| If you play golf, one of the great joys in life will | | | | daughter. |
| be playing golf with your son or daughter. It's a | | | | 5. Find a kid-friendly course near you. Most |
| game both can play at completely different levels | | | | courses have special timings when playing with |
| and a sport everyone can enjoy throughout their | | | | even a young child does not bother other players. |
| lives. | | | | Make sure to always observe proper etiquette |
| If you are active in a golf club, ask your pro for | | | | and let faster players play through. Many par-3 |
| advice on getting your child on the golf course | | | | "executive" courses are the perfect length for |
| and special lessons. If not, here are some ideas | | | | young players. |
| for dads interested in developing golf skills early. | | | | 6. Search for a family-friendly golf course near |
| 1. Miniature golf is for babies! But you should wait | | | | you. These courses add shorter range tees so |
| until age six before teaching "real golf." Just like | | | | total yardage is 2200 and 3750 yards, rather than |
| music lessons, kids have to have a basic learning | | | | the usual 5000 plus yards found at most courses. |
| ability to understand the concepts of the game, | | | | Here's a list which is in development; so a course |
| as well as basic rules | | | | near you might not be available. |
| 2. Buy used golf clubs. There's no reason to buy | | | | 7. Encourage your little duffer to tee it up in the |
| expensive clubs for little kids. If you already know | | | | fairway. It's a great ego boost and will help keep |
| a pro, you should also ask him if he has any extra | | | | play moving. |
| clubs for kids. Especially if you're going to take | | | | 8. Walk if you can. It's cheaper and it's fantastic |
| lessons, many pros will cut down an old putter | | | | exercise for both of you. Kids will always want to |
| and 7-iron for a child. | | | | drive the cart, but it's a better habit to walk. |
| 3. Try Qolf. A fun lawn golf game for the family | | | | 9. Go Camping. If your child is older, consider a |
| is Qolf. Instead of holes, young kids hit through | | | | golf camp, like the Ledbetter Schools. They cater |
| arches like in croquet. More advanced golfers can | | | | to kids and adults. Camp is an intensive |
| try to chip through targets. | | | | experience, but can be a great bonding |
| 4. Provide Lessons. Pros say to teach distance | | | | opportunity for you and your child, as well as a |
| first, and accuracy later. Consider lessons early so | | | | solid base to build a great golf game. |
| you have an idea on how to instruct your son or | | | | |