Kids are becoming more involved in golf than we’ve seen in years. The number of golf-related activities across the country has increased by 16% in the past year alone.
Whether you’re hosting summer camp, taking the family on a retreat, or simply want to play a round with your kids, golf is a fun and engaging sport for the whole family. But if you want to play optimally, you need to consider a couple of important factors: equipment and environment. While it’s fun to play with whatever you have available, the right equipment will make a world of difference.
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Golf Clubs
The type of golf club you’ll need depends on a number of factors, including your height, weight, and playing style. Professional golfers typically use longer and heavier clubs, while amateur golfers typically use shorter and lighter clubs.
If you’re playing on a course with your kids, make sure they’re comfortable with the length of the clubs. Short, lightweight clubs are easier for young children to wield, and there are fewer chances of them being accidentally injured. If they’re used to playing with long clubs, they may become disoriented and struggle with aim.
There are several different types of golf clubs, but most people use either a driver or a putter. A driver is used to hitting the ball the farthest, while a putter’s purpose is to roll the ball toward the hole. If you’re still unfamiliar with the different types of clubs, this video from the PGA TOUR serves as an excellent introduction:
If you’re a frequent course-goer, you’ll notice that courses designed for adults are usually longer than those for children.
The Driving Range
Like many other sports, golf requires you to use proper equipment to play optimally. When it comes to golf, the most important piece of equipment is the driving range. This is where golfers warm up before hitting the course, focusing on specific shots and practicing various strategies. The range will determine how far you can hit the ball, and considering the vast majority of golfers use the range to practice before heading to the green, you’ll want to invest in one of the best.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider renting gear instead of buying new. This way, you can play as often as you like without having to worry about the cost. If you play frequently and don’t need a full set of gear, consider getting a range membership so you don’t have to worry about buying new equipment every time you go to the range.
Other Necessary Equipment
Aside from your choice of club, there are several other pieces of equipment you’ll need to play optimally. For example, you’ll need a hat, sunblock lotion, and a ball marker. But the most important piece of equipment is the pair of shoes you’ll wear while playing.
The type of shoes you’ll need depends on the type of shot you’ll be making. If you’re hitting the ball far, you’ll need a thicker shoe with more cushioning. If you’re hitting the ball closer to the hole, you’ll need a thinner shoe with less cushioning. In general, you’ll want to have a pair of sneakers or a golf slipper for when you are walking (to prevent injuries to your feet from a fall on the rough terrain of the golf course) and a pair of golf shoes for when you’re actually playing golf.
Make sure to buy shoes that are sized appropriately. If you wear shoes that are one size too large, you’ll experience a great deal of discomfort while playing. This is mainly due to the fact that your feet will swell during activity, causing additional discomfort. Buying shoes that are one size too large can also lead to injuries as your shoes won’t fit securely around your heels, allowing you to stumble and fall on the course.
Besides shoes, you’ll need an athletic supporter to prevent chafing during activity. And although most people consider their balls to be very personal, you’ll also need a score card to keep track of your strikes and misses. Make sure to buy enough scorecards for the whole family so that everyone can keep track of the scores. Last but not least, you’ll need a tumbler to drink out of during breaks in between shots. These items will vary depending on the time of day and where you are in the country, but they are all essentials if you want to play optimally.
Course Layout
While it’s always fun to play on a course that is laid out in a beautiful green setting, this is not always the case. Sometimes you’ll have to play on a course that is in horrible condition due to overuse. The course management and maintenance will affect your game greatly, especially if there are frequent mudslides and waterlogging.
In these types of situations, you’ll need to adapt your game plan. Instead of worrying about the layout of the course, focus on your equipment and practice regime. Practice on an air-conditioned driving range until you’re familiar with the conditions there and know what is and is not possible to hit. If the course is in bad condition, consider getting a weather-dependent cart that sits four to five people. This will make the whole experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Proper Practice
Once you’ve arrived at the golf course, it’s time to begin practicing. Depending on the time of day and how long it’s been since your last shot, you’ll need to adjust your practice schedule accordingly. For example, if you are early in the morning, you’ll need to work on your short game (putting) more than you would later in the day. This is because your short game will be affected more by the weather conditions and temperature than your long game will be.
After you’ve spent some time on the practice range hitting balls, it’s time to move to the golf course. A good practice session should consist of hitting a few hundred balls (preferably with your golf clubs), taking a few breaks, and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration. During this time, you can also assess the conditions of the course and make note of any misgivings you may have. When you’ve finished your practice session, feel free to shower and refresh yourself before hitting the course for real.
In summary, the proper way to measure kids’ golf club length is to use a tape measure. Begin by measuring the distance from the heel to the tip of the shoulder, then add on the length of the neck and head. Subtract this number from the total length and you’ll have the appropriate length for your child’s club. Remember to purchase shoes that are sized appropriately and pack the necessary equipment so you can play anywhere, anytime without worry.