How to Get Your Kids Into Golf Without Losing Your Sanity (or All Your Balls)

Introducing your kids to golf is a noble mission. It’s also a test of patience, endurance, and how many golf balls you’re willing to sacrifice to the bushes. Junior golf in NZ is on the rise, and for good reason, it’s a fantastic way for kids to learn focus, discipline, and the delicate art of not throwing their club after a bad shot.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s how to keep it fun, keep it light, and keep your sanity intact.

1. Make It Fun First, Serious Later

Kids have a short attention span. A very short attention span. So don’t start with a lecture about the rules of golf, start with fun games. Target practice with tees, little competitions for who can chip closest, or even seeing who can whack the ball the funniest way. Once they’re hooked, you can sneak in the technical stuff later.

2. Embrace the Chaos (and Ball Loss)

They’re going to lose balls. A lot of them. Just accept it. Buy them colourful balls so they’re easier to find (or at least easier to spot flying into the neighbour’s garden). Consider it part of the tuition fees.

3. Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

A full 18 holes is a recipe for meltdowns (yours and theirs). Start with the driving range, the putting green, or a short par-3 course. Bite-sized golf sessions keep kids engaged and excited instead of exhausted and cranky.

4. Celebrate the Little Wins

Did they make contact with the ball instead of the ground? That’s a win. Did they line up their putt without lying on the green like a spy in a movie? Another win. Junior golf is about building confidence - cheer the effort, not just the score.

5. Start With the Right Gear

If you hand your child your old driver that’s taller than they are, don’t be surprised when they use it as a lightsaber instead of a golf club. Junior golf clubs are designed to match kids’ height and swing speed, making it easier (and safer) for them to actually hit the ball. Brands like US Kids and Callaway Juniors make forgiving, lightweight sets that are perfect for beginners.

6. Don’t Coach Every Shot

It’s tempting to comment on every swing, but constant instruction can make golf feel like homework. Keep the advice minimal, sprinkle in encouragement, and save the coaching for when they actually ask for help (it will happen… eventually).

7. Play With Them, Not Against Them

Turn golf into a shared adventure. Play scramble-style, where you hit from the best ball, or set silly challenges like “who can putt with their eyes closed.” This keeps the mood light and makes it feel like family fun, not a competition.