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LESSON 12: Let’s take it to the course!
The two most important factors are KEEP IT SAFE and KEEP IT FUN! Safety The golf course is a fun place to be, but it can also be dangerous to children if they are not supervised correctly or have not been made aware of safety. In order for children to really enjoy the experience of being out on the golf course, there are some key points to emphasise and consider: • Explain the meaning and purpose of why golfers shout “FORE!”. If you hear this being shouted it means that there is a golf ball flying towards you, and you should duck down, and place your hands over your head to protect yourself. Likewise, if you hit an errant shot - as we all do - you should also shout “FORE!” to warn fellow golfers of the imminent danger.
• The golf course is a very different place to the driving range. On the range, the bays are often divided to protect you from golf clubs being swung, however this is not the case on the golf course. Children must be aware of the danger of swinging golf clubs near fellow golfers and therefore must stand well back when others are playing their shots. Never stand directly in front of or behind other golfers. Never take practice swings towards fellow golfers.
• Only play your shot when you are sure that it is safe to do so. It is also important to only play when you are sure that the players in front are out of the way. If in doubt, it is best never to play to avoid injury to other golfers.
Etiquette How you behave and act on the golf course is important. The correct etiquette of what to do and not do on the golf course should be explained to children. • When on the green all pitch marks (indentations on the green) should be repaired with a pitchfork.
• The flag stick should be placed carefully on the green when putting.
• As the grass on the green is cut short, never run on the green.
• With shots being played from the fairway, replace divots (earth/grass removed after striking the ball)
• On the tee box, fill any divots with the sand/seed mix (often on the short holes/par 3’s)
• Show respect for other golfers when they are playing their shots by standing still and being quiet.
• Try to be aware of your shadow and where you walk and stand on the green. You should not walk on a player’s line of putt or stand where your shadow may also be on the line.
Some final points..... Children will remember their first experiences on the golf course and as a result form an impression of how enjoyable - or not - golf can be! So: • As a parent, it is VITAL to keep it fun and relaxed. Lots of encouragement and patience from the parent needs to be shown - it is easy for children to become despondent and lose interest if they play poorly.
• Remember also that if too much pressure is exerted by the parent, the child may try too hard to impress, and possibly be put off for good.
• The golf course is the place to have fun, relax and enjoy each other’s company and should NOT be taken too seriously, especially when starting out.
• Try and find a time that is be best for children at the start, preferably when the course is quiet. But if the golf course is busy, be sure to let faster players play through and give the child time to play without the extra pressure.
• Weather conditions are also important; for very young children extreme cold or heat should be avoided! Too many times young children have been put off by being taken to play when it is too cold to hold the club!
Above all, please, do not forget that golf is a game!
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OK, we have demonstrated the key shots that are needed to get around the golf course, so let’s get out there! This is where the fun really begins!
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