Golf Etiquette Tips for Kids

Did you know in addition to our award-winning Wild Rock championship golf course, we also have The Woods Short Course – a nine-hole course that is PERFECT for teaching children the game of golf? We even have junior club rentals available and pros who will provide lessons on our driving range.

According to Pat Stein, our director of golf, “If you want to teach your children the game of golf before you bring them to any course, you need to explain to them that golf is a game of skill, patience and, perhaps most importantly, respect. Proper etiquette is expected and you need to be a role model in teaching these things.

“Typically by the time a child reaches 10 years of age they can grasp these golf etiquette tips. However, if you don’t think your child is mature enough to understand them, then you need to wait a season for taking them out on an actual course.”

Here are some key golf etiquette tips every child should be taught:

Be Quiet and Still When Others Are Hitting
Golf is a game of concentration. Teach your children to stay still and quiet when someone is preparing to hit. They should not make sudden movements or talk during a swing. This shows respect and good sportsmanship.

Be Ready to Play
Slow play can be frustrating for everyone on the course. Encourage your child to be thinking about which club they are going to use for their next shot and to have it ready  This way they are prepared for their turn and ready when it’s time to swing.

Take Care of the Course
Part of being a great golfer also means being a good steward of the course. Make sure your child knows how to:

• Replace their divots
• Rake bunkers after hitting out of them
• Repair ball marks on any green

Little habits like these go a long way in keeping a course beautiful for everyone.

Stay Safe
Golf is great fun, but safety must always be a priority. Teach your child to:

• Stand a safe distance away when others are swinging
• Never swing a club when someone is nearby
• Shout “Fore!” if a ball is headed close to someone

These simple steps will help keep everyone safe.

Respect the Game
Golf teaches integrity. Following the rules of the game is part of being a good golfer. Whether it’s honestly counting your strokes or taking a penalty when needed, playing fair matters. You should be proud of any score you get because you are still learning the game.

Be a Good Sport
Golf can be tricky, and you need to know not every one of your shots will be perfect. But, you have to stay positive. It is never acceptable to throw a club or sulk after a bad shot. Just let it go, re-focus and concentrate on making your next shot better.

Dress the Part
Make sure your child is dressed appropriately in a collared shirt, non-denim pants or shorts, golf shoes (or neat sneakers), and a hat worn properly. It’s part of the tradition—and part of the fun.

Shake Hands and Say Thank You
At the end of every round, players should shake hands with those they are golfing with and say “good game.” It is also nice to thank the course staff. It’s a tradition that shows class and appreciation.

Stein adds, “Golf is a game that teaches more than just technique—it builds character, discipline, and respect. By learning the basics of golf etiquette, children will not only become better players, but they’ll also gain life skills that last well beyond the 18th hole.”

Is your child ready to get started? We’d love to welcome you to The Woods Short Course. To make a tee time click here

🏌️‍♂️ Happy golfing!