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Parents often ask the same question: is my child too young for golf, or have I left it too late? The honest answer is that there is no single correct age. Golf is unusual in that a seven-year-old and a fourteen-year-old can both start from scratch and do well, as long as the coaching suits where they are. This guide helps you decide when to begin and how to make the early years enjoyable.
Is there a right age?
Most junior coaching programmes take children from primary school age upwards. Younger children can have a lot of fun with a club in their hands, but their attention span, coordination and strength are still developing, so sessions work best when they are short, active and playful.
Rather than looking at the number on the birthday card, look at readiness. A child is usually ready when they:
- can follow a simple instruction of two or three steps,
- can happily spend 30 to 45 minutes in a group,
- show some interest in hitting, throwing or kicking a ball,
- and, most importantly, want to try.
If they have to be dragged along, wait. A child who comes because they are curious will learn far quicker than one who comes because they were told.
What suits each stage
| Stage | What matters most |
|---|---|
| Early primary | Play, balance, throwing and hitting games, and a first feel for a club. Keep it short and fun. |
| Upper primary | Simple grip and stance, making contact, short game games and first target practice. |
| Early secondary | A more complete swing, ball flight, course play and the first look at rules and etiquette. |
| Older teenagers | Technique, course management and, for those who want it, competition and fitness work. |
Notice that technique only becomes the main focus later. In the early years the goal is that they love turning up.
What good junior coaching looks like
When you are choosing a junior programme, a few things are worth checking:
- Groups set by age and ability, so no child feels out of their depth or held back.
- Qualified coaches, ideally PGA Professionals who are used to working with children.
- Variety. Games, challenges and short tasks beat long drills.
- Enjoyment first. There should be playing opportunities and friendly competition, but development and fun should always come before results.
- Open communication. You should be able to find out what your child is working on.
At Evolution Golf Academy a Junior Academy runs alongside the adult coaching, led by PGA Professionals. Our junior golf lessons page has the current details, and TrackMan gives children clear numbers and challenges to aim at.
Group sessions or one to one?
For most children starting out, a group is the better first step. They meet other children, learn through play and get used to the atmosphere without any pressure on them. A one to one lesson with a PGA Professional becomes useful later, when a young golfer wants to work on something specific, or if they simply prefer individual attention. The two work well together, and many families use both.
If your child is nervous, a short one to one in a private teaching bay can be a gentle way in, and then they can move into a group once they feel at home.
Kit: what your child really needs
Not much. In the early weeks you do not need to buy anything.
- Clubs: ask the coach before you buy anything. Clubs of the right length matter, because adult clubs are too long and heavy and make learning harder.
- Shoes: trainers are fine to begin with.
- Clothing: something comfortable that lets them swing freely, plus a waterproof for outdoor sessions.
- Drink and snack: especially for longer sessions.
When they have been playing for a while and are clearly keen, a junior set that fits them is a good investment. Ask your coach for advice on length before you buy, and avoid buying "to grow into".
Looking after growing bodies
Children are active and resilient, but golf is a one-sided movement, so variety helps. Encourage other sports and play alongside golf, and keep practice sessions short and varied rather than hitting hundreds of balls in a row. If your child complains of pain, stop and let it settle. If it carries on, speak to your GP or a physio. Good habits, such as warming up, drinking water and not hitting when tired, are worth building from the start.
Keeping it fun at home
- Ask about the fun, not the score. "What was the best bit?" works better than "How many did you hit?"
- Let them lead. Some weeks they will want to practise, and some weeks they will want to play football. Both are fine.
- Play together. A few holes at a quiet time, or a visit to the short game area, can be a nice family activity.
- Leave the coaching to the coach. It is very common for well-meaning parents to start correcting technique, and that can take the joy out of it.
- Celebrate small things. A first clean strike, a putt that drops, a good attitude after a bad shot.
What parents can do
The best help is practical and quiet. Get them there on time and with a drink, ask a friendly question afterwards, and then step back. Resist comparing your child with others in the group, because children develop at very different speeds and a slow start says nothing about how they will do later. If they lose interest for a few weeks, that is normal. Keep the door open, perhaps with a casual visit to the range, and let them come back when they are ready.
It also helps to talk to the coach about what your child enjoys and what worries them. A good coach will adjust the games and the pace, and that small conversation can make a large difference.
Getting started
If your child is curious, that is reason enough to try. Tell us their age and how much golf they have played and we will suggest the right place to start. Contact us with any questions. The academy is at Ormonde Fields Golf Club in Codnor, about 20 minutes from Derby and Nottingham, with free parking on site.
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