Ever since I started to play at the age of five, golf has assumed a central role in my life. Not only have I competed for as long as I can remember but it has also become my career. In my various roles at Golf Monthly, I have travelled the world treading the fairways, interviewing top players and reviewing the latest gear. The opportunities offered to me by the game have gone far beyond what I, or, for that matter my parents, could have ever expected.
When I became a father for the first time in 2013 I began to consider if, how and when I might start to introduce the game to my own children. How do I foster a genuine interest without going too far and turning it into a chore?
The first thing to say is that my son is sports-mad. If it involves kicking, chasing or whacking a ball, he’s usually on board. Having only previously taken him to the driving range, a year ago I joined my local golf club and took advantage of the free membership on offer to him. I then signed him up for weekend coaching, joining a group of other juniors at the club. This was the first big step and since then we have gone on to play 9-holes together on a semi-regular basis. He has completed his first 18-hole round and now has a handicap.
Below are six biggest lessons I’ve learned from turning an admittedly sports-mad child into a fledgling golfer.
1 Get A Trolley
It was a piece of advice I received from a friend of mine and it has been an absolute game-changer. Prior to getting a trolley, golf on the course was as much a test of patience and stamina as anything (neither of which anyone in our family has in abundance). With the right sized bag that sits on a small trolley, he can wheel his own clubs around with minimal faffing. Of all the lessons I’ve learned over the last few years, this would probably be the most important. The purchase of a simple, compact push trolley has unlocked the true experience of playing the game on the course.
(Image credit: Future)
2 Get Some Coaching
I’ve played golf for 35 years, worked with some of the best coaches and players in the game and…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly RSS Feed…