Youth activities range from sports to education to theatre…you name it and there’s probably an extra curricular for it. And, they all offer benefits to young, developing minds.

But, perhaps, none of them offer the range of benefits to your child better than junior golf programs. Junior golfers experience physical, psychological, emotional and social development that can help them succeed academically and, later, professionally. Let’s take a look at how something as simple as participating in junior golf programs can impact your child for life.

Etiquette, Integrity and Respect
Two traits that seem to be lacking in today’s youth is respect and manners. The rules of golf teaches a child how have respect for themselves as well as adults and other peers. From simple things like turning off a cell phone to respecting other people’s time, golf instills a sense of consideration for others. Simple, respectful actions like repairing the ground, no running, profanity or yelling, and even cleaning golf shoes before entering the clubhouse will help develop a sense of respect and good manners that can extend to home and school.

Integrity is another desirable characteristic golf instills in its players. Since there are no coaches or referees overseeing players’ stokes, honesty is a key component in the game. Golfers learn to expect it of themselves as well as others. Junior golf instruction emphasizes that personal responsibility, honesty and integrity as just as important as correct posture and swing elements.

Social Engagement
This is not to be confused with social media. With so many of our youth walking around with noses inches from their cell phones, the art of physical, social engagement is becoming difficult. Junior golf develops positive, healthy relationships. Lifelong friendships can form from sharing rounds of golf together in a way unlike other activities.

Another area of concern with our youth today is how emotional conflict is handled. Golf has a unique ability to build confidence and positive self-esteem, but can also teach how to handle frustration, anger, disappointment and anxiety. Golf instruction, when done by professionals, can help sort out those confusing emotions and channel them into positive results. The result is the development of tenacity, perseverance and self-control.

Golf can also offer a family quality time together. Whether it’s the entire family, or one-on-one time between parent and child, golfing together provides time to build relationships while walking and talking.

Safe Play Environment
It’s 2pm and you’re at work. Do you know where your child is? If your child is hanging out at a golf course, you can rest assured he/she is in a safe, supportive environment. The nature of the game and emphasis on personal responsibility does not lend itself to mischief or non-constructive activities born out of boredom. Responsible adults are usually present and more than willing to keep an eye on junior golfers.

Fitness
There are those who may doubt whether golf is actually a sport, but those people have never walked 18 holes with a 35 lb bag on their back. The process of walking, swinging, bending and lifting can be a rigorous workout. The average distance for 18 holes is about 5 miles. That’s a lot of calories burned. Since childhood obesity is becoming a concern in our culture, golf is the perfect answer that utilizes major and minor muscle groups to remain healthy….for life. And, it provides opportunities to get outside, breathe fresh air and interact with nature in a positive, healthy way.

Along with the obvious physical fitness benefits, golf powers the brain through intense mental focus. Through golf, young players learn the art of strategy and concentration. They are taught how to pay attention to detail as well as how to look at the bigger picture. Increased self-discipline and a desire for self-improvement can result in sharper focus in other areas as well.

So, theres’ a few of the advantages of enrolling your child in junior golf programs. We hope you consider the benefits of golf when selecting those all-important extra curricular activities. It’s a lifetime sport that nurtures mind, body and spirit! Contact Leslie Fischer at lfischerlpga@gmail.com for more information on how to get your child involved in golf.

Success in this game depends less on strength of body
than strength of mind and character.
~Arnold Palmer