Fathers...

[SVTGolfer]

How early did you start taking your kids to the driving range/golf course to hit balls? I just had my first kid 4 months ago, and although she can't even sit up yet, I already want to take her out. Hahaha. I will say this though; She has one hell of a grip!

[RFetters]

Any time.  Taking her to the range is a bit different than going to actually hit balls.   You will know when shes ready to hit balls, when she decides its more fun than just playing in the dirt, or looking at bugs, or flowers.

[Beachcomber]

Congrats on the baby girl!  That is awesome... I wish my Dad would've gotten me started earlier... I didn't start playing golf until I was 10.  And we didn't even go to the golf range.  My Dad would just take me out on the twilight rate, and let me hit a shot - and then pick it up and bring it to his ball.  It was a great way to get started, and didn't hold the course up with slow play.

Good luck!

[AmazingWhacker]

Ha!  I have a 1 year old daughter and have had similar thoughts.  If only she would sit still long enough to watch daddy hit some balls and/or not get into trouble. . ha . .not likely.

I already bought her a little 7 iron that she can use . .when she's 4!!  I will probably start her in the yard, though, and bring her to the range when I start worrying about broken windows.

[Dubya D]

All my kids are in their 20's but, I do have a 2 yr old grandson I take to the driving range once a week. He has a set of clubs gets his own bag of balls at the range. After hitting balls, he likes to go the practice green and putt around for a bit.

I enjoy it just as much as he does.

[Tomboys]

First off, congrats on the new addition to your family.  If you do decide to introduce her to golf, or any sport for that matter, don't be surprised if you run into idiots like this guy:

A golf-mad father in northern England who wanted his sons to become the next Tiger Woods was given a suspended jail sentence for beating them when they fluffed their shots.

Burnley Crown Court on Wednesday was told the father was obsessed with the idea that his sons, aged six and eight, would become professional golfers.

As well as biting and pinching them, the 33-year-old Burnley man, who could not be identified for legal reasons, also hit them with golf clubs and threw balls at them, the Lancashire Telegraph reported.

The man was arrested in June last year after the youngest boy attended school with a mark on his face and the teacher asked him what happened.

Police said when they spoke to the boys, they referred to golf as their job.

"We are going to be championship golfers when we get older," the six year old said.

The defendant admitted to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and one of common assault and was sentenced to one year in jail, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision.

And, just so you know, bad behavior isn't limited to just the fathers.  I've seen mothers that were absolutely horrible.  At one of my son's baseball games years ago when he was about 8, the umpire had to stop the game because two mothers from the same team would not shut up.  They kept making rude and degrading remarks about the opposing team's players loud enough to be heard across the field.  He stopped the game and warned them.  They were quiet for about a minute and then they started right back up.  Finally, he stopped the game a second time and ejected them from the park.  They had to leave the park completely before he would allow the game to resume.  They spent the rest of the game standing in the parking lot.

[mtsalmela80]

Not quite at the range yet, but his swing is coming along

http://www.facebook.com/v/2276058640428

[stealthduffer]

I've got pictures of me having my daughter hold a putter when she was in her "Johnny Jump Up".  OK - maybe a little obsessive but all in good fun.  I had my oldest daughter in golf lessons around age 7 and on quiet evenings we would take her out.  Tee off from the 150 marker and focus on having fun.  Unfortunately golf didn't "take" with her (and her little sister had no interest whatsoever - she just liked to drive the cart.)

I first played when I was 5 but got distracted by every butterfly or bird that went by.  Later became more consistent around age 9.  Most important lesson I'd offer - do what you can to spark an interest in the game - but if you can't then move on.  Neither of my girls are golfers but both became good athletes at other sports that they had a passion for.

[SVTGolfer]

Originally Posted by Tomboys

First off, congrats on the new addition to your family.  If you do decide to introduce her to golf, or any sport for that matter, don't be surprised if you run into idiots like this guy:

A golf-mad father in northern England who wanted his sons to become the next Tiger Woods was given a suspended jail sentence for beating them when they fluffed their shots.

Burnley Crown Court on Wednesday was told the father was obsessed with the idea that his sons, aged six and eight, would become professional golfers.

As well as biting and pinching them, the 33-year-old Burnley man, who could not be identified for legal reasons, also hit them with golf clubs and threw balls at them, the Lancashire Telegraph reported.

The man was arrested in June last year after the youngest boy attended school with a mark on his face and the teacher asked him what happened.

Police said when they spoke to the boys, they referred to golf as their job.

"We are going to be championship golfers when we get older," the six year old said.

The defendant admitted to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and one of common assault and was sentenced to one year in jail, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision.

And, just so you know, bad behavior isn't limited to just the fathers.  I've seen mothers that were absolutely horrible.  At one of my son's baseball games years ago when he was about 8, the umpire had to stop the game because two mothers from the same team would not shut up.  They kept making rude and degrading remarks about the opposing team's players loud enough to be heard across the field.  He stopped the game and warned them.  They were quiet for about a minute and then they started right back up.  Finally, he stopped the game a second time and ejected them from the park.  They had to leave the park completely before he would allow the game to resume.  They spent the rest of the game standing in the parking lot.

Im glad the ump made a spectacle of them. Hate to say though, but that's little league parents for ya. Hahaha, no, Honestly, I know its not just little league, but all youth sports. And I think its pathetic!

That was a good read though, thanks. I know ill have to be very positive and encouraging with my daughter in order to keep her interested in golf or any sport, as kids are easily discouraged from continuing with something if they feel they arent good enough at it. I remember going with one of my grandpa's when I was little and constantly getting scolded for "not doing it right." And I never picked up golf for myself until I was about 24 or 25 (about 3 years ago). I just hope I dont make the same mistakes. I know I can be pretty intense/competitive sometimes.

[SVTGolfer]

Originally Posted by stealthduffer

I've got pictures of me having my daughter hold a putter when she was in her "Johnny Jump Up".  OK - maybe a little obsessive but all in good fun.  I had my oldest daughter in golf lessons around age 7 and on quiet evenings we would take her out.  Tee off from the 150 marker and focus on having fun.  Unfortunately golf didn't "take" with her (and her little sister had no interest whatsoever - she just liked to drive the cart.)

I first played when I was 5 but got distracted by every butterfly or bird that went by.  Later became more consistent around age 9.  Most important lesson I'd offer - do what you can to spark an interest in the game - but if you can't then move on.  Neither of my girls are golfers but both became good athletes at other sports that they had a passion for.

See, Im kinda worried about that since you mentioned it. I really want her to play golf. Not just because dad plays golf, but because its a great game and something you can actually do for life. Although, I would love to have something that we can do together. My wife plays too. I want my daughter to like golf, but I dont want to force it on her. That's one reason why the age thing comes into play.