Change the meaning of "golf" to help with Juniors

When we hear the word "golf" we may think many of different things.  Golf may mean trying to beat a certain score, hitting great shots, making a putt to beat our friends, or simply taking a leaisurely stroll with our friends on a warm afternoon.  To juniors it may mean something entirely different.

The best way I can describe what I mean is to discuss my friend's child and their love of the game.  The child is 8 years old is fairly athletic and involved with dance, gymnasitics and the such.  They has been coming to the golf course since the child was 18 months old.  Yet when the child comes to the course today they may play only one hole the entire day.

To the child"golf" has meant something entirely different than what any of us have previosuly thought;

• At 2 years old "golf" meant to throw a bunch of range balls around (actually more like 2000) and play in the sand trap. 
• At 5 "golf" meant to pile a lot of those golf balls into one pile and sit on top of them and roll down the hill.
• At 7 "golf" meant to drive the golf cart while on the parent's lap.
• At 8 "golf" means to drive the golf cart around, see all the holes, caddy during the round, get hot chocolate at the turn, see friends at the golf course, pick up range baskets, and, sometimes make announcements on the PA.

Throughout the child's life "golf" has been seen as many different things.  But, there has, and always will, be two constants when they come to the golf course.  First, it will be FUN.  No matter what they are doing the second the child stops having fun they change activities or leave the golf course.  Second, and most importantly, the child sees "golf" as time the child gets to spend with their parent.  The child knows that time spent on the golf course is time spent with the parent.  And that is one commonality with many of the people who play golf as a lifelong passion.  They fell in love with the game because of the time they spent with a family member doing it as a child.

Any serious technical instruction should wait when the junior comes and asks, "Daddy, how do I make the ball go in the hole in less shots?"  Ahhh music to a teachers ears.

If you have any questions or comments please do not hesistate to contact me at: john.grothe@gmail.com
Your friend in golf.
John Grothe, PGA