When can my boy play golf?

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By Mike M

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  • 13 Replies
  1. Mike M

    Mike M
    Tequesta, FL

         I am going to be a new dad soon.  I was wondering if anyone has advice about when a kid can play?  I heard a toddler can putt at 25 months. 

          Every club in my bag is Titleist.  Should I cut some Titleist clubs down to size or go with special made club for toddlers? 

     

    Mike from Florida

  2. Michael N

    Michael N
    Chicago, IL

    Congratulations! There are many things that you can do with your son from a very early age.  I would recommend starting with the lightest plastic clubs and wiffle balls early on.  Cut downs are very hard for juniors because they will be far too heavy, too stiff, and the grips far too large.  The Titleist Performance Institute has a lot of great information on Junior Golf Development.  Check them out at www.mytpi.com.  

  3. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    US Kids makes affordable golf sets for toddlers, 3-5 yr olds, 5-8, 8-12.    The toddler set is a driver, iron and putter.  Usually the 8-12 set is driver, fairway, 5H, 7i, 9i, SW and putter. 

     

  4. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    If one lives in San Diego there are plenty of executive courses (and a couple of them are mosty 125 yard par 3s - Lomas Santa Fe and Lake San Marcos).

  5. Keith M

    Keith M
    Acworth, GA

    I have two boys, ages 4 and 5.  They've both been playing golf for about a year.  The younger one still doesn't quite get it, but he has fun, so that all that matters.  They both started with the plastic clubs and wiffle balls.  They still use those around the yard.

    I picked them up Maxfli sets from Dick's sporting goods for Christmas and they were very reasonably priced, $100 or less and it included bags.  I take the boys with the range with me regularly and they love going with me to the golf shops and practice their putting.

    My wife is less enthused about it, since invariably I come home with something new each time we go to the golf stores.  Overall, I say your boy will never be too young to start, so long as he enjoys it. 

    Congratulations on your new boy and best of luck. 

    One funny story I'll share is that I had both boys with me at the range and my youngest was 3 at the time.  In the middle of my backswing I hear "daddy I pooped!"  Then it was a mad dash to the bathroom to change the diaper and get back on the firing line to finish our bucket of balls.

  6. Mike M

    Mike M
    Tequesta, FL

    I have a part time seasonal job in a proshop at a par three course in Florida. It has been the best place for my kid to play around and hit balls. Thank you for the advice years ago.
  7. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    Hey Mike it's never too early to involve them in golf.

    Keep it fun and no pressure.

    Here is a video of my son at 25 months...awesome stuff!!!

    He will be 5 this fall we probably play once a month now although a little rusty he has amazing game when he wants to focus.

    Just have fun!!!!!

    DR. K

  8. Dr. Kovatchian

    Dr. Kovatchian
    Carlsbad

    Here you go!!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=XOQiBB3xiM4

  9. AJAR

    AJAR
    Portland, OR

    Dr K.

    He is definitely gifted. That swing is priceless. Keep him swinging.

  10. Christopher K

    Christopher K

    Congratulations and I have some experience since my boy is 4 now. The first thing I did was get him involved in the sport at age 3. At 2 they would lose their attention span, but at 3 their concentration was far more in depth. Then I bought him a putter and took him to mini golf three times a week. What it did was keep him intrigued in the game and wanting more with all the silly safari and other obstacles. Then I would compete with him at home by putting in the $15.00 Pro circuit putt return and he would love watching the machine shoot the ball back at him from across the room every time he made a putt. The point is to keep them intrigued and wanting more at this age. This year at age 4.5 he started his private lessons and after about six of them he drives the ball over 50 yards. The pro he goes to even said he wouldn't start any sooner than age 4. Now he tees up in the backyard and repeatedly drives the ball into the tent-like net. Good luck and I hope this helps!
  11. Mike M

    Mike M
    Tequesta, FL

    Thank you for the advice years ago. I put a 6 to 20 footer putting green in the garage. Lots of times I will hit putts and my boy will come out and become interested.
  12. Jeffrey S

    Jeffrey S
    Jacksonville, FL

    Congratulations, Mike. I have a two year old boy and he loves to mimic me and golfers on TV with his plastic golf clubs. That said, his attention span is nowhere near ready for an investment in clubs. Start slow and let your child enjoy the game.

  13. Mike M

    Mike M
    Tequesta, FL

    Thank you everyone! My boy is turning 5! There has been a long time since logging onto the website. I'm greatfull for everyone's comments and have thought about the advice over the years. My boy has been playing golf (and lots of other sport) since he could stand. Working at a golf course and First tee, I've been able to give him a wide range of clubs to choose from plastic to lightweight and old clubs sitting in the back of the bag room. He has only liked these '72 Macgregors that Ive cut down and re-griped. I know they are very heavy for him and they are not recommended. I thinks it best that he enjoys the game, makes his own decisions (within reason!) I show him the flag and back off. I have so many friends that have kids that hate the game and I want to teach enjoyment. Thank you to everyone that gave advice years ago and we would all like to hear from everyone about how they are doing.
  14. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    Good stuff. You can't make a kid love sports, especially golf which is not a team sport, so you have to be really self motivated to do this. Expose them to the game and let them decide. I think that the best way is a junior golf program with a PGA Professional. They know how to do it right, to teach and keep it fun. When kids hate the game, it's usually the fault of the parent trying to force their dream onto the kid and forgetting that it's just a game. My parents never forced me to play any sports and I ended up playing them all including ice hockey, which my father didn't know a hockey puck from a overcooked hamburger.

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