I have a group of 7th graders who are interested in playing golf. I'm meeting with them tomorrow after school. I play golf, but I'm not a teaching pro. I could use some lessons myself, and I've been playing 25 years....self taught.

Does anyone have some step-by-step lessons for beginners that I could use as I introduce them to the game? Any hints will be helpful.

Putting and chipping first. Most important aspect of the game.

 

We work a lot on those aspects of the game and only visit the driving range 3-4 times a season. But we will practice putting and/or chipping 2-3 times a week.

 

As far as hitting the ball. With my youngsters, I just concentrate on hitting it straight. Distance will come with age. If they are going down the fairway, great job.

 

Lastly, change their outlook on scoring.

 

For my new golfers, I ask them if they would be happy to score mid-50's. They say yes, thrilled.

 

Then on a par 4, I tell them to not worry about it being a par 4. Use that # to give them a goal on when they should be on the green. Par 4, be on the green in 4 shots. Two putt and off in 6. They double bogey every hole and they shoot a 54. Thrilled with that.

 

Than as they are focusing on just be on the green in 4 and 2 putting (that continues to emphasize them to NEVER EVER 3 putt (or more) a green), they will slip in a bogey or even a par, here and there. They begin to come closer and closer to breaking 50.

 

When they consistently are doing that, than we talk about bogey golf. Be on in 3 and 2 putt. Bogey every hole and you are shooting 45.

 

I have 9 golfers and 7 are under the age of 14. It has been that way for all 3 seasons. And we have gone from a squad that shot 1 50's and 4 60's, 3 seasons ago with 2 sophomores and 3 6th graders to a squad that has 3 girls that have shot in the 40's and 1 that shot her low with a 50 this season. And two of those are 8th graders.

 

They want to lower their scores, 40 feet and in is the way to do it.

As far as the swing, I concentrate on stance, front elbow and KEEPING THEIR HEAD DOWN. The very basics for beginners. Too much and it blows their minds. Too much and it blows my mind.

I agree with starting with "mini-swings" - especially chipping.

 

I would suggest that the students bring only one club for the first couple of lessons. A 7 or 8-iron that can get the ball in the air. Nothing more frustrating for someone new to the game than beginning with the long clubs. Work up to half, three-quarter, then full swings with the short iron before graduating to the longer clubs in the bag.

 

Best tip I ever had - even better than keeping the head down, etc. - as a beginner - was to watch the BACK of the ball instead of the top.