10 Reasons Your Kids Should Play Golf

In today’s world, kids have so many different options to choose from after school. Many of them will stay in the classroom until their parents pick them up, but others might do something else, like an after-school activity or sports team. There are a lot of great choices when it comes to picking an activity for your children, but one that could really benefit them is golf. 

Golf is a sport that requires participants to exercise self-control, imagination and concentration. Children who play golf learn how to consider what might happen before they act and plan accordingly. Whether it’s what club to use for a shot or which way the wind might shift, children who play golf develop critical thinking skills early on.

Playing golf can be a great way for children to learn more about the different aspects of life beyond the grass, as well as gain an appreciation for the world around them. From learning about water management from ponds on courses to observing flora and fauna in gardens and rock walls, kids growing up playing golf will gain a greater sense of environmental awareness as they develop their games.

Explore the different reasons why your child might greatly benefit from and, most importantly, enjoy golf.

1. Golf Is an Olympic Sport

Golf was recently reinstated as an Olympic sport in 2016, indicating how much people enjoy watching golf at the highest level over the past several years. If your kids want to watch golf on TV, get them interested in the possibility of watching it live or even becoming an athlete one day for the Olympic games.

2. Golf Teaches Kids to Be Creative

One of the great things about golf is that you have to be creative when it’s your turn to putt. There are many different variables for kids to consider, which means they must think before they act – a valuable lesson for any child that builds character as they continue to play the sport.

3. Golf Is Fun, But Can Also Teach Responsibility

Playing golf is a great way for youth to learn valuable life lessons that will help them later on down the road. By taking care of their clubs and golf balls, children learn how important it is to take care of their belongings, as well-maintained equipment greatly impacts the quality of a game. They also learn how rewarding hard work can be as they witness their skills improve and start to enter golf tournaments.

4. Golf Can Be a Social Activity

Golf is often considered a solitary sport, but it doesn’t have to be. Youth can invite their friends to come out and play with them after school or on weekends. This provides opportunities for socializing and making new friends. And if your child has hesitations about making social contact, golf may help break them out of their shell.

5. Physical Benefits of Golf

Golf is a great way for children to get some exercise. They can walk around the course, use a cart, or ride in a golf cart if available. Playing golf also helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. A study by the University of Edinburgh found that playing golf can also help improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, focus, and problem solving.

6. Golf Can Be Taught to Kids at a Young Age

Not only can golf be fun and exciting, it’s also extremely teachable – especially for children. Children are able to use lightweight clubs and golf balls which makes the game much easier and less stressful to start with, but this is a great foundation to build upon. Children can pick up the basics in no time once they learn how to swing with proper form.

7. Golf Can Be a Great Outlet

Golf is not only a great sport for kids to learn, but it’s also a great outlet for stress and an opportunity for them to put their phones and video games down and get outside. It teaches children good sportsmanship, how to work as a team, and can give them something to look forward to after school or on the weekends.

8. Golf Is Actually Affordable Compared to Other Sports

The cost of golf gear may be daunting at first glance, but when you consider that this one set of clubs will last your child well into adulthood (and potentially even longer), it becomes much more affordable in the long run. Also, most golf courses have programs where juniors are able to play free with the purchase of an adult’s round – which is also a great way to get your child’s feet wet when approaching the sport for the first time. 

9. Golf Provides a Social Network

Being part of a golf club or league is a great way for children to foster friendships and build relationships that will last them into adulthood. Oftentimes, people who play the same sport are more likely to socialize with one another outside of practice or play, simply because they can converse about techniques, strategies, and their favorite players. You might even be surprised to find your child appreciating literature, art, culture, and politics more after coming back from a game. Strong companionship is often fostered through golfing interactions.

10. Golf Can Help Your Child Become a Better Student

It should come as no surprise that students who study something that requires strategizing and concentration often do better in school. That’s because kids who play golf are taught to think ahead, make decisions, and execute accordingly. This feeds directly into how they perform academically, especially when it comes time for them to be tested on the course or in the classroom.

Opportunities to Play Golf After School

The Indian River Golf Foundation offers a variety of after school golf programs for interested youth of all skill levels. The purpose is to engage as many youths in the game and cultivate a love for the game that can last a lifetime. We also offer training In traditional golf during the school year, and can provide equipment if needed. 

Play With Us!

For more information, call us at (772)713-9593 or email us at rogervandykeirgf@gmail.com

The mission of the Indian River Golf Foundation (IRGF) is to promote interest and awareness of local golfing opportunities and to encourage participation in programs that will lead to high levels of knowledge, player development and service in the game of golf.