Junior Golf How Parents Of Junior Golfers Can Make The Most Of Their Child's Game

Junior Golf: How Parents Of Junior Golfers Can Make The Most Of Their Child's Game

I have seen dozens of junior golfers, kids that had excellent natural abilities on the golf course, have their joy for the game literally demolished by overzealous parents. But face it, all of us moms and dads want our children to excel and be successful at every sport they participate in, right?

All three of my children are involved in various sports themselves, with two of them who are gaining the same appreciation for golf but I have. If you are lucky enough to have kids that love golf, as my children do, then you also have spent plenty of money on golf lessons and the essential equipment needed for them to play. These items do not come cheap, especially a reliable set of golf clubs.

In addition to money invested into your children, there is also the time that you put into playing with your kids and showing them the ropes of the game. It is a pleasure and a wonderful experience to be a part of. Having said that, are you wasting all of your time and money by trying too hard to teach your children to be successful at golf?

Be A Partner, Not A Coach

It's hard to admit, but the truth is that for many of you parents who are trying to show your kids how to play golf, most of you have no clue what you are doing. Now before you get offended, allow me to explain.

There is a fine line that can be drawn when you are trying to help your children learn something new. It happens all of the time. Whether it's golf, homework, or any other instructional activity, you both start out excited and happy to play the game, but it soon ends up with you acting like a "frustrated coach" trying to get your child to listen and obey your instructions over and over again.

You Are Not Qualified To Teach

Again, do not let the title above alarm you. The point here is that giving golf lessons takes a lot more than what most parents can provide (and a lot less in terms of attitude).

It is better to support your child and be a partner, a friend. Let a real golf coach takeover the job of teaching your son or daughter how to play.

Yes, it actually is a "job". And when you take on this job yourself the relationship between you and your child changes from a fun atmosphere to that of a boss/worker type of relationship.

Keep It Fun

Golf is a mental game and the moment a child's mind starts to fill with fear and frustration from not "getting it right for Dad", the joy is gone. Try not to fall into this trap with your kids.

Golf is fun and it should be taught and played with excitement. No matter how poor your children may be performing or the lack of listening skills they may display, you cannot become frustrated. All they will see is how you react and when those reactions are negative, do not expect your child to continue playing golf in the near future. Remember, hand over the lessons to a professional. Instead, continue with your role as the supportive, loving, encouraging parent.