Question:
: The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the : course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 : holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a : 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with : young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the : green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do : other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 : swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to : mention their dad – me – not doing much better). I’ve actually gone through exactly what you describe the last couple of years. We started out on a 50-60 yd hole pitch ‘n putt course where anything goes (a straight ground ball is an above-average stroke), then when we had that down we moved to short par 3 course with 90-100 yd holes, then to a regular par 3 course with 120-180 yd holes, then to a short par 60 course, then to a longer par 60 course, then to an easier, shortish nine-hole full-size course, and so on, moving up when we felt ready each time. Golf’s hard enough without attracting impatient sighs or withering glares every time you duff or flub one! Not to mention the internal pressure of feeling like you’re ruining the show. And then once your child starts getting good, you can enjoy the surprised looks from others around you as he or she launches three in a row down the fairway…. — Jonathan Schilling
Response:
As others have suggested, a small par 3 "pitch & putt" is your best bet to start. But if it really "takes 5 swings to hit the ball", then I think you probably need to spend most of your time on the range, until you can at least make some kind of consistent contact. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to mention their dad – me – not doing much better).
Response:
Rick… A little family "super ball"? I like it! Great idea. RJ … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree with most of the advice given already. I welcome new golfers and will try to go out of my way to make their first trips around the course pleasant – with encouragement, helpful suggestions as to how to speed up play (esp. for the younger ones) without simply picking up and going to the green. The usual advice I give for speeding up play with the short hitting beginers is to allow them to hit from the tee (forward), then pick up their ball and take it to where dad hit and hit from there. Then repeat this until they get to the green. This gives them the opportunity to hit from the tees with everyone else, but moves them along at the pace of the longest hitter. The green is something they should be able to manage quite quickly, but if they play ping pong with the hole, a limit on attempt might be in order. Even the shortest hitters enjoy trying each shot, tee, approach, etc. This method allows that without making those following suffer through too many strokes to reach that green waaayyyy doowwwnnn theeerree. I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks and have taken the advice to take lessons from a local pro. Two of my kids wanted to join me so the three of us are taking the lessons together. It’s turning out excellent since the kids (age 15 and 9) are half price. We’re getting 4 half-hour lessons for a grand total of $150. So far we’ve learned grip and swing out on the driving range, and chipping on the chipping/putting green. I’m assuming we’ll do putting next lesson then go out for a hole or two on the final lesson. The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to mention their dad – me – not doing much better). Also, I’m sure there will be a time when I go alone. Do I ask to be hooked up with another beginner group? And one more thing…how do you qualify to be a "pro" at a local course. Our instructor is great, but I’d be surprised if he was a day over eighteen years old. Does "pro" simply mean he works at the golf course or is there some kind of qualification standards? Thanks in advance. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com Golfing In Oregon! Rick R
Response:
jmilton… welcome to the game! Although I don’t share the "ARRGGGHH" feelings of the "ram", he makes a good point. You might ask the teaching pro if he would move the lessons onto the course. At our course we have something called "the loop". It’s the last three holes and our teaching pro regularly takes students through the loop. Our last head professional would take people through nine holes. The best time to do this is in the early afternoon during the week. Today I played and the course was just about empty for a couple of hours. It was a perfect time for beginners such as your family. As you do make the transition out onto the course, just remember to make keeping up with the group ahead your first priority. Another words, if you or your kids are already on their 4-5 shot and still nowhere near the green, pick up and move right up to the green. Drop and make short pitch shots and put out. Start the next hole fresh and follow the same policy. Eventually your game will evolve and you get the the green in fewer shots, but it won’t happen in one round. Let you skills progress on their own timetable while keeping the pace of play reasonable. It takes time, and you will have more fun if you are willing to take the pressure off yourself and your boys by understanding that picking up and moving up to the green IS the preferred method for beginners. Good luck! RJ … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks and have taken the advice to take lessons from a local pro. Two of my kids wanted to join me so the three of us are taking the lessons together. It’s turning out excellent since the kids (age 15 and 9) are half price. We’re getting 4 half-hour lessons for a grand total of $150. So far we’ve learned grip and swing out on the driving range, and chipping on the chipping/putting green. I’m assuming we’ll do putting next lesson then go out for a hole or two on the final lesson. The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to mention their dad – me – not doing much better). Also, I’m sure there will be a time when I go alone. Do I ask to be hooked up with another beginner group? And one more thing…how do you qualify to be a "pro" at a local course. Our instructor is great, but I’d be surprised if he was a day over eighteen years old. Does "pro" simply mean he works at the golf course or is there some kind of qualification standards? Thanks in advance. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
Why the "AAARRGGGHHH?" Everybody has to start somewhere. I keep hearing how more and more kids are taking up golf – sooner or later they have to tee up. Of course we’ll work with the pro on how to play the course, but it doesn’t change the fact that I just KNOW we’ll be slow. Do we just let every group keep playing through until we see an opening…or what?
As I said, you should take advice from the club you’re playing at for the best times to play and they should be the ones to guide you. TSR
Response:
Why the "AAARRGGGHHH?" Everybody has to start somewhere. I keep hearing how more and more kids are taking up golf – sooner or later they have to tee up. Of course we’ll work with the pro on how to play the course, but it doesn’t change the fact that I just KNOW we’ll be slow. Do we just let every group keep playing through until we see an opening…or what? Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
A par 3 course is an excellent idea! The only one near me is about a 45 minute drive but I called them and they confirmed what you said – they cater to beginners, especially kids (cheaper than a full sized course too!). Thanks for the suggestion. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
First, on behalf of the golfers in your area and everywhere, let me thank you for being mindful of the possibility that a group of beginners, including two who are kids, might be problematical to the pace of play. That you would even ask the question puts you in a class of golfers that is all too rare. My advise to you would be this: First, talk to the pro at your local course. Ask him or her when the low traffic times are at your course. Chances are, they’ll steer you toward the twilight hours. That’s good, because you can usually play for a discount at that time anyway. Second, I would suggest you seek out a par three course, or a 9-hole course in your area. Often times, these are the best courses for beginners to learn on. You might also ask around to see if there are any "executive" courses in your area (these typically are courses that are shorter, and quite often have a par of something like 65 or 66 or 67 or thereabouts). These are great courses for beginners to learn on. And like all golfers of any skill level, be aware of where you stand in relation to the group ahead of you. Try and keep pace. There’s no need to take 20 strokes to get to the green. If it’s going to take that long, just pick up the ball and go to the next hole. Or drop it near the green and focus on chipping and putting. Besides, if it takes 20 strokes to get to every green, the game is quickly going to lose its charm to the youngster who’s struggling. Maybe the 9 year old could "tee off" from the 100-yard marker, rather than from the real teeing area. Keep it fun. You’re not qualifying for the US Open. Not yet, anyway. There are some good tips for how to introduce kids to the game on my golf website. The URL is below. Navigate to the page on "kids." Randy My golf website: http://wwwgolfer.home.mindspring.com My real-life website: http://www.goldenbrownvo.com My RSG Roll Call profile: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/brownr.htm RSG FAQ: http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks and have taken the advice to take lessons from a local pro. Two of my kids wanted to join me so the three of us are taking the lessons together. It’s turning out excellent since the kids (age 15 and 9) are half price. We’re getting 4 half-hour lessons for a grand total of $150. So far we’ve learned grip and swing out on the driving range, and chipping on the chipping/putting green. I’m assuming we’ll do putting next lesson then go out for a hole or two on the final lesson. The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to mention their dad – me – not doing much better). Also, I’m sure there will be a time when I go alone. Do I ask to be hooked up with another beginner group? And one more thing…how do you qualify to be a "pro" at a local course. Our instructor is great, but I’d be surprised if he was a day over eighteen years old. Does "pro" simply mean he works at the golf course or is there some kind of qualification standards? Thanks in advance. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks and have taken the advice to take lessons from a local pro. Two of my kids wanted to join me so the three of us are taking the lessons together. It’s turning out excellent since the kids (age 15 and 9) are half price. We’re getting 4 half-hour lessons for a grand total of $150. So far we’ve learned grip and swing out on the driving range, and chipping on the chipping/putting green. I’m assuming we’ll do putting next lesson then go out for a hole or two on the final lesson. The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to mention their dad – me – not doing much better).
My advice, go to a small little used par 3 course first. This will help your short game, and get experience playing the game. From what I see, most of the par 3’s have people that have little experience, and/or no training. Boy friend taking is girl friend out somewhere to kill the after noon. Second option would be go to the driving range until you are sure about yourself (on second thought, you may never feel sure about your swing…. that’s golf). Third option would be to ask your pro about times. I would think you could get in 6 or 7 holes in after work and the course wouldn’t be too crowded. You don’t want to go out on Saturday or Sunday morning yet!!! Also, I’m sure there will be a time when I go alone. Do I ask to be hooked up with another beginner group?
Again, ask your pro. He probably knows most of the people that play there, and who would be best to pair up with. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -And one more thing…how do you qualify to be a "pro" at a local course. Our instructor is great, but I’d be surprised if he was a day over eighteen years old. Does "pro" simply mean he works at the golf course or is there some kind of qualification standards? Thanks in advance. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks and have taken the advice to take lessons from a local pro. Two of my kids wanted to join me so the three of us are taking the lessons together. It’s turning out excellent since the kids (age 15 and 9) are half price. We’re getting 4 half-hour lessons for a grand total of $150. So far we’ve learned grip and swing out on the driving range, and chipping on the chipping/putting green. I’m assuming we’ll do putting next lesson then go out for a hole or two on the final lesson. The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to mention their dad – me – not doing much better).
Arrrghhhh! Family of beginners on the golf course!! The pros should advise you when you are ready to go on the course properly. Also, I’m sure there will be a time when I go alone. Do I ask to be hooked up with another beginner group? And one more thing…how do you qualify to be a "pro" at a local course. Our instructor is great, but I’d be surprised if he was a day over eighteen years old. Does "pro" simply mean he works at the golf course or is there some kind of qualification standards?
At 19 he’ll be a trainee assistant pro. Most juniors learning will be taught by assistant unless you specifically ask for the head pro – likely to be a lot more expensive…
Response:
I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks and have taken the advice to take lessons from a local pro. Two of my kids wanted to join me so the three of us are taking the lessons together. It’s turning out excellent since the kids (age 15 and 9) are half price. We’re getting 4 half-hour lessons for a grand total of $150. So far we’ve learned grip and swing out on the driving range, and chipping on the chipping/putting green. I’m assuming we’ll do putting next lesson then go out for a hole or two on the final lesson. The only think I’m nervous about is actually going out on the course with the kids after all our lessons are over and going 9 holes (don’t even want to think about 18 yet – especially with a 9 year old). What is the etiquette involved in golfing with young kids? I’m sure he’ll take forever to get the ball to the green. If we can’t book a time when the course is empty, how do other golfers (who are waiting) react when a 9 year old takes 5 swings to hit the ball, and 20 hits to get to the green? (Not to mention their dad – me – not doing much better). Also, I’m sure there will be a time when I go alone. Do I ask to be hooked up with another beginner group? And one more thing…how do you qualify to be a "pro" at a local course. Our instructor is great, but I’d be surprised if he was a day over eighteen years old. Does "pro" simply mean he works at the golf course or is there some kind of qualification standards? Thanks in advance. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com