How To Get Your Kids Playing Golf

Want to give your kids a sport that boosts their focus, provides exercise, and instills valuable life skills like honesty and resilience? Beyond the manicured greens and satisfying swing, golf offers unique and engaging ways to support your kids' development.

Here’s how to tee up a love for golf in your children, step by step.

Why golf is a great sport for kids

Heather Daly-Donofrio, the managing director of player relations and development for the U.S. National Development Program at the United States Golf Association (USGA), says golf is a fantastic sport for kids.

“Golf meets children where they are,” she says. “It offers a chance to spend time outdoors, whether with family, friends, or alone. Golf also provides a break from daily stress and screens, giving kids quiet time to recharge."

Beyond the physical benefits, golf teaches important life lessons.

“The game is built on rules, etiquette and respect for the game and others,” Daly-Donofrio explains. “Unlike many sports, golfers are expected to hold themselves accountable. If a rule is broken, they call the penalty on themselves. That honesty and responsibility are rare in sports.”

The benefits of introducing kids to golf

From physical fitness to mental health benefits, golf can help children grow in many ways. Daly-Donofrio highlights some of the top perks this game has to offer your kids

Physical fitness

Golf is a fantastic way for kids to stay active. "Golf works every part of the body and can improve flexibility, strength, coordination, and balance," Daly-Donofrio explains. "It also helps develop fine motor skills, which are useful in other sports and activities."

Mental health benefits

Daly-Donofrio notes that golf enhances concentration and focus, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps kids develop social skills.

The game also teaches kids to manage their emotions. "It’s a challenging and sometimes frustrating game," Daly-Donofrio adds. "But learning to stay composed and bounce back after a bad shot are skills that help kids handle setbacks in life."

Cognitive benefits

Golf also encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving. "Every shot involves multiple variables: wind, slope, elevation, lie, even the temperature," Daly-Donofrio points out. "Players are constantly calculating risk vs. reward, choosing clubs, gauging distances, and adapting to the course conditions."

Social benefits

Golf is a social sport that offers kids plenty of opportunities for conversation and connection. "With downtime between shots, kids can talk, share stories, and build friendships," Daly-Donofrio says. "Friendly contests at practice areas only add to the fun."

How to determine the right age to start golf 

Jamie Fischer, the director of instruction at Conway Farms Golf Club in Illinois, and a Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Life Member, says there is no single best age for children to start playing golf.

Instead, she suggests that parents should focus more on introducing their children to the game and its environment in a fun, relaxed way.

"This might not even involve using a golf club at first," she explains. "Let them associate the golf course with joy. If they enjoy being there, they'll want to keep coming back. But if their first experiences are full of strict rules, the course can feel overwhelming. They may want to avoid it."

Kelly Okun, former pro golfer and founder of Fairway to Green, a sports media company, agrees that parents should avoid pushing children into golf too early or too hard, as this can lead to burnout.

"If parents push their children to practice and compete before the kids are truly interested, they can lose the joy of the game," Okun says. "Like all sports, golf should be about having fun first.

Make golf fun and engaging for kids

There are many ways to make golf enjoyable for children. Shaun Finley, a member of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and the Director of Golf at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, recommends trying these family golf activities that you and your family can enjoy together.

“By giving kids immediate goals and making practice playful, you can help them stay interested and excited about golf,” Finley says. “We’ve had great success with activities like:

• Using hula hoops or chipping nets as targets.

• Setting up friendly competitions to boost interest.

• Doing water balloon tosses to help with coordination.

How to introduce your child to golf

Will McNaughton, merchant, clubs, at PGA TOUR Superstore and father of two young golfers, says the best way to get kids excited about golf is to start at home.

"My twins loved watching me chip balls in the backyard and play on the putting mat in the basement. They wanted to join in because they saw how much fun I was having," he explains. "We sometimes watch golf on TV, but what really draws them is getting outside."

McNaughton suggests miniature golf as a great first step. "Mini golf teaches kids putting basics and how to keep score. The lights and sounds at mini golf courses also make it exciting for them. Plus, it helps them appreciate the outdoors, which is key to enjoying real golf courses."

Essential golf equipment for children

Golf requires a few key pieces of equipment for kids to get started. Jennifer Layman, a Canadian golf professional, shares her top recommendations:

Clubs

Choose age-appropriate clubs. "A good introduction to golf comes with getting the right clubs that suit their size," Layman says.

She recommends U.S. Kids Golf, where parents can buy clubs based on a child's height. "Start with training or individual playing clubs. This way, parents make an appropriate investment, and can add more if their child continues with golf."

Shoes

Pick shoes that fit well. "You wouldn't give your child a pair of men's size 10 shoes," Layman explains. "Get shoes that fit so your child can move comfortably. If you don't have access to golf shoes, however, running shoes can also work."

Clothing

Dress for the weather and the course. "Most driving ranges or courses have a dress code," Layman notes. "A golf shirt and knee-length shorts or pants are a good start. A hat is also a great idea for sunny days."

Find the right learning environment and instruction

To find the best learning environment for your child, start by reaching out to local golf courses. Finley suggests asking each facility about the programs they offer.

“Don’t be afraid to contact more than one facility,” he explains. “Different places may have different options for junior golfers, such as private lessons or group programs. These are great ways to introduce your child to the game.”

Finley also recommends looking for qualified instructors and established junior programs. “Expert instruction is key to learning any skill,” he explains. “Choosing a facility with a strong junior program will help your child have a positive experience and develop their skills over time.”

How to teach golf course etiquette and rules to kids

Ericka Moten, president and Co-Founder of Fore! The Culture, a nonprofit that helps introduce young people and their families to golf,  says parents can teach their kids golf course rules and etiquette by taking them to the course for hands-on learning.

Here are some of Moten’s easy etiquette tips to get started:

• Stay quiet when others play to help them concentrate.

• Repair divots and ball marks to maintain the course.

• Rake bunkers after use to keep them smooth.

• Avoid walking on another player’s putting line.

• Keep pace with the group ahead for a smooth game.

How to keep junior golf affordable

Golf equipment and lessons can be expensive. Fred Engh, founder of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), an organization that supports youth sports, suggests borrowing equipment if you can.

“Buying a new junior golf club is like spending half your paycheck on the fanciest bike in the shop,” Engh says. “It’s better to start with used equipment, or borrow a club from a friend or family member. That’s a great way for a child to begin.”

Renting equipment is another option, but keep in mind that golf can still be costly. “That’s why our organization works hard to help kids who don’t have easy access or can’t afford to play,” Engh explains.

The bottom line

Golf is a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity that combines friendly competition with time spent outdoors in nature.

Remember, however, that the key is to keep the game fun for everyone. If parents push too hard, children may lose interest.

Experts

• Heather Daly-Donofrio is managing director of player relations and development for the U.S. National Development Program at the United States Golf Association (USGA).
• Jamie Fischer is the director of instruction at Conway Farms Golf Club in Illinois and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Life Member.
• Kelly Okun is a former pro golfer and founder of Fairway to Green, a sports media company.
• Shaun Finley is a member of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and the Director of Golf at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.
• Ericka Moten is the president and co-founder of Fore! The Culture, a nonprofit that helps introduce young people and their families to golf.
• Fred Engh is the founder of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), an organization that supports youth sports.
• Will McNaughton is with PGA TOUR Superstore and a proud father of two budding golfers.