Not exactly fit to teach, but...

[nhwoj]

My nine year old sister wants me to take her to our local 9-hole short course this weekend. She has never played golf before but is eager to learn. What would you guys say the most important things she needs to learn are, and how would you go about teaching young kid? Feel free to share your experiences teaching younger kids and first timers, and any advice helps. Thanks in advance for any tips!

[nikeman6]

haha funny we're both 15....anyways,
not that I'm the most experienced teacher to say the least, but I remember when my dad took me out to our local par 3 course for the first time and I just remember him not getting too much in the way and kind of letting me figure it out on my own.
Don't think that would be much help, but I'd say first thing...if she's serious about learning the game, just let her find her own swing, don't get too much in the way. But also, try and lead her in the right direction not only in her swing, but in course management etc. but that could be a long ways away...
hope this helps in some way or form...

[andymane]

Honestly you should avoid focusing on any real "teaching" and focus more on making sure she has fun! shes only 9, at that age if something is not fun, chances are you wont want to do it again.....IMO

[nhwoj]

Honestly you should avoid focusing on any real "teaching" and focus more on making sure she has fun! shes only 9, at that age if something is not fun, chances are you wont want to do it again.....IMO

Good point. That's what most of my predicament is, making sure she has fun but also learns about the game too.

[iacas]

If you have to teach her anything, I'd work with her on the first fundamental of golf: hitting the ball first, and then the ground.

You can do this with kids primarily by having them set their weight slightly forward and leave it there or increase how much it's there.

Second thing (at nine she should be able to do this too) is to take the left shoulder down towards her left foot.

Third thing is to raise the level of her belt in the follow through - stick out her belly in the follow-through.

You may only get to the first one. We teach junior clinics and we immediately have people drawing the ball and hitting the ball in the air with decent contact. There's nothing more discouraging than whiffing, topping, or fatting the ball nowhere all day.

After you've given her a few of the basics, take her to a GOOD PGA pro.

[Danattherock]

Great of you to introduce her to the game. She is 9 and never played golf? Take her to the driving range a time or two before hitting the course. No pressure on her at the range. Once she gets the basics, hit the short course.


-Dan

[BostonSully]

Do not take her to the course without a couple of range visits at least. If she still wants to go after actually hitting a few hundred balls(if she makes it that far) then you can set up a time to take her when there is little-to no one on the course.

[jamo]

Your little sister is actually asking to play golf with you?!? Mine is 14 and I have to bribe her just to video tape my swing at the range (Cold Stone ice cream usually does the trick).

It is fun when they do well though. We went to a par 3 course together a few times this year and found out that she is actually really good with my old hybrid club. She even hit a few greens and lipped out a birdie putt.

My advice- if she wants to pay long term, she should get some lessons. If she just wants to hack it around with you a few times a year and doesn't care about getting better or anything, get her a hybrid and have fun!

[JML22]

Short punch shots focusing on ball striking

[ohiolefty]

I'd focus on balance and grip. THEN, I.M.O., you work on contact.