How will my child progress?

Always look to the club or the professional staff to provide you with updates and advice as to how your child is progressing. This information will keep you posted about your child’s interest in what they are doing, as well as their abilities and any necessary improvements. Some programs provide student logbooks to keep track of accomplishments and progress. The coaching and instructional staff will help you recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your child’s golfing abilities. Ask for a brochure, timeline and outline of the continuous programs and different levels which your child can aim toward.

Do they have junior teams?

Clubs that have good junior programs will usually have strong junior representation at local, district or some major golf competitions. This might be important for you if your child shows a desire to be competitive. Also, check if the club offers inter-club matches with other nearby golf facilities. These can provide a fun, social and competitive structure for your child. Some schools also have junior golf teams that have privileges at local golf clubs.

What will the supervision ratios be?

Low child-to-instructor ratios are vital for progressive development. If the ratios are poor, progress will be slow.

Recommended ratios:

  • Ages 4-7 - 1:4 (coach : pupil) ratio
  • Ages 8 and older - 1:6 (coach : pupil) ratio

Where do I find out about playing opportunities for my child?

Notice boards at local golf clubs are an excellent resource. Many clubs even have a junior coordinator and/or an associate golf professional dedicated to the junior program. The notice boards, brochures and other written material available at golf clubs should offer coaching and playing opportunities for the junior players. On the notice board and in club literature, keep an eye out for photos and articles of junior members that have done well in competitions, as well as clubs that show a high level of activity and playing opportunities.

Watch your child as they learn

As a parent or guardian of a budding junior golfer, you should spend some time at the club during junior coaching and instructional sessions. Contact the club or your Golf Professional staff to find out what times are best to accompany your child. While attending and keeping your distance, keep an eye out for:

  • An organized, controlled and safe environment for young golfers
  • Several dedicated coaching and instruction stations
  • Observe the student – instructor ratio
  • The facilities available for the juniors at the club
  • The work ethic, progress, skill level and interest of junior golfers currently enrolled at the club
  • Keep in mind that some children’s progress may slow and their attention span may be decreased in the presence of a parent or guardian. Always advise the professional staff about your visit before you arrive.
  • Find out which clubs the best players come from
  • Most Provincial Golf Associations have a player development program and can tell you which clubs produce the most (and the best) players. Contact your Provincial Association for a club listing in your area.
  • As mentioned previously, the clubs that produce the best and the most players will usually have a well structured program for young beginners and provide reasonable access to tee times.

More:
How can my child get involved in golf?
How do I know if my club is any good?
How often can children play? 
Why get involved?