Essentials for young golfers?

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By Michael P

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  • 11 Replies
  1. Michael P

    Michael P
    Athens, AL

    I'm an elementary school counselor and for the last several years I've conducted an after-school golf club for girls/boys in 3rd-5th grade. This is not a competitive thing; simply trying to introduce them to the game so they can play with family & friends. We try to teach basics of putting & chipping here at school then we have 2 optional outings to local driving ranges/courses to work on full swings. I've also tried to incorporate the basics of etiquette/rules but I sometimes forget. What do you consider "essentials" of etiquette/rules that I MUST cover with young golfers?

  2. Jerry M

    Jerry M
    Dallas, TX

    Make certain they have a divot repair tool and know how to use it. Also how to tap down ball marks just short of the green.. :)
  3. Michael F

    Michael F
    Houston, TX

    Hi Michael, this has been something on my mind as well. I would suggest looking into the first tee program. They have programs specifically designed for this and are in hundreds of schools nationwide. They are a nonprofit organization so could also be placed in your school inexpensively.

    https://thefirsttee.org/

    Aside from that, good fundamentals are a must, set up, grip, club care, and personal character (honesty, integrity, perseverance, problem solving, etc.)
  4. If they hit a bad shot, make sure they don't get frusterated and give up. Tell them that everyone hits bad shots and the key is to erase those from your memory and move on.
  5. Eric H

    Eric H
    Ridgway, PA

    Michael, this is the coolest thing I've heard in a long time! Good for you man, I really appreciate someone like you putting something like this together! Most essential thing.. HAVE FUN!
  6. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Kudos. My wife retired as a elementary guidance counselor after 32 years in Charleston and Summerville, SC. Her second career. She was a social worker for nine years prior to that in Memphis, TN. Great idea. Have you contacted the first tee in your area, they might be able to provide some assistance and some programs. Keep up the great work in both areas. =)
  7. Jeff M

    Jeff M
    North Carolina

    Basic course care/maintenance would be good to include. Filling divots if sand/mix is available, and how to properly repair ball marks on greens. I emphasize properly here, so many people don't realize they are mutilating the root system while "fixing" a mark.

    Sounds like you're doing a great thing, thanks for growing the game!
  8. Michael P

    Michael P
    Athens, AL

    Lots of great ideas and suggestions- I went to USGA publications and ordered that Avenger comic & teaching guide. Can't wait to check that out. Unfortunately, the closest "First Tee" program is 90 miles away in Nashville but maybe I can incorporate some of their "core values" into our little club. I certainly plan to have some local PGA pros visit our after-school sessions. Most important is to have fun; our end of season outing is always a 6-9 hole "best ball/scramble" event similar to the PGA Jr league format to eliminate stress of bad shots and enjoy the game.
  9. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Play fast! Don't copy what they see on TV. Play "ready golf" and have fun.
  10. Tom B

    Tom B
    Northborough, MA

    Teach them not only about how to play this game, but how to be good people. How to interact with team mates, opponents, and people of all types and classes. Sportsmanship, courtesy and manors. On this date of what would have been Mr. Palmers 90th birthday, teach them to treat people they was Arnold did, and remind them to continue it through life, both on and off the course. It will serve them well through their life on the course, their chosen business, and life in general. Mr. Palmer gave many young pros the advice, and going on to tell them how to treat fans, deal with autographs, the press, club employees etc. etc. Unfortunately some of them never listened. Some now wishing perhaps that they had and regretting they didn't so much.
  11. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    At that age, having fun should be first and foremost. If the kids like the game, passion and commitment will surely follow.

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