Here in Des Moines, soccer, volleyball and football seem to be some of the more popular sports for kids. But what if you have a budding Rory McIlroy or Michelle Wie in your family? Encourage them to stop using your living room as a putting green and teach them the game of golf for a lifetime of loving the links.
Wins
Like many sports golf can enhance a kid’s confidence and can provide physical benefits. But golf can also teach kids patience, good manners and is a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. A major plus for golf to many families is the opportunity to be outside and do something fun together.
Losses
Golf can seem to be a sport for the elite being played on well-manicured courses at exclusive country clubs. For better or worse, Tiger Woods and constant TV coverage of the sport has made it one of the most popular sports. Which has also made it more accessible. With over 46 courses, 33 of which are public, there are plenty of places to play golf in Central Iowa.
Best For
Unlike many sports, size and speed do not determine if an individual will be a good golfer or not. So even small kids can become good at golf. With that said, golf is a game of patience, perseverance and self-discipline. Your child may whiff the ball several times before making a good shot. Golf is also a “lone wolf” sport which can provide a greater chance to focus on the development of individual skills and even on self-esteem.
Time Commitment
Beginning golf lessons can usually be taken individually or in a group setting. They are generally offered either daily (usually during the summer) for a couple of weeks or weekly over the course of six to eight weeks. Most lessons last an hour or two.
Once a child becomes more committed to the sport they may want to up their training time and they may also want to participate in local or regional tournaments.
Golf is a game of fundamentals, which continually need to be practiced. In addition to playing time, kids may need training on putting, chipping, and pitching to improve their game.
Gear
- Golf Clubs
- Golf Bag
- Golf Balls
- Tees
- Shoes
- Practice Clothes
Cost
- Lessons
- Group golf lessons start at $100 per person, which include three to six classes.
- Individual lessons start at $50 per hour and typically last five to six weeks.
- Golf Clubs – start at $75.00
- Golf Bag – starts at $35.00
- Golf Shoes – start at $50.00
All costs are approximate. As with any activity, as your child progresses, only your family can choose what you will spend in relation to your child’s specific goals within the sport whether competitively or recreationally.
Lessons
There are several golf courses and driving ranges scattered across the metro that provide golf lessons. A handful are listed below. Schools and city parks and recreations departments also offer golf lessons.
The First Tee
Otter Creek Golf Course
Sugar Creek Golf Course
Toad Valley Golf Course
Willow Creek Golf Course
Woodland Hills
What do you think, is golf a fit for your kid?
