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by Jack Ridge
When do we begin teaching young children the great game of golf? The answer is, as soon as you feel they are ready, but to make it easy. I like to divide young golfers into two groups - what I call the Pre-ABCs and the After-ABCs.
Pre ABCs Age Group
The Pre-ABCs are children who are beginning before they know their alphabet or are able to read. Children at this age (and I do mean as young as two) learn more by imitation than by vocabulary.
Their first contact with the game will most likely come from a parent and they will only need three clubs: a fairway wood, a middle iron and a putter. It is very important that these clubs be designed specifically for this age group in regards to length, weight, grip weight, etc. Today these clubs are readily available on the market in many price ranges.
For the Pre-ABCs, let's not call their first contact with the game "lessons" but rather "imitation sessions."
Of course this will most likely be the time when you must determine whether the child is right-handed or left-handed. Clubs are available for either. Prior to securing clubs, observe the child carefully and try to determine which way looks, seems and feels most natural to them. Once the choice is made, the "imitation sessions" can begin.
Start by placing the young golfer's hands on the grip in a position where both hands are touching. Make sure the thumb of the upper hand is nestled in the valley of the curled palm of the lower hand. The goal is simply to ensure the hands are maintained together on the club.
The next step is to demonstrate to the young golfer how the club should sweep through the grass. Once again, have them watch, then imitate.
Finally, demonstrate and then have the young golfer point their knee (right to a right hander, left for a left-hander) to the target when they finish their swing. The youngster should continue to imitate your swing until you can discern a natural, repeatable pattern emerging in his or her own swing. You will be amazed at how quickly this can take place.
Make it Fun!
Remember the most important rule to follow all the time is making it fun! Young children become bored quickly so create some fun things to use when they are practicing. For example, use a tennis ball the first session. It is easier to make contact with and is softer. Fill some small balloons with water and have the young golfer swing through them. This is a lot of fun for everybody. Don't be afraid to get wet!
After several sessions with tennis balls or balloons, tee up a golf ball and let the young golfer begin to swing for real with their middle iron.
Be patient and don't rush.
Give them lots of encouragement.
Have fun.
At the end of each session, have them swing at the ball on the tee with their wood. Once again, you will be surprised at how quickly their skills are developing.
After ABCs Age Group
For the After-ABCs, the game plan changes since these kids are able to follow more technical verbal instructions more easily.
Once again, select the appropriate clubs and place their hands on the club properly. When it comes to the swing itself, since they already know their letters, try teaching them the Y and L positions. The letter Y represents the two arms and the shaft of the club in the set-up position. This encourages good extension of the arms and a straight line from the arm through the shaft of the club. The L position is used at the top of the backswing and creates the proper angle between the left arm and shaft of the club.
Have the child setup with the Y, complete their backswing with the L and then finish their swing through the ball to a perfectly balanced position with their right (or left) knee pointing to the target. Repeat this exercise over and over. Always stressing good balance. Tell the young golfer he or she should finish like they were posing for a picture. This method has been in use many years with great success. Lots of junior champions have started out just this way.
Where?
Where do we go to teach our young children the game of golf? PGA golf professionals are the obvious choice as they are trained to teach the game at all levels. However, in some cases a child may not be ready for the formal instructions of youth clinics. This is where a parent or relative comes in. 'Backyard' training can be a great way to get a young golfer started until they are ready for more advanced lessons.
Fortunately, each day there are more and more golf courses, driving ranges, practice facilities, executive and par-three courses making room for young golfers. Regulation courses with sets of children's tees are now available. Call around and find a kids friendly golf facility near you.
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Excerpt from article by Jack Ridge. Used with permission from Freeman River RV Park.