People often ask how it’s possible to teach golf to ages 2-5 but think that swimming, soccer, tennis, gymnastics and other sports already have opportunities for youngsters like pre-school… It’s just done in a very different way than what an adult might be used to. Youngsters ages 2-3 learn very well through observation, games and play with age-appropriate learning tools and methods. Remember, this isn’t adult golf, this is a fun way to introduce youngsters to the sport and offer life skills through near-golf experiences. Adult golf is different than how a 2-3 year old experiences golf… like the difference between a college classroom and one that you would see at a pre-school environment. Imagine golf being a part of a youngster’s early life experience… if it isn’t offered, it gives other sports a chance to gain their attention and golf loses out as a healthy and creative vehicle for life lessons. I speak around the country to major organizations about working with ages 2-5, and the response is eye-opening… here are a few examples.

I’ve included a photo with a typical setup for one of our 2-3 year old full-swing stations.  We call them ‘Big Hits’ and I love using The Littlest Golfer’s First Set clubs (plastic with molded grip technology) before moving youngsters into US Kids Golf clubs.  The First Set clubs are much safer than steel clubs, are lighter and easier to swing, and have a fun turtle motif.

These are ways we teach early youth golf…

• We use visual aids like our ‘Magic Feet’ footprints on which to stand.
• We use a safety circle or basket in which they are to remain in or on during any swinging time.
• We start with big lightweight balls (I bought these plastic kick balls at Walmart)
• We progress to 3″ ball pit plastic balls.
• We finish with foam golf balls of standard size.
• We use oversize tees to make it easier to launch the ball into the air.
• I require one adult (parent or grandparent) with each child and I coach everyone on how to work with each youngster.
• Children may move in and out of activities based on interest.  It’s never in their best interest to force them but to offer other activities until they’re ready to come back into golf.

We don’t make constant adult corrections (like what an adult thinks a ‘proper’ grip is) but allow them to explore and experiment with intermittent suggestions (“What happens if you switch your grip?”).  I’ve learned that they don’t like their hands peeled off the club for correction at this point… that’s what works for them right now and they have plenty of time to learn and grow.  Right now, it’s about FUN to keep them coming back and again, this is near-golf experiences.  Most youngsters begin cross-handed or reverse-gripped, like I did but they find a way to make it into the hole!  Some like using just one hand and raking the ball.  I’m good with all that, they will find ways to get the ball moving and falling into the hole, with all parts of the club or even their hands – many just love to squat next to the hole and drop the ball in, how fun and to see the smiles and delight on their faces…  I think sometimes we as adults might like the option to just drop the ball right into the hole!

For more golf tips, videos or contact information, visit www.nicoleweller.com.