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Golf for Toddlers

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Family Golfing

Toddlers love to imitate their parents so if you are a golf enthusiast chances are your toddler will love golf. Now no toddler is going to be tearing up the links at Pebble Beach anytime soon, but they can begin learning the basics of a lifelong game. Golf teaches patience and eye hand coordination to even the youngest golfers. Playing golf with your toddler will be a source of fun for the whole family.

Toddler Golf Clubs

To begin teaching your toddler to play golf you will need a set of plastic golf clubs that are age appropriate. Giving toddlers metal clubs could be a dangerous proposition, not to mention they may be too heavy for them to play with.
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Teaching Your Toddler to Golf

Now that you have the perfect set of toddler clubs, you will want to show your little one how to play. If you have taken them to the course or the driving range with you, chances are they already have some idea what to do. If you have not taken them recently, or at all, now would be a good time to show them what a great golfer you are (remember they do not know Tiger Woods). So break out you clubs and show them what you've got and how fun golf can be.

Once they have seen you play and have an interest in trying it, give them their shiny new clubs. Start out in the backyard or in the house if you have plenty of room without any breakables. Most toddler club sets come with plastic golf balls, which are perfect for learning and easier on anything that might be hit by your little golfing wonder.

Your Golfer Age

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Ready to Swing

Once they have the club in their hand, help them take a few practice swings and be sure they do not start taking baseball swings (that is dangerous for everyone). Show them how fun it is to hit the grass and then put a golf ball down on the ground. Try to show your toddler how to address the ball, just the basics of putting the club behind the ball and standing with their feet apart.

Now comes the fun part, let them take a swing at the ball. If they hit it celebrate the accomplishment, if they miss help them try again until they make contact. Remember they will not see this as a sport they will only see this as fun time with mommy or daddy. If you can retain their interest long enough, let them keep hitting balls or depending on the size of the yard, they can run to the ball they hit and hit it again.

4 Year Old Golfer

Notice how he takes a smooth swing and hits the ball. Jason may be a little older than your toddler but his approach is perfect, just what you are shooting for.
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Putt for Dough

Once they have mastered hitting the golf ball with their plastic iron or driver you can take them inside or to a flat patch of grass and show them the art of putting. Remember, "Drive for Show, Putt for Dough." If you have a putting green this will work best so they can really get a feel for the idea of putting. Show your little golfer how to putt the ball into the hole and then again help them take a few practice putts. Then put a ball down and aim them in the right direction. Now let them try it. Once they get the ball in the hole, have a great big celebration.

Practice Putting

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Keep Practicing

Now chances are your toddler is not going to pick up the game on the first try. What is important is that they have fun trying a sport you love. Let them try it, as many times as they are willing just do not allow the baseball swings. As long as they are trying to hit the golf ball, they are on their way to learning a wonderful game. Before you know it, they will be driving the ball 300 yards and you will wonder how they ever got so good. Enjoy your time playing with them now before they can beat you.

Golf Teaching Resources

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Get Your Toddler Interested with Golf Books

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Love Golf For Toddlers?

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Please share stories or tips from your little golfer.

  • Leopold-Blatt Nov 23, 2011 @ 12:08 pm | delete
    Nice lens. I had forgotten all about those plastic clubs of years ago.
  • WindyWinters Nov 16, 2011 @ 5:32 pm | delete
    Golfing is a great sport to learn at a young age. My children and hubby enjoy golfing but I prefer mini golf. I'm a great putter but that's about it. Happy Holidays!
  • sabrebIade Nov 16, 2011 @ 10:32 am | delete
    LOL!
    I remember my old plastic golf clubs from about oh....1966?
    Geez!
  • MagicBeanDip Nov 16, 2011 @ 9:10 am | delete
    Cool, I had never really given much thought to starting a little golfer out so young.
  • golfspice Nov 15, 2011 @ 6:06 am | delete
    Kids naturally love to do anything with their parents. Take them to a golf range or practice area and let them have some fun just hitting golf balls. Enrol them into group lessons for toddlers/kids/juniors, then watch them make new friends and progress rapidly. Many golf clubs/ranges provide classes for young golfers free of charge or for a nominal sum.
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by

nsixx99

I have been playing golf for over 25 years and I started learning at age four with my granddad. I am now teaching my toddler son the game I love. I am... more »

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