9 Year Old Daughter

[ks8829]

My daughter has been playing golf for about 3 years on and off with the First Tee program, she tall and strong for her age, very coordinated and she hits the ball fairly well. We just finished the last session of the First Tee program and considering taking her out to play 9 holes. She has gone out for 7 holes and twice playing 5 holes twice with the golf program.

We have gone out putting and chipping on occassion but nothing on a regular basis, I was wondering if any other parents in the same situation and what you did to foster the interest in golf and playing 9 holes.

She has a friend that we could take out to play 9 holes to make it fun and enjoyable for her.

Thanks in advance for your feedbacks.

[JaY_B]

At that age too much golf = losing interest, in my opinion get her playing a variety of sports, its proven now that kids should not specialise in sports at a young age, but should take part in different sports to not only increase enjoyment but to further develop the child's all round coordination etc.... so play 9 holes, but try tennis, football, running etc etc so that she does not get bored of golf.

[ks8829]

Thanks for your reply, she plays basketball on a team and practices once a week, she played volleyball in a church league for two season and she also was on a swim team but decided to quite.

[Lefty-Golfer]

I have 11 and 9 year olds, both boys though, I take them with 6 or 8 times a year. We do some range time, have a couple chipping contests and walk 9 holes. sometimes we play 18 and ride depending on how full the course is.

They T off with me from the blue, we then pick up their ball and take it to where my drive lands, hit again and let them play it in to the green(except on par 5's). They seem to enjoy it.

Also they get to stop in the mens grill with me for a candy bar...LOL they love sliding in the side door real quick and leaving. They know they aren't aloowed in there si I guess it is exciting for them.

[jdjanda]

I take my sons (8 and 10) out with me. My oldest plays from the reds and pretty much plays his ball where it lies, last 18 out he shot a 112 and he has improved since. My youngest is not as serious and we pick his ball up as needed to keep the pace up.

If both are playing we usually stick to 9 holes walking.

My oldest is interested in trying his hand at tournaments, but he and I are going to watch an even first.

I love the time together.

[golfdad]

ks, great to see your kids getting involved with golf early. i think no matter how they turn out, they will be thankful to you for introducing golf to them. every single time we are on the range, someone will walk over to chat and comment that he or she wishes that their parents have taken the time to come out with them as kids,,,

but, in a nutshell, i am not too sure what you are really asking here because there are just so many variables in introducing the game to kids.

one, different families have different philosophies. different parents have different expectations or aspirations for their kids. and then, kids react differently to golf at different ages.

two, to enjoy something may also be interpreted very differently. i can pick up ping pong paddle couple times a year and enjoy the wacking process with no second thoughts about it afterwards. and, i can work very very hard on something to get better, work or avocation wise, and enjoy the process and or the outcome. to get something out of something, one may have to put in a lot. so to me, to enjoy something may warrant further qualification.

so, is your aim to encourage her to make something out of golf in her life by learning it as an educational process or simply playing around to her heart's content...

i noticed that you have an older boy, probably already an accomplished golfer. out of curiosity, will your boy's involvement and development with golf in some way influence your daughter's golf future?

[ks8829]

I want her to be on the LPGA tour within 10 years and be a major winner before she is 25 years old.

Just kidding, I think. I know there are young kids out there that are already playing competitive golf and shooting in the 70's at her age.

I noticed with my son that he is passionate about playing basketball but his height and body type will hold him back from taking him to the next level. Golf on the other hand does not require to be tall and strong, but a good short game and mental fortitude.

If I think why do I want her to play golf, I would say the reason are the following:

1) enjoy the game as much as I do
2) lifetime game
3) future skill helpful in work
4) play on the High School golf team
5) play on a college team
6) scholarships to high school and college
7) play a round with my daughter and son together
8) gives her confidence as she becomes a better player.

Thanks for your feedback and I think the answer is to make it fun and enjoyable without any pressure for her to make the LPGA tour.

[whetstone]

My 8yr old started taking lessons this summer, at her request... that's what got me to start playing again after a 7 yr layoff. I take her with me when I play and here's what I've found....
They learn FAST
You shouldn't give swing advice, no matter how horrible she may be.
Sometimes just riding along is enough.
Let her play from the 100 yd marker, and don't count strokes until she wants to.
Too much praise is just as bad as not enough, and sounds false.
If she'd rather wade through the weeds to look for lost balls, let her.
Sometimes she'll want to sit out for a hole or 2, then play the next one.
Get her her own clubs, and don't skimp.
Kids that age like putting contests.
Let her drive the cart, but be ready to hit the brakes!
There's nothing more beautiful than watching your own daughter hit a pure shot, or sink a long putt.

[JaY_B]

What does she do in the lessons? is it technique based or fun based?

[ks8829]

What does she do in the lessons? is it technique based or fun based?

They make it fun bases, thanks for reminding me, so that when we go out to play, I do not make any mention on trying to help her swing, but to have fun. Now, I know that I need to bring friend with us when we go out to play 9 holes.

Thanks for reminding me that fun base golf will make her come back, I will put a piece of duck tape on my mouth when ever I think about giving her some serious tips, unless she asks me first, no, no, fun bases. Keeping golf fun and enjoyable so that she just does it with positive reinforcement is the key that I needed to be reminded of.

[JaY_B]

They make it fun bases, thanks for reminding me, so that when we go out to play, I do not make any mention on trying to help her swing, but to have fun. Now, I know that I need to bring friend with us when we go out to play 9 holes.

It's clear to see I was asking a question.. a serious one, grow up.

[ks8829]

I am planning to go out sometime next week with her friend, Eunice.