What to prioritize first?

[Haroputt]

Bump up after few years 

Son is now 13

Learn the chip and putt around the green before the growth spurt '

Now getting stronger and like to swing the clubs 

So I think learning as an adult  all part of the game is important but for development short game at early age doesnt require the physical development 

 

[allenartlab]

At a younger age, putting and around the green short game skills seem to be more important for scoring. I suspect part of it is due to the fact that they don't hit very long thus most courses appear wide/forgiving. Swing becomes more important when they turn 15+ because some shots cannot be saved regardless how good the short game is.

[RmoorePE]

I first posted on this thread in 2021, since that time I have gotten a lot more experience with youth golf, mostly with teenage girls. Currently helping coach my daughter's high school team. I have gotten to spend time with a lot more players, of all ages and abilities and it has been eye opening for sure. Newer players tend to lose most of their strokes around the green. Once you get them so they can hit the ball 130-150 yards more or less straight with some club off the tee, they fall apart with their wedges and putters. As a coach I have seen so many players get tee to green with the best kids, and then take way too many strokes at the green.

 

So, I think for a lot (most?) of kids focus on short game is a good way to go.

 

Caveat, if you have a thoroughbred you let them run. I.e. if you have a kid with natural strength, and coordination, have them learn to control the club face at high speeds ASAP. My daughter has recently played in tournaments with some really good players, the difference is pretty clear. There is a tier of kids who have awesome short games, and can get around par with ease by getting up and down from everywhere. They win a lot of youth events, and hang around the top 10 in the teen events. Then there are the kids who have it all, they don't have to stress on their short games because their club heads move fast and club faces point the right way all the time.

 

So after a few years my opinion is: make an honest assessment of your kid, their movement patterns, musculoskeletal genetics, and personality/drive should be where you determine to start development.