Getting the correct junior golf equipment for your child is the key to enabling your child to perform to its best capabilities as well as to preventing injury.

There are various manufacturers which produce junior golf clubs and I would advise purchasing a few junior clubs rather than cutting down a full set of irons. Although the cut down clubs may be at the correct length for the child there is a good chance that the golf club will still be too heavy.

There are different types of competition a junior golfer can play in.

Stroke play:

This is the most commonly played competition where only the gross and net scores count. The number of strokes taken by a player at each hole is entered on the card. The winner is determined by the lowest score for each round. The gross score is the total before the handicap is deducted, and the net score after the handicap is deducted.

Match play

This competition is where each hole is separate and the winner is determined by the number of holes won rather than the total score. When the number of holes run out the match finishes.

Stableford

This game is based on a points system where the points are determined by the score on each hole – eagle 4 points, birdie 3 points, par 2 points, bogie 1 point.

For junior golfers there are many advantages to joining a golf club. It not only enables them to learn the etiquite of the game but it teaches them respect for rules and for others – regardless of age. It also gives them the chance to socialise with other youngsters.

In my opinion the advantages of joining a Golf Club for a junior golfer are:

• Private Lessons – joining a club opens up the options of private, one to one lessons. This will not only speed up the learning process but will also eliminate any bad habits as your child will start off on the very best foot possible. It also enables them to thoroughly develop each part of the game before moving to the next level – something that can’t be done in group lessons.
• Obtaining a handicap – this is a memorable experience. A handicap is the easiest way for the golf club to observe the improvement in juniors. It is not a difficult or lengthy process to gain a handicap as through the CONGU scheme a junior is able to play on the golf course and enter junior competitions once a handicap of 54 is obtained. By entering competitions based at the golf club juniors are able to work on reducing the handicap to make themselves eligible for local and National tournaments.
• Socialise – Golf is a sociable sport, with rules on the game but also rules teaching etiquette. Parents are able to watch their children develop in golf but also mature into a respectful person.

It’s understood that children between the ages 8 to 12 are at an optimal level for developing motor skills. By age 10 the nervous system which controls muscular movements is up to 90% complete and so the ideal age for children to take up sports such as golf.

Junior golf can contribute to personnel development of youngsters. They have fun, can be creative, use their imagination and improve their self esteem – while keeping them fit and healthy at the same time.

Children should be encouraged to practice on a regular basis. Some children may wish to spend their time down the driving range others on the golf course. Practice will help the children stay focused and keep enjoyment to an optimum. Driving ranges and pay and play courses are available in your local area and there will also be golf clubs where your child could join the junior golf section.

Golf for is a fantastic sport for junior’s (under 18’s) to play. It not only builds strength and fitness but it also helps develop hand and eye coordination, focus, concentration and determination. But it also develops behavioural skills such as respect and manners as well as social and team-building skills. Of course the biggest benefit that junior golfers have is enjoyment!

The junior golf page focuses purely on Junior Golf looking at the latest junior golf equipment, tournaments and competitions, excercises to improve the junior golf game and hints and tips on how junior golfers can become the next Tiger Woods!