Children learn best through play. Long technical lessons and endless range balls can quickly turn kids off golf, but games make them want to come back. The right games build real skills, such as aim, distance control, balance and coordination, while feeling like fun. Here are golf games for children of different ages, from the back garden to the golf course.
Before you start
- Safety first: make sure everyone stands well back from anyone swinging. Teach this from day one. Read golf course safety.
- The right clubs: children need clubs sized for their height. Read the junior golf equipment guide.
- Soft balls for indoor and garden play.
- Short sessions: 20 to 40 minutes for young children.
Putting games
Mini golf course (ages 4+)
Create a putting course with obstacles: shoes, cups, books or cushions. Children love designing their own holes.
Coin putting (ages 5+)
Place coins or small targets at different distances. Children score points for stopping the ball on or near a coin.
Putting ladder (ages 7+)
Set out targets at increasing distances. Putt to each in turn; if you go past the next target, start again. It teaches distance control. Read golf practice games.
Around the clock (ages 8+)
Place balls in a circle around a hole. Hole them all in a row to complete the clock.
Chipping games
Bucket chip (ages 5+)
Chip soft balls into a bucket, laundry basket or umbrella turned upside down. Move it further away as they improve.
Chipping darts (ages 6+)
Draw rings on the ground with string, chalk or hoops. Score points for landing in the centre ring.
Chip and roll (ages 8+)
Place a towel as a landing spot. Children chip onto the towel and watch how far the ball rolls. Read how to chip in golf.
Full-swing games
Target practice (ages 5+)
On the range or a large field, choose targets at different distances. Score points for hitting near each one.
Balloon or bubble swings (ages 4+)
For very young children, hitting balloons or swinging at bubbles develops coordination without balls.
Hit the gate (ages 7+)
Set up two cones or bags as a gate and hit balls through it. It teaches aim. Read golf alignment: how to aim.
Balance challenge (ages 7+)
Hit shots and hold the finish for three seconds. Points for every balanced finish. Read golf follow-through and finish.
On-course games
Three-hole challenge (ages 6+)
Play three short holes with a parent or friend, starting from a spot near the green. Move further back as they improve. Read par-3 and short courses.
Best-ball family scramble (ages 7+)
Everyone hits, the team picks the best shot and everyone plays from there. Kids contribute to the team score. Read golf scramble strategy.
Par for kids (ages 8+)
Give each hole a "kid par" based on age, such as par 6 on a short par 4. Beating kid par is a big thrill.
Games for groups
- Relay races: teams take turns chipping or putting, racing to complete a task.
- Golf bingo: points for different achievements, such as a chip on the green, a long putt or a straight drive.
- Treasure hunt: hide golf balls around a safe area with challenges at each spot.
Tips for parents and coaches
- Praise effort, not just results.
- Let them choose games sometimes.
- Mix sports skills: throwing, catching and balance help golf too.
- Stop while they still want more, so they look forward to next time.
- Join in: children love it when adults play too.
- Keep competition healthy and inclusive.
Read teaching kids golf at home and getting kids into golf.
Frequently asked questions
What age can children start playing golf games?
Many children enjoy putting and simple swinging games from around three or four years old, with soft balls and child-sized clubs.
How long should a kids' golf session last?
For young children, around 20 to 40 minutes. Older children can manage longer sessions with breaks.
What equipment do I need for golf games at home?
A child-sized putter and club, soft balls, and household items such as cups, buckets, towels and cones.
How do I keep my child interested in golf?
Keep it fun, short and varied, use games with scores and rewards, play together and let them see progress.
The bottom line
Games are the best way to teach children golf. Use targets, scores and challenges, keep sessions short and safe, adapt to their age and get them onto real holes early. Most of all, make it fun, and they'll want to keep playing. For more on young golfers, read what golf teaches children.