Teaching golf to kids can be one of the most rewarding experiences for parents, coaches, and mentors alike. As a longtime golf instructor, I can say with confidence that seeing a child fall in love with golf is truly special. Whether you’re a golf professional or a parent hoping to spend quality time on the course, learning how to teach golf to kids the right way is key to fostering a lifelong love for the game.
In this guide, I’ll share the methods that have worked for me over more than a decade of teaching golf to kids from toddlers to teens. Whether you’re starting on the practice green or in your backyard, these tips will help you teach golf to kids with patience, positivity, and playfulness.
Why Teaching Golf to Kids Is Different (and Better!)
One of the biggest differences between teaching kids golf and teaching adults is their attitude. Kids are excited, curious, and unafraid to try new things. They don’t worry about swing mechanics or scorecards. Instead, they want to hit the ball and have fun which is exactly how golf should begin.
If you’re wondering how to teach golf to kids, the first rule is this: keep it simple and fun. When kids enjoy what they’re doing, they’ll keep coming back. And that’s the real goal to create enjoyment, not perfection.
Step 1: Start with Putting – The Foundation of the Game
When introducing golf to children, always begin with putting. It teaches the three most important concepts in golf:
- Place the ball on the ground.
- Use a club to hit the ball.
- Aim to get the ball in the hole.
That’s the essence of golf, whether you’re 5 or 55.
Pro Tip: Set up a mini putting course in your living room using plastic cups or targets. Let kids aim at toys or even create their own “holes.” Use real golf balls if safe, or foam balls for indoor practice.
Choosing the Right Putter for Kids:
To teach golf to kids effectively, make sure their equipment fits. A child’s putter should reach their belly button when standing straight. You can cut down an old putter and regrip it with a junior grip your local golf shop will love helping with this small but exciting project.
Step 2: Introduce Chipping and Short Shots at the Range
Once your child is comfortable putting, it’s time to let them swing a little harder. That’s where chipping comes in.
Kids naturally want to hit the ball far, but it’s better to start with short shots to develop control and feel. Bring them to the driving range and focus on 10 to 30-yard chips.
Focus on Targets:
Give your child a visual goal like a flag, a cone, or even the range ball cart! When teaching golf to kids, having a target helps their mind and body sync naturally. Their young brains are wired to adjust their movements without overthinking mechanics.
Step 3: Keep the Grip Natural and Uncomplicated
Parents often ask about grip technique when figuring out how to teach golf to kids. Here’s my advice: don’t overthink it. Let kids grip the club however they like at first.
You can gently suggest that right-handed kids put their right hand lower on the grip, and vice versa for lefties, but avoid complicated instructions.
The key is freedom. Golf doesn’t need to be rigid for children. In fact, teaching kids golf is more about creating confidence than creating textbook swings.
What Not to Do When Teaching Golf to Kids
If you want your child to enjoy golf, avoid the following pitfalls that can turn the game into a chore instead of a joy.
❌ Don’t Set High Expectations
Expecting perfect shots or quick improvement is unrealistic. Kids need freedom to explore, make mistakes, and experiment. The joy of kids learning golf comes from trial and error—not pressure to perform.
❌ Don’t Yell
Nothing kills a child’s enthusiasm for golf faster than yelling. Golf should be a safe and encouraging environment. Instead of criticizing, use praise and patience. If they miss a shot, smile and say, “Try it again, you’ve got this!”
❌ Don’t Correct Every Swing
Swing mechanics can evolve naturally over time. When you teach golf to kids, don’t interrupt their learning by over-coaching. Most kids will figure out better techniques on their own when given the freedom to explore.
❌ Don’t Overcomplicate the Game
Kids don’t need to know the difference between a driver and a wedge on day one. Keep it simple: ball, club, hole. Let them hit with all the clubs and discover their favorites. Repetition and fun will do the teaching for you.
Let Their Swing Be Theirs
Every child has a unique swing, just like every pro has their own style. Tiger Woods didn’t swing like Phil Mickelson, and your child shouldn’t be forced into a one-size-fits-all mold either.
If your child’s swing looks unusual but it’s getting the ball in the air, let it go. The more they practice, the more their technique will evolve. Supporting their natural curiosity is the best way to teach kids golf effectively.
Make Golf a Game, Not a Lesson
One of the most effective methods in teaching golf to kids is to turn every session into a game:
- Putting contests in the living room
- Chipping challenges in the backyard
- Closest to the pin competitions at the range
Kids love games, not lectures. When learning feels like play, they develop faster, stay engaged longer, and start building a lifelong love for golf.
Encourage, Support, and Have Fun
The most important part of teaching golf to kids is showing them that golf is a game to be enjoyed. Not every shot needs to be perfect, and not every round needs to be taken seriously.
Celebrate their wins, laugh off their mistakes, and stay positive. Your encouragement will mean more than any swing tip or club upgrade.
Final Thoughts: How to Teach Golf to Kids the Right Way
If you want to know how to teach golf to kids, start with this simple philosophy: make it fun, make it simple, and make it theirs.
Let them putt with toys in the living room. Let them chase range balls and swing hard. Let them fall in love with the game one shot at a time.
Golf doesn’t need to be taught with rigid structure it needs to be shared with joy. That’s how you create golfers for life.
