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