The right coach can make a huge difference to a young golfer's progress and enjoyment. A good junior coach builds solid fundamentals, keeps golf fun, adapts to the child's age and personality, and works well with parents. The wrong coach can make golf feel like a chore. Here's what to look for.
Qualifications and safeguarding
- Recognised coaching qualifications from a national golf body or professional association.
- Safeguarding and child-protection checks, and training in working with children.
- First aid training.
- Insurance.
Ask to see credentials, and check whether the club or academy has a safeguarding policy.
Experience with juniors
- Age-specific coaching: teaching a seven-year-old is very different from teaching a 16-year-old.
- Programmes: many coaches run structured junior pathways.
- Results: ask about other juniors they coach, but look beyond winners: are children enjoying and staying in the game?
Coaching style
| Look for | Be wary of |
|---|---|
| Fun, games-based learning for younger children | Long, technical lessons for young kids |
| Positive encouragement | Harsh criticism |
| Clear, simple instructions | Overloading with information |
| Focus on fundamentals and enjoyment | Pushing early specialisation |
| Adaptable to the child's personality | One-size-fits-all approach |
Read golf games for kids and what golf teaches children.
Group or individual lessons?
| Group lessons | Individual lessons |
|---|---|
| Social and fun | Tailored attention |
| Cheaper | More expensive |
| Great for younger children and beginners | Useful for older, committed juniors |
| Learn from peers | Faster technical progress |
Many juniors combine both. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Communication with parents
- Clear goals and progress updates.
- Guidance on practice, equipment and competitions.
- Respect for boundaries: the coach coaches, the parent supports.
Questions to ask
- What qualifications and safeguarding checks do you have?
- How much experience do you have with children of this age?
- What does a typical session look like?
- How do you measure progress?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What equipment does my child need? Read the junior golf equipment guide.
Signs it's working
- Your child looks forward to sessions.
- Skills and confidence improve.
- They want to play and practise.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications should a junior golf coach have?
Recognised coaching qualifications, safeguarding checks and first aid training.
Are group lessons good for children?
Yes, especially for younger children and beginners; they're social and fun.
How often should my child have golf lessons?
It depends on age and commitment. Weekly group sessions suit many beginners.
What if my child doesn't like their coach?
Talk to the coach, and consider trying another coach or programme.
The bottom line
Choose a qualified, safeguarding-checked coach with experience teaching children, a positive and fun style, and good communication with parents. Most importantly, your child should enjoy it. For more, read getting kids into golf.