Parents play a huge role in whether children love golf and stick with it. The best golf parents support, encourage and keep perspective; the worst add pressure that drives children away. Here's a practical guide to being a great golf parent.
Dos
- Do keep it fun. Read golf games for kids.
- Do praise effort and behaviour. Read what golf teaches children.
- Do let your child own their game: decisions, scorekeeping and talking to officials.
- Do support the coach. Read choosing a junior golf coach.
- Do encourage other sports. Read junior golf fitness.
- Do model good etiquette. Read golf etiquette for kids.
Don'ts
- Don't coach during rounds or give advice where rules prohibit it. Read advice and caddie rules.
- Don't criticise bad shots or scores.
- Don't compare your child with others.
- Don't push too much practice or competition.
- Don't let your emotions show on the course.
At tournaments
- Follow spectator rules and stay at a distance. Read junior golf competitions.
- Stay calm and neutral.
- After the round, ask what they enjoyed and learned.
Handling bad rounds
- Listen rather than analyse.
- Focus on positives.
- Give time before discussing the round.
Read bouncing back after a bad hole.
Avoiding burnout
- Rest periods and off-seasons.
- Balance with school and friends.
- Watch for loss of enjoyment.
Read golf for teenagers.
What to say after a round
Children often remember the car journey home more than the round itself. Helpful phrases:
| Instead of… | Try… |
|---|---|
| "What happened on the 7th?" | "What was your favourite shot today?" |
| "You should have used a different club." | "What did you learn today?" |
| "Why didn't you practise your putting?" | "Is there anything you'd like to work on this week?" |
| "You beat him last time." | "I loved watching you play." |
Wait for your child to raise the round if they want to. Some need time before they talk about it.
Supporting practice without pressure
- Offer opportunities rather than demanding practice: lifts to the range, a putting mat at home, time with friends at the course.
- Let the coach set the plan, and support it. Read choosing a junior golf coach.
- Play together for fun, with games and scrambles. Read golf practice games.
- Keep other sports and interests going; multi-sport children often stay healthier and more motivated. Read junior golf fitness.
Behaviour at tournaments: a parents' checklist
- Follow the event's rules for spectators and parents.
- Stay well back from the players and out of their line.
- Never give advice during the round; it can lead to penalties.
- Stay neutral and polite with other players and parents.
- Keep your emotions in check after good and bad shots.
- Leave rulings to officials.
Read junior golf competitions pathway.
Signs of burnout
- Loss of enjoyment or reluctance to play.
- Physical complaints before events.
- Frequent anger or tears on the course.
- Avoiding practice or friends at the club.
If you see these signs, reduce pressure, take a break and talk to your child and coach. Read golf and mental health.
Budget and equipment
Junior golf can become expensive. Prioritise good coaching and properly sized clubs over the latest equipment. Read junior golf equipment guide. Second-hand clubs, junior memberships and club-run programmes can keep costs manageable.
Long-term goals
Remember the bigger picture: the main goals are a lifelong love of golf, healthy habits and the values golf teaches. Read what golf teaches children.
Frequently asked questions
How can I support my child in golf?
Keep it fun, praise effort, let the coach coach and stay calm at tournaments.
Should I coach my child during rounds?
Generally no; it adds pressure and may break competition rules.
What should I say after a bad round?
Ask what they enjoyed and learned, and give them time.
How do I avoid burnout?
Balance golf with other activities and allow rest.
Should I caddie for my child?
At younger ages, it can be fun. Check the event rules, and make sure you stay positive and don't over-coach.
How do I know if my child wants to be a competitive golfer?
Let them lead. Children who want to compete often ask to enter events and practise on their own.
The bottom line
Great golf parents keep it fun, praise effort, let coaches coach and stay calm. Your support helps your child love golf for life. For more, read getting kids into golf.