Many adult golfers spend hours each week trying to improve their game. They discover that mastering golf requires technical precision and mental toughness.
Even the best golfers struggle with consistency in mastering drives, chips and putts.
Translating that to teaching a 5-year-old how to play golf can be daunting. However, teaching a small child golf can actually be a joy when done with the right attitude.
Good teachers help the child to enjoy golf first and foremost. A child who enjoys a new skill will want to continue learning and playing.
1. Take the child to a putt-putt course. Most courses have smaller clubs for young kids. Starting on a miniature golf course helps the child get a feel for holding a club and striking the little round ball into a hole.
2. Minimize instructions. Allow a 5-year-old to explore the game on his own at first. Let him experience the joy of walking on the fairway and watching his ball fall into the hole.
3. Keep the lessons short. After the child plays for a while, begin giving him basic lessons on how to hold the club, watch the ball and strike the ball.
Keep lessons to no more than 30 minutes, with only five to 10 of those minutes on actual instruction. The rest of the time should be spent playing the game and having fun.
4. Celebrate when the child does well. When he hits the ball and jumps up and down, jump up and down with him. Enjoy the game with the child and emit enthusiasm for each success.
5. Tee the ball on every shot leading up to the green. This helps the child hit the ball square and consistent. Help him learn how to put the tee in the ground at the proper height for the shot.
6. Communicate on the child’s level. Use words he will understand. Instead of telling the child to pivot his foot, show him how to squish a bug when he swings by turning his foot. Literally communicate to the child by getting on your knees and making eye contact when giving instruction or praise.
7. Be patient. Don’t expect him to master the fundamentals of golf at the age of five. Focus on enjoying the game together and gaining confidence in consistently hitting the ball with the club. As the child grows and physically develops, he can begin to learn more of the technical aspects of the game.
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