At what point should you start teaching your child golf. Obviously this is a question that varies from case to case, but mostly depends on the child, and hardly any on the parent. Most parents have the inclination to try to tap in to the child's talents, and feel it is their job to promote them teaching them golf swing basics and other golf course issues. But mostly it should be a case of "get out-of-the-way and allow it to happen" rather than force the issue.
For my part I have tutored three generations of young athletes, and when I was much younger I thought it was important to teach discipline at an early age. But at those young ages they are more into doing things for enjoyment, and if they are not going to enjoy being on a golf course that practice time is not only wasted, but it will be associated with bad connotations. Nothing will dampen the enthusiasm for something then associating it with something that is laborious.
So my first bit of advice for junior golf is to let the youngster take the lead. Because he happens to be swinging a stick at an object in the back yard doesn't mean he will be the next Tiger Woods. All kids do that. If your child likes striking balls with an object, get some of those plastic balls and cheap plastic clubs to hit.
Next you can take your youngster to the course. The driving range is good, but get off to one side where you won't cause a distraction to other golfers. I'm sorry, but you shouldn't take the attitude that your child has as much right to the golf course as anyone. Even if you believe it, there will be a lot of people who don't, and it won't be a pleasant experience for your child if someone, even if he is a cad, to start causing problems.
The chipping and putting green can also be fun for them. But again, choose times and places where it can be semi-private. At least at first there will be more than a few errant balls sprayed around. Also, during this time of practice I would recommend the following that is very important: end the session before your child wants it to end. They won't want it to be over and will probably object, but that's a good thing. Just let them know exactly when you will be back to resume the fun, and then stick to it.
By no means should you book lessons for your child unless they ask for it. When my son was in fourth grade he was chosen for a basketball team, and I told him the only way he could join is if he committed to five hours of training a week away from the team. By doing this I made practice a privilege that he had to earn instead of making it a chore.
I know there can be no greater joys than watching a youngster develop in a sport. Just remember that you are only there to put the game in front of them, not force-feed it to them. And almost certainly there will be others their age who may be way advanced of where your child is. But trust me, where they are developmentally in pre-adolescents means nothing to where they both will be at age twenty.
Introducing your youngster to sports can form a very special bond, or if not done properly can turn into a disaster. Golf is a great way to bond, and there are a limited number of years before your child will be involved in Junior Golf. If approached the right way teaching simple Golf Swing Basics can be rewarding. Sean O'Kelly is a golf enthusiast and writer living in London.
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