LEARNING THE GAME

There are many aspects to learning the game of golf. Technique is just one aspect, with knowledge of the rules and etiquette also being important parts of being comfortable and capable in a golf environment.

It should be noted that golf is a game where the playing area is shared with other players. As such it is important to be aware of others, potential dangers and your pace of play. A general guidelne is that play should take approximately 2 hours for 9 holes and 4 hours for 18 holes (played in groups of 4). In smaller groups it can take less time. Slow play causes frustration to others on the course, so try to keep to around 12 minutes per hole.

TIPS TO AVOID SLOW PLAY

1.Use the time you spend getting to your ball to think about the next shot.

2.Begin reading the green and lining up putts as soon as you reach the green.

3.Never delay a stroke because you’re having a conversation with a playing partner. Put the conversation on hold.

4.Avoid travelling as a pack. Each player should proceed to their own ball when walking up the fairway.

Remember, your place in the field is directly behind the group in front. Not, in front of the group behind.

Coaching

Parents are often concerned or confused as to whether their child needs professional golf coaching and if so, how much coaching is required. The answer depends a lot on how interested your child is in playing and pursuing the sport, together with the time and resources your family has towards the sport. Like any activity, be it sport, the education arena, or the arts, you can choose to be involved at the high end of the market, somewhere in the middle, or at a more general level.

To enrol your child with a professional golf coach is sometimes perceived to be an expensive and time consuming process. This can be so if you choose to engage your child in private lessons with a high quality, in-demand, acclaimed golf coach. But there are also numerous good quality, fully trained and experienced golf coaches out there who delight in helping children and who make learning golf and progessing in golf a lot of fun.

If you choose for your child to commence golf coaching/lessons, regardless of the type of coach you select, both you, your child, and the coach will be looking for results, so please consider this prior to commencing lessons.

For an excellent overview on the benefits of professional golf coaching check out the Professional Golfers Association of Australia website, and it's "Find a Pro" search function.

Twice annually the PGA conducts it's 9 Hole Junior Shootout and Skills Challenges which form the basis of the Pump Golf Program. The professional golf coaches based at these venues have an excellent rapport with children, and a demonstrated interest in their development.

Resources

There are many great books and DVDs covering all aspects of the game of golf, from beginner to expert. Additionally the internet provides a valuable resource tool for golfers wanting information.

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