Giving your player the gift of golf!

Below are a few paragraphs that I hope will help you on your journey into kids golf.

Regardless of the age of your young player, it is a challenge for all parents to know how to positively encourage their child in every sport. Research has shown that most kids actually leave a sport around age 13, primarily because they have lost their love affair with the game. The reason: it has become too technical too early in their life. Therefore, the simpler you keep it early on, the better. And above all, try to keep every experience at the golf course a fun memory. 

For practical tips in helping the youngest of new players, click here to download a PDF file entitled Early Start. Please print and keep it with you to review periodically. Once a player reaches first grade, they may be ready to begin our learning program, which is taught in a fun game-based way by many of our Certified Coaches around the country. Click here to find one.

After some time together at the driving range, you will decide that it’s time to play, but there is a challenge in front of you: the course, which is far too long for your young golfer or virtually any beginner. Our research has shown that most forward tees (usually red) make it impossible to reach the green in regulation unless the player is able to hit the ball about 150 yards or longer in the air with a driver. Of course, this is impossible at first, so for a creative solution, the LONGLEAF TEE SYSTEM page will give you some ideas on what to do.

As your player progresses, parents of tournament players are encouraged to become Second Goal Parents. Click here to learn more. Offered by the Positive Coaching Alliance, this program will provide valuable tools to help your child learn to win both on the playing field and in life. What more could a parent ask? Our Tournament Players Association will even provide you credit for this course once it is completed.

An experienced parent of one of our tournament players wrote an article for Golf World magazine that captures much of what we hope will happen when you bring your young person into the game. Click here to enjoy the story. And if you get a chance, The Short Game documentary is a great way for all the family to be encouraged into the game.

Happy golfing!

Dan Van Horn
President/Founder
U.S. Kids Golf

What's Next:  Find a U.S. Kids Golf Coach