10 Reasons should get your child into golf
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My parent's didn't play golf. My mother HAD played the game, but we didn't live on a golf course or have any friends that did. I stumbled across the game by going to (what was then) Singleton Driving Range, in Titusville, Florida (see my "About Me" page for a little more info). My time spent at the driving range, from age 13 through High School Graduation) kept me out of a lot of 'trouble'. The owners gave me odd jobs from picking up golf balls to striping the range balls. I even learned to drive a stick shift by learning on the "golf ball picker" that at the time was an old VW bug.
As I became older I was given more responsibility. I was eventually allowed, and paid, to work driving range by myself. I would open it and close it as well as make sure the cash register was balanced. I had a list of procedures that I was required to complete. I'm sure the owners knew that they were teaching me responsibility, but little did they know how much they were teaching me about honor and respect. My time at the driving range is something I'll forever cherish and be grateful for. Thank you Steve and Sandy Pattillo! |
My boys at the closing events of a local "Chaos" event.
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In today's world of social media and
electronic gadgets, its difficult to draw kids away from them. I have a
two boys, ages 8 and 11, and they are techie kids BUT I also push to get
them into local sports such as soccer and basketball. As I mentioned,
golf kept me out of a lot of trouble growing up. Golf taught me honor
and self discipline. It taught me how to play on a team but still have
to play an individual game. It has helped make me the woman I am today.
((NOTE: I found these 10 reasons online but I couldn't have written them better myself!))
Here is Why:
1. Anyone Can Play: Golfers come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be particularly strong, tall, lean or fast to succeed. Golf champions come in every shape and size imaginable. It’s never too early to start, and unlike most other sports, you can enjoy golf your entire life!
2. Minimal Risk: Unlike many other popular sports like baseball, soccer and football, the chances of injury, especially serious injury, are almost nonexistent; golf is a non-contact sport.
3. Safe and Positive Environment: The golf course is a safe place and facilitates mentoring relationships.
4. Lifelong Friendships: You never know who you will meet on a golf course, but it’s one of the easiest places in the world to make friends. Success breeds success, and people who play golf are by in large more successful than the average bear. Those are the people you want your kids hanging out with! Best of all, golf creates a unique bond so those friendships can be developed all over the world and last a lifetime!
5. Prepare for Business: It’s hard to think about it now, but kids grow up and the people they meet as children can play a huge part in their success later in life. Golf is a sport that helps prepare kids and teens for careers in business and other professional arenas. Even at 12 I was learning about real-life business every day from all the adults I played with.
6. Time Spent Outdoors: In today’s world of video games, smart phones and child obesity, it can be hard to drag your son or daughter off the couch. Golf is the perfect excuse to spend an entire day enjoying nature and presents the opportunity to develop healthy, lifelong exercise habits!
7. Important Life Lessons: Golf closely parallels real life as one experiences the highs and lows of the game. The range of experience, from birdies to bogeys, rewards a young person’s ability to keep each shot in perspective, manage one’s emotions, maintain a positive outlook and focus on the shot at hand. Golf is a sport that will teach your child integrity, discipline and respect. As they learn to conduct themselves on the golf course, these lessons will translate directly into everyday life.
8. College Scholarships: Avid golfers have a lot of opportunities when it comes to college funding. The earlier your child starts, the greater his or her chance is of gaining access to scholarship money.
9. Spend Time with Family: Golf is a game that encourages family participation. When children are young, they enjoy doing just about anything with you (but it doesn’t long last, so start now). Golf is an opportunity for quality bonding time, and it’s one that can last a lifetime.
10. It’s FUN: This should probably be at the top of the list. One of the best reasons to get your son or daughter involved with golf is that they’ll have an absolute blast. They’ll have the chance to learn new skills, both physical and mental, make new friends and discover new opportunities.
There are a million things you can buy your kids or gift your kids in the hope that it helps them learn and grow, but only a few make a real impact.
Encouraging them to play golf is one!
Next Steps:
Here is Why:
1. Anyone Can Play: Golfers come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be particularly strong, tall, lean or fast to succeed. Golf champions come in every shape and size imaginable. It’s never too early to start, and unlike most other sports, you can enjoy golf your entire life!
2. Minimal Risk: Unlike many other popular sports like baseball, soccer and football, the chances of injury, especially serious injury, are almost nonexistent; golf is a non-contact sport.
3. Safe and Positive Environment: The golf course is a safe place and facilitates mentoring relationships.
4. Lifelong Friendships: You never know who you will meet on a golf course, but it’s one of the easiest places in the world to make friends. Success breeds success, and people who play golf are by in large more successful than the average bear. Those are the people you want your kids hanging out with! Best of all, golf creates a unique bond so those friendships can be developed all over the world and last a lifetime!
5. Prepare for Business: It’s hard to think about it now, but kids grow up and the people they meet as children can play a huge part in their success later in life. Golf is a sport that helps prepare kids and teens for careers in business and other professional arenas. Even at 12 I was learning about real-life business every day from all the adults I played with.
6. Time Spent Outdoors: In today’s world of video games, smart phones and child obesity, it can be hard to drag your son or daughter off the couch. Golf is the perfect excuse to spend an entire day enjoying nature and presents the opportunity to develop healthy, lifelong exercise habits!
7. Important Life Lessons: Golf closely parallels real life as one experiences the highs and lows of the game. The range of experience, from birdies to bogeys, rewards a young person’s ability to keep each shot in perspective, manage one’s emotions, maintain a positive outlook and focus on the shot at hand. Golf is a sport that will teach your child integrity, discipline and respect. As they learn to conduct themselves on the golf course, these lessons will translate directly into everyday life.
8. College Scholarships: Avid golfers have a lot of opportunities when it comes to college funding. The earlier your child starts, the greater his or her chance is of gaining access to scholarship money.
9. Spend Time with Family: Golf is a game that encourages family participation. When children are young, they enjoy doing just about anything with you (but it doesn’t long last, so start now). Golf is an opportunity for quality bonding time, and it’s one that can last a lifetime.
10. It’s FUN: This should probably be at the top of the list. One of the best reasons to get your son or daughter involved with golf is that they’ll have an absolute blast. They’ll have the chance to learn new skills, both physical and mental, make new friends and discover new opportunities.
There are a million things you can buy your kids or gift your kids in the hope that it helps them learn and grow, but only a few make a real impact.
Encouraging them to play golf is one!
Next Steps:
- Get your kids some lessons with a local pro.
- Get them a junior membership, normally amazingly cheap compared to other activities.
- Give yourself a high five for doing something that will make a real difference in your child’s life!
