Starting to play on the course can feel like a big step.
For most junior golfers, this is where things start to feel different. There is more space, more time between shots, and more to think about compared to practice.
At this stage, the focus is not on playing well. It is on helping your child feel comfortable on the course, build confidence, and enjoy the experience. It is completely normal for this stage to feel less predictable than practice.
If you keep things simple at this stage, the transition from practice to playing becomes much easier. This is the stage where confidence is built on the course, not through performance, but through positive experiences.
This approach is based on what I see working with junior golfers at the club each week.
If your child is about to start playing
If your child is already out on the course, these will help you manage early rounds.
Start with:
If your child has already started playing
Focus on the following:
-
What If A Junior Gets Frustrated On The Course?
Frustration is a normal part of golf, especially early on. This is one of the most common situations I deal with during junior rounds, and one of the moments where -
Should Junior Golfers Keep Score Early On?
One of the most common questions I get once juniors start playing on the course is whether they should be keeping score. This is also one of the points where -
How Many Holes Should A Junior Play At First?
One of the most common questions I get from parents once their child starts playing on the course is how many holes they should actually play. This is also one -
How To Make A Junior’s First Round Enjoyable
A Junior’s first round of golf is something many parents look forward to, but it is also one of the stages where things can feel uncertain. This is one of -
What To Expect On A Junior’s First Round
A junior’s first time on the course is often something parents look forward to, especially once their child has started to enjoy practice and is becoming more comfortable hitting the -
When Should A Junior Start Playing On The Course?
This is something most parents begin to think about fairly early, often once a child has had a few sessions and is starting to enjoy hitting the ball. There is