Earliest age to start

[slowhand]

I'm thinking of taking my little boy up to the driving range, but he is only 3 1/2. Is this too young to try to get him into the game?

 

[RGDave]

Yes, I think so (too young). Better (i.m.o.) to get some really small clubs and light-weight balls to start.

I didn't take mine until at least 7 y.o.

 

[EaseNgrace]

I first swung a club at 4, You may be suprised how much he's picked up if he's seen your golf swing.
I've already thought about buying a little club for my boy but he's only 2 1/2. I'd be most worried about swinging near him, he can't half move quickly, can't take your eye off 'em for a second.

 

[slowhand]

I've tried getting him some of those plastic toy clubs, but all he wants to do is hit his little sister on the head with them!

 

[freddielong]

The sooner the better my son was 2 in July and I was disapointed that was a little to young for this year but next March he will be playing.

 

[grumpyjock]

No never to young, I started walking around with my dad about 4 hitting a cut down niblick and an old ball.
went for lessons about 10 just to improve.
An taking my grandaughter out this weekend for her first taste driving range provides balls and clubs for them this is the sixth to be shown the game. So far only1 has taken it up and he is getting quite good now.

 

[slowhand]

I'm off to the driving range tonight so I'll ask the pro there what he thinks as well.

 

[Ethan]

I've tried getting him some of those plastic toy clubs, but all he wants to do is hit his little sister on the head with them!

At least make sure he has a good grip and stance as he hits her.

 

[brendy]

My eldest is 5, I started her about 2 years ago. I made the mistake of taking her to the iron range for the first while where she hit the ball 30 yards but got fed up quickly.
My advice would be to take them to the chipping or green practice where there are easier targets to keep amused and build on their greenside skills.

 

[roccokj]

I picked up my first club when I was two...i didn't make a swing though!
I wish i did have a swing because then I would be like John Daly!

 

[bobmac]

Please please please relax with the kids.
Give them a plastic club and ball and a big bit of grass and leave them alone.
I have seen countless parents down the range with their 3,4 5 year olds using cut off clubs teaching them the perfect grip, perfect position at the top, impact position etc etc etc.
They use phrases like 'keep your stance square', 'dont decelerate into impact' and even heard a dad say 'use the club's momentum to keep the acceleration even.
The kids at this age dont even understand what their parents are talking about and care even less.
Just let them bash a plastic ball around and when and if they ask for help, then maybe give them a few basic pointers.
Most importantly, keep it fun. If they get bored, STOP.

 

[grumpyjock]

Concur with this but if they wish to go encourage them and help them.

 

[colint]

I've been looking for the Tri Golf stuff that they use in some schools, but only seem to be able to buy sets for group use, ie 10 clubs, 10 balls.

My lad is 4 and I've found some proper clubs for kids, but just want him to be able to whack it round the field for now without hurting anyone (mainly me)

 

[Jigger]

My little girl has been coming since she was about 18months. Just passing me balls and putting them on the tees (great for their motor skills) and then a couple of goes with daddy. She's 3 now and has her own proper club to hit the odd ballout of my basket getting a good swing despite missing the ball most of the time.

I believe most pro's take them from 5 but the key before that is keeping it a fun quality time with you rather than moulding the next top pro.