| f the keys to the success of Tiger Woods as a | | | | sport seems to be challenging and enjoyable to |
| golfer is that growing up his father knew the | | | | your kid? If yes, the real fun has surely begun. |
| system of golf and generously guided him through | | | | To ensure that their kids learn the basics of golf |
| it. Now, if you have children and are thinking of | | | | properly, parents are usually advised to hook their |
| introducing them to golf, you must be asking | | | | children up with a golf instructor during the early |
| yourself: Where should I start? Who should I call? | | | | stages of picking up the sport. If you're having a |
| Should I purchase junior clubs or get a used set | | | | hard time locating a good instructor, the local club |
| of adult ones that have been cut down to size? | | | | pro should be able to provide you with a list of |
| Don't get ahead of yourself! Relax! | | | | instructors in your area. If possible, watch a |
| Golf is not a pursuit that you can simply sign your | | | | potential instructor with other students before |
| kid up for at any leisure club. However, this sport | | | | signing up your kid. Observe whether or not the |
| is become increasingly popular, and chances are | | | | instructor gets along with the other kids, and ask |
| that there are golf programs and clinics going on | | | | yourself if he would fit in with your child's |
| in your area. You may want to contact a local | | | | personality. Proper instruction will surely increase |
| club pro, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts and Girl | | | | your child's confidence and decrease the |
| Scouts, the golf association in your area, and | | | | frustration this mentally and physically challenging |
| other civic organizations. If you are from the | | | | sport is sure to bring about. An instructor will also |
| United States , the National Minority Junior Golf | | | | help you regarding the kind of equipment to buy |
| Foundation, the United States Golf Association, | | | | for your child. Experts believe that a 7-iron, |
| the Professional Golf Association, and the Ladies | | | | pitching wedge and a putter are all that is required |
| Professional Golf Association may also know how | | | | for a beginner. At this point, you can hold off on |
| to help you. Some of these organizations are, in | | | | the golf shoes and the designer clothes; tennis |
| fact, specifically involved in programs to introduce | | | | shoes and play clothes will normally suffice! |
| kids to golf. | | | | One disadvantage to being a junior golfer is that |
| Junior golf clinics are normally free to join; they | | | | there are usually problems regarding a shortage |
| are designed to introduce your child to the basics | | | | of facilities. To ensure enough practice (aside from |
| of golf, starting from how to grip a club, all the | | | | the hours your child spends with an instructor) |
| way to driving, chipping, and putting. Emphasis is | | | | you might want to ask the club pro whether |
| placed on the rules of the game and golf | | | | there are any slow times during the week that |
| etiquette. Clinics are also known to dole out golf | | | | your child can slip on the course to play two to |
| apparel, balls, and sometimes golf clubs to | | | | three holes. Additionally, if there are par 3 courses |
| participants. What is more, your child may be | | | | in your area, you should think about sending your |
| fortunate enough to receive instruction from a | | | | kid there. Keep in mind that the more your kid |
| seasoned professional golfer in one of the clinics! | | | | plays, the more comfortable he/ she will be with |
| The Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis | | | | the game. And, once your child has learnt the |
| Challenge junior clinic has featured Mark Nance, | | | | basics and is practicing regularly, the competitive |
| Kenny Simms, Todd Daniel and Maria Mills in the | | | | juices will surely start to flow; that is when you |
| past. And their message is: Golf is for everyone. | | | | should start inquiring about junior golf tournaments |
| Of course before forcing your children into playing | | | | being held in your area. |
| the sport, you should take pains finding out how | | | | As you might have guessed, introducing your kids |
| they truly feel about golf. After your child has | | | | to golf is not as simple as it sounds. Children need |
| been introduced to the game, you must make it | | | | guidance and motivation, and if your child really |
| a point to go to the field and observe whether | | | | enjoys the sport, you should make sure you're |
| hitting a few balls on the driving range brings a | | | | there to give him/ her that. Good luck! |
| smile to his face. Ask yourself if you think the | | | | |