Golf holidays don't have to mean leaving the family at home. Many resorts and destinations now cater for families, with junior academies, short courses, kids' clubs and plenty of activities for those who don't play. Done right, a family golf holiday lets everyone enjoy the game, and each other. Here's how to plan one.
Choosing a destination
Look for:
- Junior academies and group lessons.
- Short courses, par-3 layouts and putting courses. Read par-3 and short courses.
- Kids' clubs and activities.
- Beaches, pools and nature.
- Family accommodation: villas or suites.
Destinations popular with families include Florida, the Algarve, the Canary Islands, Mauritius and the Ozarks. Read golf in Florida, golf in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean and golf in Missouri and the Ozarks.
Getting children involved
- Group junior lessons at the resort academy. Read choosing a junior golf coach.
- Games and challenges on the putting green. Read golf games for kids.
- Family scrambles on short courses. Read golf scramble strategy.
- Hire junior clubs rather than bringing them. Read how to rent golf clubs.
Scheduling
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Adult round or junior lesson |
| Midday | Lunch together |
| Afternoon | Pool, beach or excursion |
| Early evening | Family putting or a short-course round |
Read golf trips with non-golfers.
Practical tips
- Book lessons early in school holidays.
- Check age policies for children on the course.
- Pack sun protection and water. Read sun protection for golfers.
- Safety: teach children where to stand. Read golf course safety.
Matching the holiday to your children's ages
| Ages | What works |
|---|---|
| Under 6 | Putting greens, mini golf, short practice sessions and lots of non-golf fun. Read golf for young children. |
| 6–10 | Junior clinics, par-3 courses, family nine-hole rounds in the evening. |
| 11–14 | Lessons, short-course rounds and playing a few holes with parents on full courses. |
| 15+ | Full rounds together, practice competitions and family matches. Read golf for teenagers. |
Family-friendly formats
- Scramble: everyone hits, the best shot is chosen and everyone plays from there. It keeps children involved and the pace moving. Read golf scramble strategy.
- Forward tees or a "family tee": let children tee off from 100–150 yards out.
- Short courses and pitch-and-putt: perfect for mixed abilities. Read par-3 and short courses.
- Nine holes in the evening: quieter courses and cooler temperatures.
Budgeting for a family golf holiday
- Look for "kids play free" offers, common at some resorts when accompanied by a paying adult.
- Book junior clinics as a package, which often costs less than individual lessons.
- Hire junior clubs rather than bringing a set that children will soon outgrow. Read how to rent golf clubs.
- Self-catering accommodation can save a lot on meals.
- Travel outside school holidays when possible.
Keeping everyone happy
- Split the days: golf in the morning, beach or pool in the afternoon.
- Let non-golfing family members choose activities too. Read golf trips with non-golfers.
- Keep it fun: games, small prizes and plenty of snacks.
- Don't over-coach: let the professionals teach, and praise effort. Read golf parenting.
- Plan rest days, especially in hot destinations.
A sample week
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, explore the resort, putting green in the evening |
| 2 | Junior clinic for children, round for adults, pool in the afternoon |
| 3 | Beach day |
| 4 | Family nine holes on the short course |
| 5 | Excursion or activity chosen by the children |
| 6 | Family scramble with prizes |
| 7 | Travel home |
Frequently asked questions
What makes a resort good for a family golf holiday?
Junior programmes, short courses, kids' clubs and activities for non-golfers.
Can children play on golf courses on holiday?
Often, with age and ability policies. Short courses are ideal.
Should I bring junior clubs on holiday?
Hiring at the resort is often easier.
How much golf should I play on a family holiday?
Agree in advance; mornings only works well for many families.
What age can children start golf lessons on holiday?
Many resort clinics start from around 4 to 6 years old, with fun, game-based sessions.
Do children need their own clubs?
Junior clubs of the right length are important. Many resorts hire them, so there's no need to buy before a trip.
The bottom line
A family golf holiday works when there's golf for everyone and plenty else to do. Choose a family-friendly resort, book junior lessons, play short courses together and keep afternoons for shared fun. For more on young golfers, read golf for young children.