Whether your child is inspired watching the annual Masters Tournament on television, wants to invite more challenge into his life or needs to find a new extracurricular activity, playing golf can become a fulfilling hobby. Although it may be a difficult sport to learn, hitting the links will provide a host of benefits that go beyond the game.
Exercise
If your child typically spends the day indoors playing video games or watching television, being outside in the fresh air for a few hours can improve his health and outlook. Find local golf courses near Cherokee NC that are consider friendly for families – some even offer lessons or tips for children new to the sport. An 18-hole round reportedly burns up to 2,000 calories, so the pastime is an engaging way for typically sedentary kids to stay in shape.
Manners
Because it’s steeped in tradition and abides by a host of rules on and off the course, the sport is an ideal way to help your child develop such characteristics as respect, kindness and determination. Before he heads off to play a round, ensure he learns proper golf course etiquette so he won’t negatively affect the game play of other golfers or damage the grounds. Soon you may discover that the positive behavior on the links has transformed his everyday behavior as well.
Challenges
Golf is a challenging sport to say the least. Learning to navigate the rules, diligently practicing at a driving range, taking lessons and experiencing disappointment over bad shots will teach your child dedication and resilience. As the sport helps children discover ways to combat frustration, they’ll retain these coping skills throughout their lives as they experience stress in school, other extracurricular activities and work as they get older.
Friendships
Although it isn’t a team sport, golf can be played in foursomes and children can bond with the other youngsters in their group. They may form new friendships with other children that they meet at golfing lessons or those who participate on an organized team if they continue with the pastime into high school or college. Time on the course can also be a great way to spend time with family members.
Playing golf can be exciting, frustrating and addicting. To get your child’s potential new hobby started out on the right foot, help him learn about as many aspects of the game as possible to ensure his first round is a fun and memorable one.
I do like that golf can get kids outdoors. It is so important for kids to be active. I appreciate all the reasons you have given for kids to play golf.
We have taken our granddaughter to play mini golf and are hoping to get our grandson out this summer now that he is four. Not quite the same as golf but gets them outside and they do have to learn patience and to be good sports.
I really enjoyed reading this post and thank you for all of the great information about children playing golf. I love anything that gets kids outside and active. When I was a child I was not allowed to sit in front of the television and play video games and watch shows for hours on end. My mother always wanted me outside and exploring, playing and enjoying nature. I see so many kids these days that do nothing but play video games and I makes me so mad I guess some parents just consider the video game a babysitter. So thank you for posting this I will share this with my friends.