Golf Dad

I have 3 kids. An 8-year-old and a couple of 5-year-olds.  All of them have shown some interest in golf. We’re fortunate enough to have a 6-hole short course 5 minutes from us that’s free for kids and a reasonable deal for a season pass for me.  We go when we want, do a loop or 2 and are back home before you know it. 

I’m learning how to be a golf dad. Yep, I’m figuring out how to pass along this lifetime sport of frustration with the occasional glimmers of hope to my children.  They’re going to love it!

The most important thing I’ve learned so far is to get out of the way. Rarely, and I mean rarely do I do anything resembling teaching them.  Your own kids always perceive that as getting told what to do.  There’ll be plenty of time to go over the finer points of the Vardon grip later in life. For now, let them run, laugh, and play in the sand while you carry their mini golf bags for 45 minutes. Occasionally they’ll hit a shot that makes both them and you say “Wow”. It’s usually a much cooler moment for me when the tuning fork rings perfectly in their hands, but I know they felt it too. 

Secretly teach them how to love going to the golf course and the game will take its hold on them just like it did to you.