Getting a Teenager into Golf

[BrizoH71]

My 14-yr old son has begun to express at least a passing interest in trying to play golf, but I'm not sure how to nurture his interest into something more. He hasn't got the greatest of attention spans, and often 'fads' which is why I'm a bit wary of him losing interest and moving onto something else.

His sole involvement with swinging a club was hitting 50 balls at a driving range using an old bladed Max Faulkner Pinseeker 6-iron that his grand-dad gave to him a few weeks ago; he didn't hit it great, but once he worked out what to do he could at least knock them off the tee around 50-60 yards at various airborne levels - usully grass height though .. but I often come home from work to find him using my spare putter and knocking balls up and down the hall.

I'd like to get him a set of starter clubs to begin with - nothing too expensive, in case this is just his latest fad and I end up spending money for nothing, but I fear junior sets he'll outgrow in a matter of months as he's relatively tall for a 14-yr old. Adult sets I fear might just be too big, and he might lack the requisite strength to attain any decent distance with them.

When i joined Peebles I got a free junior membership thrown in, so I'm trying to encourage him as best I can to develop a more serious interest in the game by coming down with me and at least walk the course, have a session on the practice area etc.

I'm going to take him down one day soon and have a word with the pro to see what he suggests, but wondered if anyone had any other thoughts on encouragement, equipment, etc..

 

[virtuocity]

Will he need a junior set?

 

[cookelad]

Ladies clubs normally fill the gap between juniors and mens!

 

[Wolfman]

Hi my son is also 14 and i wish i could get him more interested so he could join me on the course as he progressed

He was mad on footbal but now tends to be XBOX and PC gaming mad

I think they mustnt be pushed into it but try and get him to join you up the range and see what happens

Trouble is at 14 they have alot going on, school leading up to exam times, the arrival of girls start to have a massive change to what they want to do etc.

Hope he shows interest as its a great age to start

 

[brendy]

Id get him to the the practice area of a club and pitch from 50 yards into a target, its much more satisfying than pummelling balls up a wide range.

 

[virtuocity]

I've got a dunlop starter irons set and bags if you're interested. Can chuck in a couple of hybrids and a putter.

 

[BrizoH71]

Ladies clubs normally fill the gap between juniors and mens!

Yeh, I popped into DG yesterday on my way home and asked the same question.. they suggested these http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/golf_irons/john_letters/t8_iron_set_lds_jnr_golf_irons/p14564.aspx (JL, unsurprisingly) as a starter.. If I added a 3-wood (don't see the need for a driver yet) it would probably set him up ok.

Also thought about getting a couple of reasonably cheap single irons, probably a 5-iron, 7-iron and wedge, and get him onto the range with them to try and build his confidence and interest before splashing on full clubs and lessons.

 

[pbrown7582]

maybe have a look at thesportshq and get some cut down irons i think an inch off is recommended for 5ft 6, i did this for my nephew until he showed it was more than a passing interest and worth of proper investment.


Does your club or another nearby run any junior group lessons so he could meet mates similar sort of age too?

 

[big_russ]

Id get him to the the practice area of a club and pitch from 50 yards into a target, its much more satisfying than pummelling balls up a wide range.

As Brendy says plus using the practice green as well. There is nothing better for new starters and especially youngsters than getting the ball close to and in the hole and then working backwards to the tee.

 

[cookelad]

Yeh, I popped into DG yesterday on my way home and asked the same question.. they suggested these http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/golf_irons/john_letters/t8_iron_set_lds_jnr_golf_irons/p14564.aspx (JL, unsurprisingly) as a starter.. If I added a 3-wood (don't see the need for a driver yet) it would probably set him up ok.

Also thought about getting a couple of reasonably cheap single irons, probably a 5-iron, 7-iron and wedge, and get him onto the range with them to try and build his confidence and interest before splashing on full clubs and lessons.

Looks good to me to begin with! It was the advice I got during the awkward age!

I was lucky when I started (age11) in that a few of my school friends already played (and I got bit pretty hard by the golfing bug!) so I was able to be surrounded by my mates straight away - I would suggest it has to be fun and also he has to feel that he's getting somewhere/improving!

 

[ADB]

I wouldn't be spending that type of money on the JL set. Use local papers and EBay - you can spend a fraction of that for other Parents initial investment!

 

[bobmac]

Dads know nothing.
I would avoid trying to teach him yourself but.........
as has been mentioned already...
Go and ask your pro about junior clinics. Not one on one lessons yet.
At 14, he is probably getting quite competitive so it will be great if he can play with other kids around his own age.
And if your club does do junior clinics, just mention it in passing to him and wait for him to ask if he can go.
That way you'll know he wants to take it further.
Your pro will also be able to advise you on which clubs he needs to start with.
gently gently

 

[Stub]

My grandson, age 12, plays with a cheap junior set and often asks to be taken to our local pitch and putt, where he performs quite well. His interest waxes and wanes depending what else takes his fancy (rugby, cricket, fishing etc, girls yet to come!) but has persisted over the last year or so.

Not forcing him but encourage him when he shows interest. Next step would be to enrol him in our club junior section, which is large, active and well organised, but that will represent a more substantial investment and only justified if he shows more than a passing interest. Decision will come next Spring when he could join and play through the summer with friends.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

If you live in Edinburgh and play at Peebles you may have a problem if he does show an interest.

Does he have a club close to home that he could join next year as a junior?
Kids tend to like ranges in the winter so take him to your local range and see if they do group coaching, you might even both sign up for a course. When you work out the cost of range balls the lessons can sometimes be an attractive offer.
If he is 5'6'' he is best suited to ladies clubs for a wee while, you can generally pick up a s/h set quite cheaply.

 

[Karl102]

This will keep him interested.....

http://www.sophiehorn.com/

 

[G1BB0]

I have had the same issue with my eldest, one minute he fancies playing/coming to the range then the next he isnt interested. I gave up in the end.

I have a set of MD Tour steel cavity irons, regular graphite, 3 - sw (5 iron is there but snapped the shaft)

you can have them for the cost of postage :thup:

 

[lee_leggett]

My son is 13 been playing for just over a year, plays 2 times a week and everyday in the holidays. Has made it to 8 hcap now and is getting better all the time. He has just had his first set of gents clubs fitted. A little flat on the lie but suit him down to the ground.
If he likes the game pop to sports direct and get some Dunlop clubs. Something cheap only a few just to get him hitting the ball higher and a little longer.ofif he sees the distance and good shots then he will feel better about the game. Stick to pitch and putt till he.has a better swing.and hits the ball then move to easy 9 hole.of

 

[DappaDonDave]

Promise him a beer at the bar afterwards. Simple

 

[BrizoH71]

I have had the same issue with my eldest, one minute he fancies playing/coming to the range then the next he isnt interested. I gave up in the end.

I have a set of MD Tour steel cavity irons, regular graphite, 3 - sw (5 iron is there but snapped the shaft)

you can have them for the cost of postage :thup:

Sounds good :thup:

 

[G1BB0]

pm me your addy and I will get them sent off next week, might have a few other bits I can throw in aswell, just cluttering up my undertsairs cupboard lol.