Great Feeling

My 10 year old daughter just started playing golf. I will admit, I kind of pushed her into it a little a bit, because I wanted her to be able to go play golf with me when I didn't have anyone else to go with, but she really does seem to enjoy it. When she first started going with me I was constantly riding her. Her stance, her swing, this, that, or the other. It would basically turn into me getting made, her crying, and we just got to a point where we both just wanted to get the round over and go home. I've heard from other people that this isn't uncommon when first teaching our kids to play. But lately I've just decided to let the anger eat away at me inside, and just let her play at her pace. She knows the basics and what she needs to do to make a shot, for the most part. When I stopped bugging her and just let her go I noticed something. No matter how many times she would miss the ball, she would not give up, I never even saw her get upset. She would finally step back look at me and take a breath, I would say "you got this?' Her answer, "yea, I just need to relax for a second, I know what I'm what I'm doing wrong." She would eventually hit the ball, and the look on her face was priceless, she was so proud of herself, it was like everything in her at that moment, finally snapped into place perfectly and allowed her to do what she did. Proud daddy over here!

I can relate to this. I don't bother trying to teach mine on the course, except to occasionally check her grip and show her where she's actually aiming. Usually, I just tell her to give the ball a nice smack. She doesn't want me teaching her as she's just out to have fun on the course. I can understand that, and I'm happy to have her alongside, so I let her do her own thing.

Like you daughter, it's best if she figures stuff out for herself.

> @No_Catchy_Nickname said:

> I can relate to this. I don't bother trying to teach mine on the course, except to occasionally check her grip and show her where she's actually aiming.

mine's the same way, drives me crazy, I've been taking an aiming stick out with us, when she starts aiming in crazy directions i just walk up and throw it down. I think kids learn better on their own, her golf teacher told me not to tell her when she messes, if she misses the ball, she's well aware, she doesn't need me to tell her.

lol... sounds like getting my wife started in golf. We have more fun when I shut up and let her do her thing, and only answer direct questions.

Good job letting her figure it out herself. It's both the best thing and the hardest thing we can do for our kids.

It's like that with my wife. We have an agreement we made many years ago that I am not allowed to give her tips/lessons on the course unless she specifically asks. A couple months ago we were playing 18, and she was getting frustrated because she kept topping the ball. Eventually she angrily let out a "why the hell am I topping the damn ball?!?!"

She looked at me, and I just kinda stared at her for a minute, but did not say a word. After about 10-15 seconds of silence she says "ok, go ahead and tell me how to fix it". I then tried to explain to her to take a few practice swings and "feel as though you're sweeping the ground, like a broom". She said "why would I use a broom?, what does that even mean?". I said "like a broom, get the feeling for staying down on the ball, gently sweep the ground with your club". She says "staying down, what are you talking about?"

Apparently I sound like the adults from Peanuts to her when trying to give her golf tips. Same thing when I tried to teach her to drive stick many years ago, that didn't work well either.

> @avgjoe88 said:

> > @No_Catchy_Nickname said:

> > I can relate to this. I don't bother trying to teach mine on the course, except to occasionally check her grip and show her where she's actually aiming.

>

> mine's the same way, drives me crazy, I've been taking an aiming stick out with us, when she starts aiming in crazy directions i just walk up and throw it down. I think kids learn better on their own, her golf teacher told me not to tell her when she messes, if she misses the ball, she's well aware, she doesn't need me to tell her.

>

>

Mine's still too young to even consider getting a teacher. I'd just be happy if she equates golf with having fun.

Strangely, she is quite a promising bunker player. Worryingly, she sometimes decides to aim for the bunkers just because.

If you teach someone anything softly softly is the key. If you can take this advice you will be a great coach.

> @Roody said:

> We have an agreement we made many years ago that I am not allowed to give her tips/lessons on the course unless she specifically asks.

This is basically the unspoken rule between my daughter and I as well. Funny story, I have a 90 year old aunt that has never golfed a day in her life, nor has she ever watched us golf but she "knows" everything there is to know about golf and is "almost positive you guys aren't playing right" she recommended going with us sometime. I was telling my daughter about it and said "honey, she is going to drive us crazy with all the nit picking and tips and tricks that she is going to have to tell us." My daughter sat there for a second and thought, and then said, "Dad, YOU drive me crazy on the golf course!" gotta love this kid

My boys took to golf like labs to water (or like Kirstie Alley to potato chips and TAB).

They both enjoy golf NOW because I NEVER got in the way of their game. I got them both started with the basics, and when they went beyond my ability, I turned them over to a pro.

They are both 2 HC players. I suck.

Started both my kids when the were 7 or 8. I just asked them if they wanted to try. My daughter never really was in to it but my son kept up with it because most of his friends played. I asked if he wanted lessons but he just enjoyed playing and getting better on his own. He was in town last week so we played. First hole a 280 par 4. I hit one of my best drives I’ve hit all year about 260 right down the middle. He complements my drive steps up hits his drive over the green just to the left with an old R7 I used to own. It felt great playing with him since he lives out of town and we don’t play as often as we used too, but did he have to outdrive me by 30 yards and beat me by 2 strokes.