Proficiency in golf

[Anonymous]

I know that this is very kid dependent and that golf is a lifelong sport. But for a very enthusiastic kid starting golf at 7 or 8, is the best way to go group or private? How long or how many sessions/levels to become somewhat proficient and begin to really enjoy the game? I’m really just asking because I need to plan our summer travel and camps and activities and I’m wondering how much time to spend on golf. He says he is very interest to learn and we live in a cold weather state so it’s got to be this summer!

Just for example, the sports timeline for my kid so far has been:

2 years of fall to spring swim lessons to finally reach safety proficiency and being strokes and breathing

2 seasons of fall rec team soccer to understand the game and become a good goalie, learn to actually pass

2 weeks of camp and 1 quarter of basketball clinic to become proficient in basketball technique and be able to start doing scrimmages

[Anonymous]

My son took a couple months of group lessons about a year ago at age 6, and is doing the same thing again this spring, age 7. My husband also takes him to the driving range every week or two when weather permits. He's not quite ready to play a round, but he's gotten very good at driving and his putting proficiency has improved a lot. He's obsessed with the game; it's never NOT on the TV in our house.

[Anonymous]

My son has also been obsessed with golf from a young age. His 5th birthday party was golf themed. He started with a combination of group lessons/golf camp and occasional private lessons around the same. We started taking him out for 9 holes and he would play maybe 5 of them then rode along for the rest.

He’s now 15 and still loves golf. He’s a good to proficient player. He’s even gotten a hole in one. We have a net and practice chipping green at home and he will randomly go out and practice. He can play 18 and somewhat keep up with his dad who is a very good golfer.

We have belonged to country clubs since he was little so it made it easier to just take him out to practice.

[Anonymous]

My DD started when she was almost 8 and now at 9 she's playing in local tournaments and placing in the top 3. She's done private lessons for the past year along with seasonal clinics and practices frequently. But she needed alot of lessons and clinics because we are not a golf family and she was completely new to the sport.

Many of the kids that she plays with have a parent or parents that play and they have been coming out on the course since they could walk. They do not take as many lessons because they go out and play with a parent regularly.

I would look into a program like Operation 36 or First Tee and supplement with a few lessons to help clarify and refine. Then just focus on going to the driving range or playing on a course when you get the chance.

[Anonymous]

Starting group lessons at age 6 for my DD. From 4-6 years old, we took her to the driving range and putting green quite a bit, and we take her out for 9 or 18 holes quite often because she likes sitting in the golf cart - she hits when she wants, and colors the rest of the time. At 6, she can't hit far, but her short game is great. I'm excited to see what she learns in group lessons and golf camp this summer.