According to the team at Sydney Olympic Park, they say that golf is a fantastic game for the entire family as its one that everyone can play on an equal level regardless of age or ability.

They recommend that the sooner children learn the better, as it teaches them coordination, good sportsmanship and integrity - the game relies on an honour system to keep score!

Children can go to golf clinics to learn to play and refine their game

A complex game to learn
As golf is quite a complex game, it’s important to introduce kids to the sport properly to avoid them losing interest and becoming overwhelmed.

Bearing this in mind, PGA qualified instructor Chris Chilton from the Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre has put together his Top Five Tips for teaching children about this sport, which according to Chris, they can play from time they’re able to hold a club until the day their arms no longer let them swing.

1. Start by taking your kids to a driving range. Set safety rules such as keeping a safe distance away for the person who’s hitting the ball.
2. Set them up with a bucket of balls, a rubber tee and a suitable club, which will be for hire at the front desk. Show them a simple baseball grip and how to balance the ball on the tee, and encourage them to hit away. Even younger children will connect with the ball enough times to make the outing a fun experience. Keep the experience a short one and leave as soon as they've lost interest.
3. When your child is ready, introduce formal lessons with a PGA qualified instructor. They can instill the correct skills and fundamentals, which will help kids to form good techniques and prevent them learning bad habits.
4. Finally, take your children on the golf course. A cart-ride is a great (and fun!) introduction. Start by playing a couple of holes, and then gradually increase to 9- or 18-holes. It is best to go during quieter periods so the kids can explore and won’t interfere with any other golfers.
5. As kids progress, return to the driving range and get a few more lessons so that they continue to improve and build their skill and knowledge of the sport.

Fancy trying out golf as a sport the whole family can play? There are many courses available, including the course at Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre. For more information visit the website or phone 02 9714 7888.