SIMON FAGAN GOLF · STARTING JUNIOR GOLF
Is your child interested in golf? Start with a short visit to a local practice facility, a club they can handle comfortably, and a game that lets them experience a few good shots. I’m Simon Fagan, a golf instructor with more than 25 years of teaching experience, including coaching beginners and developing competitive juniors.
Plan a first practice · Choose junior clubs · Get ready for a first round
How to introduce your child to golf
Start on the practice green if the facility allows it. Give your child a big target and let them roll a few putts from different distances. Make it a game: can they stop a ball close to a tee without rolling past it? Switch to a few short shots or range swings if they’re still interested. End while they’re having fun.
At the range, use a designated hitting station. An adult can help the child wait their turn, stay behind the hitting line, and notice where others are swinging. Give one simple task at a time, such as sending the ball toward a flag.
What golf clubs does a beginner junior need?
For a first practice, a putter and one club your child can swing comfortably are enough. Ask the facility about junior rentals or loaners before you buy. If you shop for clubs, have your child hold and swing them first. Choose a length and weight they can manage now, and ask a fitter for help if they have to choke down a lot or struggle to lift the club. A few well-fitting clubs are a better starting point than a bag full of clubs they rarely use.
When is a junior ready for a first round?
Look for a child who wants to go, can move the ball forward with some regularity, and can follow basic safety directions. Ask the golf shop about junior policies, quiet tee times, and shorter options such as a par-3 course. If the course permits it, start from forward tees or closer to the green. Decide together how long you’ll play and give your child permission to pick up on a difficult hole in a casual round.
Use the free First Round Ready Checklist and beginner FAQ to plan what to bring, what to ask the shop, and what happens when you arrive. If a term is unfamiliar, look it up in the Golf Glossary.
Should we start with a junior golf lesson?
A lesson can help if your child wants to learn a full swing, get the ball in the air, or find a more comfortable way to chip and putt. For a first lesson, tell the coach what your child has tried and what they enjoy. Ask about the lesson length, equipment, and whether a parent can stay and watch.
Parents and guardians can contact Simon about getting your junior golfer started. Share your child’s age range, experience, and what they’d like to learn so we can discuss a suitable starting point.