
- Character: Honesty, etiquette, and looking after the course (hello, divots!) are built in.
Kids actually love to be “clean” and helpful on the course. Show them how to replace a divot, rake a sand trap, and care for the course — they’ll feel proud doing it.
The Simple Starter Kit
- Clubs: Junior or shorter adult clubs they can swing comfortably. A driver (optional), 7/8 iron, wedge, and putter are plenty.
- Balls & tees: No need for premium balls yet. A small bag of mixed-height tees is perfect.
- Shoes: Any comfy, grippy shoes work at first.
- Notebook: Tracking “what went well / what I learned” builds confidence fast.
Parent tip: Avoid the “everything bag.” Fewer tools = faster learning.
| Height | Shaft length guide* |
|---|---|
| Under 4'2" (127 cm) | -3" to -2" from adult |
| 4'2"–4'8" (127–142 cm) | -2" to -1" |
| 4'8"–5'0" (142–152 cm) | -1" to -0.5" |
| 5'0"+ (152+ cm) | Standard junior / short adult |
A School-Week Micro-Plan
- Day 1 – Contact & Balance (10+10 min): 10 half-swings brushing the ground, plus 10 minutes of putting start-line drills.
- Day 2 – Short Game (20 min): Chip to a landing spot 20 times, keeping score for extra fun.
- Day 3 – Fun Accuracy (10–20 min): Create a “ladder” of targets at different distances and beat last week’s score.
Weekend add-on: 9 holes of putting-only around the practice green — low pressure, high reward.
Six Kid-Approved Drills
- Putter Gate Drill: Two coins just wider than the putter face. Roll 20 putts through the gate.
- Chalk or String Line: Roll 15 putts along a straight line for visual feedback.
- Towel Under Arms: Keeps arms/body connected with waist-high swings.
- Tee-Gate Chips: Chip balls through two tees a wedge-head apart for strike consistency.
- Ladder Landing: Land one ball on each of four towels at 3, 6, 9, and 12 yards — then reverse.
- Balance Freeze: Hold your finish for two seconds after each swing.
What To Expect From School Golf Teams
- Tryouts: Coaches look for attitude and coachability more than perfect swings.
- Practice cadence: Usually 2–3 sessions per week. Short game is king — encourage early putting practice.
- Parent role: Provide water, snacks, and calm reminders like “one good tempo” — avoid over-coaching.
Etiquette Kids Remember (and Coaches Love)
- Repair ball marks and replace divots
- Be ready to hit when it’s your turn
- Stay quiet near others’ swings and putts
- Mark your ball on the green
- Count every stroke honestly — trust builds character
Light-Touch Training Aids That Actually Help
- ParPro Swing Trainer Pro: Grooves tempo and sequence with 10–15 quick reps.
- ParPro Putter Aim Target Set: Makes start-line practice fun with gates and mini-challenges.
- ParPro Chipping Net: Safe backyard reps with scoring pockets — great for ladder drills.
Why just three? Less choice, more reps. Kids improve fastest when practice stays simple and focused.
Make It Fun (So They Stick With It)
- Beat the Parent: You putt left-handed, they putt normal. First to 7 wins dessert.
- Streaks: Track consecutive center-contact shots or made putts — reward personal bests.
- Course quests: One sportsmanship moment, one lag putt, one fixed divot = “par for the day.”
Quick Checklist For The First Month
- Clubs that fit (grip to ground = wrist height)
- One putting + one chipping session per week
- A feel they can say out loud (“smooth tempo,” “hold the finish”)
- Basic rules: play it as it lies, count everything, be ready
- One fun family challenge each weekend
A Note From Our Family
Watching my son balance homework, practice, and matches has reminded me: consistency beats intensity. Fifteen focused minutes, especially on putting, pays off more than a once-a-month marathon range day. Keep it light, keep it game-like, and celebrate the small wins — that’s how a young golfer becomes a lifelong one.
For a simple home setup, the Swing Trainer Pro, Putter Aim Target Set, and Chipping Net cover 90% of what kids need — no garage clutter required. And if you’d like help picking the right combo for your kid’s age and size, just ask — we’re happy to help!
