For parents & young golfers

Golf drills by age

Simple, safe, fun golf drills for kids ages 2–13. Pick your child’s age group, try one or two drills, and keep it playful. Every kid grows at their own pace, so mix and match freely.

Safety first, every age: check your space before every swing, never stand near someone who is swinging, and keep an adult close by whenever clubs are out. Outside, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Ages 2–5

Tiny golfers: play first

Drills to try

  1. Rolling raceRoll a soft ball by hand toward a towel or hoop. Closer each time? Cheer! This builds a feel for distance before any club comes out.
  2. Putt to the bucketWith a kid-size putter and a big soft ball, tap the ball into a tipped-over laundry basket from a few steps away.
  3. Statue finishAfter any swing or putt, freeze like a statue and count “one, two, three.” Great for balance. Try Balance Buddy →
  4. Safety bubbleBefore swinging, stretch arms and club out and spin slowly. If nobody is inside the bubble, it’s safe to swing.

Parent tips

  • Keep it to a few minutes and stop while it’s still fun.
  • Use plastic or foam balls and a light, kid-size club.
  • Praise effort and smiles, not where the ball went.
  • An adult nearby every time a club is out.

Ages 6–9

Growing golfers: games with goals

Drills to try

  1. Gate puttingPush two tees into the green just wider than the putter head. Putt through the gate. Five in a row earns a point.
  2. Towel ladder chippingLay towels at three distances. Chip to land on the near one, then the middle, then the far one.
  3. Tick-tock half swingsMake small back-and-through swings to a steady “tick… tock” count. Smooth beats fast. Try Tempo Tap →
  4. Hold your finishFinish every swing facing the target and hold for three to five seconds. Try Balance Buddy →

Parent tips

  • Short sessions with lots of little games work better than long ones.
  • Clubs should fit their height today, not “to grow into.”
  • Let them pick the next game sometimes.
  • Junior programs like First Tee or U.S. Kids Golf add friends and coaching.

Ages 10–13

Junior golfers: routines and real practice

Drills to try

  1. Around-the-clock puttingPlace 4–6 balls in a circle about three feet from the hole. Make them all, then step back a little.
  2. Up-and-down challengeDrop a ball off the green, chip, then putt out. Count how many tries it takes. Beat your own score next time.
  3. Same pre-shot routinePick a target, take one look, one soft breath, then swing. Same steps every shot. Try Focus Flag →
  4. Change it up rangeSwitch club or target every ball instead of hitting the same shot over and over. It’s more like a real round.

Parent tips

  • Help them set their own small goals and track progress together.
  • Mix range time with playing holes on a par-3 or short course.
  • Rest days and other sports keep kids fresh and having fun.
  • Local junior tours can be a fun next step when they’re ready. Grow your game →

Warm up first, right here

Four quick, calm games before practice: Spin, Tempo, Balance, and Focus. They run in your browser, and nothing is sent anywhere.

🧭 Start the Warm-up Path 🎡 Spinner🥁 Tempo Tap🧍 Balance Buddy🚩 Focus Flag

Parent FAQ

What age can a child start golf?

There’s no single right age. Many kids start swinging plastic or kid-size clubs as toddlers. At first, golf should feel like play: rolling, tapping, and cheering. Structured lessons usually make more sense once a child can follow simple instructions and enjoys it.

How long should a kids’ golf practice be?

Follow your child’s attention span. Little ones often do best with a few minutes at a time, kids around 6–9 with short game-filled sessions, and older juniors can handle longer practice with breaks. Stopping while it’s still fun is a good rule at every age.

Do kids need junior golf clubs?

Yes, clubs sized for their height make it easier and more fun. Cut-down adult clubs are usually too heavy and stiff for kids. Many junior club brands offer sizing charts by height.

How do I keep golf fun for my child?

Turn practice into games, keep score in silly ways, praise effort over results, let them choose some activities, and end before they get bored. Playing alongside them helps too.

What safety rules should kids learn first?

Only swing when nobody is nearby, never walk toward someone who is swinging, and have an adult supervise when clubs are out. Outdoors, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

How can my child play golf with other kids?

Programs like First Tee, U.S. Kids Golf, and PGA Jr. League offer group classes and team play for juniors. Drive, Chip and Putt is a free skills competition for ages 7–15.

General tips for fun and safe play, not medical or coaching advice. If your child has pain or a health concern, check with your pediatrician.

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