A non-golfing parent’s guide to what your golf-loving child needs to start playing this Christmas

Some people are not into golf. There I said it.

It’s shocking considering how brilliant it is I know, but there are many people who haven’t got a clue about the game and many of them are parents.

Speaking as a parent, whose daughter is a huge swimming fan (a sport of which my level of understanding ends at the avoidance of drowning), I therefore empathise with parents who may have a golf-mad child on their hand but be utterly beleaguered about what to buy them this Christmas.

So as a public service, because we here at Gorilla Golf are just splendid folks, we’re going to give you a list of the golf items you can buy for your child this Christmas.
For the purposes of this, we are assuming your child is around the ages of 7 to 12, though the list is applicable to children in their teens too.

There’s two lists: One a list of golfing items your child really must have (which is surprisingly short), and another a list of items that would be useful to have, but which are not necessary to start playing the game.

Must have golfing items for your child

1. Clubs & Bag

There’s no need to spend huge amounts on clubs and a bag. What is important is to get the right length of club for your child. The younger a child is, the fewer clubs I’d start them with (A putter, wedge, mid iron and a driver is ample for younger players) with older players I’d add more clubs to the bag but there’s no need to get anything above a half set as a beginner.

You can find second hand sets for juniors on eBay and similar, or purchase a new small set from many outlets. Don’t feel you need to spend a huge amount either. A beginner doesn’t need a set of child’s Ping custom-fitted or Nike made-to-measure. You just want them to get the basics down and most sets for juniors on the market these days, even the cheapest, are perfectly acceptable.

2. Balls

You’ll be buying a fair few golf balls for your youngster if they start playing because they’ll lose them. A lot. So budget is a key consideration here. The other thing a child will need is a ball that travels as far as possible. There’s no need to buy a top name and pay top dollar for balls, Dunlop DDT balls for example, are great for a beginner to play with and they don’t cost very much at all.

3. Golf Gloves

A golf glove is important for a youngster as it helps them maintain a better grip on the club. If they are right handed, they need a left-handed glove and vice versa. They do not need a glove for each hand. Again , you can pick up deals on gloves and get 2 or 3 for little more than a few Euro nowadays. Spares are always useful to have in case of loss, or the glove deteriorating through practice.

4. Tees & Sundry Items

A big bag of plastic tees of varying sizes is ideal. Plastic tees are more durable and can take a lot more wear and tear than wooden tees, so a couple of big mixes packs of tees, usually available at the golfing range or local golf shop, is ideal. A small pencil or two is also useful for keeping the score as is a pitch mark repairer for getting them into good habits on the green.

5. Golf Shoes

I’d say alongside clubs, golf shoes are the best investment for a youngster as they’ll be doing a lot of walking in them and if they don’t fit well, then blistered feet do not make for an enthusiastic golfer. There are many “trainer” style golf shoes available nowadays which are much kinder to the feet and are worth investing a little extra in to ensure your child is comfy on their feet.

Having a set of golf clothes, even if they are just a cheap pair of trousers and a polo shirt, complete with a cap, will make your child feel like a golfer and at this age, that is important. It also gets them into good habits for when they get a tad more serious about the game and want to play on courses where a dress code is required. Again, there is absolutely no need to spend huge amounts of money; something smart, easy to wash and cheap is perfectly fine.

Useful but not vital golfing items for your child 1. Golf trolley

Most kids can easily carry a small golf bag with just a couple of clubs in, but a trolley does make it easier, however even the smaller trolleys are not cheap and children can quickly outgrow the smaller trolleys.

2. Golf lessons

Some parents believe kids need golf lessons immediately and for some children that may work but it isn’t essential. Simply spending time with them at the local pitch and putt, or driving range allowing them to hit the ball (however badly) will help.

If they are struggling and growing frustrated, maybe then you can suggest a few lessons with a pro. Many clubs and ranges offer camps and deals for kids lessons, so see what is available and ensure your child is comfortable at the thought of being tutored. It can be intimidating for a beginner to join a class where other children are more advanced in the game.

3. Club membership

If you are a member of a club and want junior to play with you, then if you can get a cheap child membership then that is great, however if you know nothing about golf then that is very unlikely. Your child doesn’t need membership at this stage.

Let them play pitch and putt and small nine hole courses and hit the range for the time being. That is ample at this stage in their development and they’ll know when they feel ready to tackle a full size course.

4. Golf Waterproofs

If your child is especially keen then rain won’t stop them wanting to play. As such, a decent pair of waterproofs (top and bottom, plus an umbrella) is always a sensible purchase. Especially if you live in more northern climes of Europe, where wet weather is a constant companion on the course.