Let kids play first, learn technique second

Golf is simply a game just like any other sports. We have a set of rules. We have a field that we play it on. We have specific equipment. So how come we introduce our kids to this great game so much differently than other sports?

Think about when you were young and you learned how to play basketball or soccer. Did you go to the basketball range? Or did you simply go to the court and start playing.

 

I’m not saying that technical development isn’t important — but it’s overemphasized, especially in beginners.

 

I had the great fortune of learning golf from my father, a regular public golfer who loved the game. At age 9 he put a club in my hand. He showed me a basic grip, we hit about 30 balls on the range to get me a basic motion, than we teed it up at our local par-3 course. I learned the game by playing. I loved the game from that very first day.

 

So you may ask, “What about technique?”

As my love for the game increased, my willingness to be coached on technique and practice my skills followed very naturally. By the time I was in high school, I was a good golfer with a solid set of skills — with very few professional lessons. And now I’ve made it a career.

 

So my suggestion to parents that want to get kids into golf. Let them play! If your child loves it, everything else will follow.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/apr/16/golf-tip-of-the-week-let-kids-play-first-learn/#ixzz2likKdYD2
- vcstar.com