Play is an excellent way to spend time together. While focused on the game, you and family members are free to talk about lots of things that fill our lives. Going to a movie, on the other hand, doesn’t lend itself to sharing stories. Going out to eat is also not good since it’s impolite to speak with food in your mouth. But, what about golf?
Golf is an excellent way for the family to play together. It’s a nice walk on green fairways and beside still water. Whether you hit a good shot or bad shot, golf provides plenty of chances to chat, ask questions about what’s going on in their world between shots. But how do you introduce golf to your family?
Here are ten ideas that might help you build more play into your family…
- Play dates are sacred and belong on the calendar along with work meetings, gym workouts, client calls, etc. In other words, play is just as important as those other things.
- Double the Joy. Build anticipation to any activity to double the joy. Frequently remind them of your upcoming play date. “I can’t wait to…”
- Keep it on the “fun line.” The space between too hard (frustrating) and too easy (boring) is the Fun Line. Beginners can start from very short distances with a wedge and a putter. We start our golfers 30 yards from the pin. After they can score 36 for nine holes it might be time to move back.
- Steps to Play. Need to ensure they get their homework or chores done, make a chart with each item written on a step toward the ultimate goal of playing with Dad and/or Mom (or even Grandpa).
- Learn to Play Every Day. Golf also requires character and etiquette which can be taught off the course as well as on. More steps to be able to play on a real course.
- Build Relationships. Include their friends in your games. Their friends will have fun, and it won’t feel so dorky to your family. Besides, this will store up opportunities for you to play with your friends.
- Explore. Take Field Trips. If they are young take them to a public course, get a hot dog, and sit outside and watch golfers play a few holes. It will give you an opportunity to explain the game.
- Enough. Remember the “fun line?” When they’ve had enough, it’s time to stop…even if you’ve only played a couple holes. It’s no big deal. The money you spent on their first outing is a downpayment.
Be Prepared. Remember that your first outings are about one goal: they have fun and want to come back. Bring water, snack, sunscreen, and bug repellant to fend off any distractions and know the porta-potty locations.
Patience Pays. Many years ago, a customer brought his daughter to Play-a-Round. At first, she played on her Gameboy paying no attention to him. After a while she took up an interest in the game and before too long was playing on the State Championship Team.
We’re passionate about the game and have been including the above ideas in our classes and Summer Golf “Camps” for over 10 years. Golf is more than chasing a white ball around a pasture.
Let us help you get your children into the “greatest game.”
