By: Steve Graves, Jr

I’m not a dad, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be one. A lot of people have told me I’d make a good one—but who knows? What I do know is that I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to teach kids golf through our summer camp. Every summer, we help youth ages 6 to 15 learn the game of golf—not only how to connect with the ball, but how to connect with others too.

For parents who don’t play golf themselves, introducing their kids to the game can feel intimidating. Dads especially want to get their kids into golf but may not know how to start. I’ve come up with a simple formula that works for kids of all ages and abilities.

What Helps Kids Get into Golf

1. Engage first. Verbal communication is key. Start with simple questions: ask about their day, what they had for breakfast, or the latest movie they’ve seen. Break the ice before they ever take a swing.
2. Set easy, tangible targets. We usually start with putting, then move into chipping, and save the full swing for later. The goal is to let kids see progress without putting pressure on them. It also helps to teach the basics—grip, stance, and posture. When possible, demonstrate what you want them to do. If you can’t, find an online video that does.
3. Make room for failure. Trial and error is part of learning, especially for first-timers. It’s like sitting at a piano or painting a picture—kids want to test the limits. If they want to try a “Happy Gilmore” swing, let them. We’re introducing an activity and ultimately a new experience, and it’s important to allow them freedom to create their own swing.
4. Know when to take breaks and switch it up. Adding games is important. It helps kids apply what they’ve learned so it’s not just hit, hit, hit, hit all day. Games bring structure, variety, and energy to the session. Honestly, adults love games too, they just won’t admit it.
5. End with closure. Finish on a positive note, whether that’s a good swing, a fun game, or just a quick recap. Ask what they learned, whether they had fun, and what their highlight was. Always tell them they did a good job and that you’re proud of them. Ice cream can be a great bonus if needed—but usually, if the experience is fun enough, you don’t even need the bribe.

Final Thought

Teaching kids golf is actually pretty simple when you keep it fun, give them room to fail, set easy targets, and change things up when needed. Some won’t like it at first or find it too hard, but if they see you enjoying the game too, they’re much more likely to come back to it.