Getting Kids Started in Golf
Also known as: junior golf, kids golf, golf for kids, what age should kids start golf, teaching kids golf, teaching a child to play golf, introduce my child to golf, junior golf programs
There is no single right age to start golf. Children can begin as soon as they enjoy swinging a club, as long as sessions are short, playful and social. Use clubs sized for their height, start with putting and chipping games and short holes, and let them play other sports too.
Keep early sessions short and fun. Games work better than technical lessons, such as putting to targets, chipping into a bucket or hitting balls over a line. Use junior clubs sized for the child, not cut-down adult clubs. Let them swing freely without a long list of instructions.
Many clubs and courses run junior classes, camps and leagues. Youth organizations such as First Tee offer coaching in many areas. Short courses, par-3 layouts and forward tees make first rounds manageable. Let a child play a few holes, not 18, and stop while they still want more. Scoring can wait. Counting good shots or playing games works better at first.
Keep the pressure low. Praise effort and good decisions, not just results. Children who play several sports often build broad athletic skills, and golf can be one of them. Teach safety early. Stand well back from anyone swinging, and wait until the group ahead is out of range.
Tips by skill level
Make every session a game with a clear target, and end it before your child gets bored.
For a keen junior, add a coach and a mix of practice and play. Keep other sports in the mix and track progress through skills, not just scores.
Example
A 6-year-old's first golf sessions are short games of putting races, chipping at hoops and hitting foam balls. After a summer, she plays three short holes with her parents and counts how many balls she gets airborne.
Why it matters
A fun, low-pressure start is what keeps children in golf. Good early experiences matter more than early technique.
Common mistakes
- Giving young children cut-down adult clubs
- Making first sessions long and technical
- Taking a child on a full 18-hole round too soon
- Focusing on score instead of fun and effort
Frequently asked questions
What age should kids start golf?
There is no single right age. Children can start as soon as they enjoy swinging a club, as long as sessions are short and playful and the clubs are sized for them.
How do I teach my kid to play golf?
Keep it short and fun with games such as putting races, chipping to targets and hitting over a line. Use junior clubs that fit and play a few short holes rather than a full round.
Are there golf programs for kids?
Many clubs and courses run junior classes, camps and leagues. Youth organizations such as First Tee also offer coaching. Ask your local course or golf association.
Related terms
- Junior Golf Club SizingSize junior clubs by your child's height and swing speed, not by age. Dedicated junior clubs have lighter, more flexible shafts and smaller grips. Cutting down adult clubs makes them play very stiff and often too heavy for a child.
- Ten-Finger Grip (Baseball Grip)The ten-finger (baseball) grip places all ten fingers on the handle with no overlap or interlock. It is a common starting point for young children, beginners, and golfers with limited hand or wrist strength.
- Golf EtiquetteGolf etiquette comes down to safety, pace and care of the course. Wait until the group ahead is out of range, shout 'fore' if your ball heads toward anyone, and keep up with the group in front. Repair ball marks, replace or fill divots and rake bunkers after you play from them.
- Golf Swing BasicsGolf swing basics are the grip, stance, posture, and simple takeaway that the whole swing is built on. Getting them right first prevents most early bad habits.
- Which Tees to PlayPlay the tees whose total length lets you reach greens with clubs you hit well. The USGA's Best Tees guidance uses your 7-iron carry. About 125 yards suits a course of 5,400 to 5,600 yards, and about 140 yards suits 5,900 to 6,100 yards.
- Starting Golf as an AdultStart with a few lessons or a group class to learn grip, setup and solid contact. Practice at a range and short-game area, then play a par-3 or short course before a full 18. You do not need expensive clubs, since borrowed, used or half-set clubs are fine to begin.
Related guides & benchmarks
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