Getting your child started in golf can feel overwhelming. What age should they begin? How much will it cost? Do they need expensive equipment right away? If you’re a parent exploring junior golf in Australia, you’re in the right place. This guide answers all your questions and provides a clear roadmap to help your child discover the lifelong benefits of golf.

Why Junior Golf? The Benefits for Your Child

Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at why golf is such a valuable sport for young Australians:

• Life skills development: Golf teaches patience, integrity, and emotional control
• Physical fitness: Walking 18 holes burns calories and builds endurance
• Social connections: Junior programs create lasting friendships
• Mental challenge: Course management develops strategic thinking
• All-ages sport: Kids can play with parents, grandparents, and peers
• Scholarship opportunities: Talented juniors can earn university scholarships
• Lifetime enjoyment: Golf is a sport they can play for 70+ years

What Age Should Kids Start Golf?

The short answer: As young as 4, but it depends on the child.

Age 4-6: Introduction Phase

At this age, focus on fun rather than technique. Many clubs offer parent-child programs or “tiny tots” sessions where kids learn through games and activities. Expect:

• 15-30 minute sessions
• Plastic clubs and foam balls
• Focus on coordination and enjoyment
• No pressure on rules or scoring

Age 7-10: Foundation Building

This is when most kids develop the attention span and physical coordination for proper instruction. They can:

• Join structured junior programs
• Learn basic swing mechanics
• Understand golf etiquette
• Play shortened courses (par 3 courses are perfect)

Age 11-14: Skill Development

Pre-teens and early teens can handle more serious instruction and competition:

• Regular lessons with qualified coaches
• Junior club competitions
• Understanding course strategy
• Potential tournament participation

Age 15-18: Competitive Phase

Teenagers can pursue golf at a higher level if interested:

• State and national junior events
• School golf teams
• Pathway programs for talented players
• Golf scholarship preparation

Key insight: Every child develops differently. Some 6-year-olds thrive in structured programs, while some 10-year-olds prefer casual play. Follow your child’s interest and energy levels.

Step 1: Find the Right Program or Club

Golf Australia’s MyGolf Program

MyGolf is Australia’s official junior golf program, designed for kids aged 5-15. It’s the perfect starting point because:

• Programs run nationwide at participating clubs
• Qualified coaches deliver age-appropriate lessons
• Small group format (usually 6-8 kids)
• Affordable pricing (typically $100-$200 for 8-10 week programs)
• Equipment often provided during sessions

Find a program: Visit golf.org.au/mygolf to locate programs near you.

Local Golf Clubs

Most Australian golf clubs welcome junior members and offer:

• Junior development programs
• Weekend junior competitions
• Access to practice facilities
• Reduced junior membership fees ($200-$600 annually)
• Coaching from club professionals

What to look for in a club:

• Active junior program with regular events
• Friendly, welcoming atmosphere for families
• Quality practice facilities (driving range, putting green, short game area)
• Qualified PGA professionals on staff
• Junior-friendly course layout (not too long or difficult)

Public Golf Courses

If club membership feels like too big a commitment initially, public courses offer:

• Pay-as-you-play options ($10-$30 for juniors)
• Casual lesson packages
• No membership requirements
• Relaxed environment for beginners

Step 2: Get the Right Equipment (Without Breaking the Bank)

Good news: Your child doesn’t need a full set of expensive clubs to start.

Essential Starter Equipment

For ages 4-7:

• 3-4 clubs maximum (driver, iron, putter)
• Plastic or foam balls for home practice
• Small golf bag or carry bag
• Cost: $100-$200 for a basic junior set

For ages 8-12:

• Half set (5-7 clubs: driver, 2-3 irons, wedge, putter)
• Proper golf balls for course play
• Lightweight carry bag or cart bag
• Golf glove
• Cost: $200-$400 for quality junior clubs

For ages 13-18:

• Full set or near-full set (10-12 clubs)
• Quality golf balls
• Proper golf bag
• Golf shoes (optional but helpful)
• Cost: $400-$800 for intermediate to advanced junior sets

Where to Buy Junior Golf Equipment in Australia

Specialist retailers:

• Drummond Golf: Australia’s largest golf retailer with stores nationwide
• Golf Box: Extensive online and in-store junior equipment selection
• Local pro shops: Support your club and get personalized fitting advice

Budget-friendly options:

• Second-hand: Check Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or club notice boards
• Trade-in programs: Many retailers offer trade-ins as kids outgrow clubs
• Demo days: Try before you buy at club fitting events

Important: Junior clubs are sized by height, not age. Most retailers offer fitting guides or in-store fitting services.

Step 3: Understand the Costs

Let’s be realistic about what junior golf costs in Australia. Here’s a typical first-year breakdown:

Low-Budget Approach ($400-$800/year)

• MyGolf program: $150
• Second-hand starter clubs: $150
• Public course green fees (10 rounds): $150
• Balls and accessories: $50
• Total: ~$500

Mid-Range Approach ($1,000-$2,000/year)

• Junior club membership: $400
• New junior club set: $350
• Group lessons (10 sessions): $300
• Competition fees and practice: $200
• Equipment and accessories: $100
• Total: ~$1,350

Competitive Approach ($3,000-$5,000+/year)

• Junior club membership: $500
• Quality club set: $700
• Regular private lessons: $1,500
• Tournament entries and travel: $1,000
• Premium equipment and gear: $300
• Total: ~$4,000

Cost-saving tips:

• Share equipment with siblings
• Buy second-hand and sell when outgrown
• Volunteer at club events for fee reductions
• Look for off-season membership discounts
• Practice at free public facilities

Step 4: First Lesson Expectations

Your child’s first golf experience should be fun and pressure-free. Here’s what typically happens:

Before the lesson:

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Bring water and sunscreen
• Dress comfortably (no jeans or restrictive clothing)
• Clubs usually provided for first sessions

During the lesson:

• Introduction to coach and other kids
• Basic grip and stance instruction
• Simple swing drills and games
• Putting and chipping activities
• Emphasis on fun over perfection

After the lesson:

• Coach feedback on your child’s progress
• Recommendations for next steps
• No pressure to commit immediately

Red flags to watch for:

• Coaches who focus only on technique with young kids
• Lack of fun, game-based activities
• Overly serious or intimidating atmosphere
• Pressure to buy expensive equipment immediately

Step 5: Practice at Home

Golf skills develop through repetition. Here’s how kids can practice without going to the course:

Backyard practice (15-20 minutes, 3-4 times/week):

• Putting on carpet or artificial green ($30-$100)
• Chipping foam balls into buckets
• Swing practice with alignment sticks
• Balance and coordination exercises

Indoor practice:

• Putting down hallways
• Grip practice while watching TV
• Visualization exercises
• Golf video analysis (watch junior tournaments together)

Make it fun:

• Set up target games with points
• Create challenges with rewards
• Practice together as a family
• Never force practice if they’re not interested

Golf Etiquette: What Kids Need to Know

Golf has unique etiquette rules. Teach these basics early:

• Respect the course: Repair divots and ball marks
• Safety first: Never swing when someone is nearby
• Pace of play: Keep up with the group ahead
• Quiet on the tee: Stay still and silent when others are hitting
• Honesty: Count every stroke and follow the rules
• Respect others: Shake hands, congratulate good shots

These values extend beyond golf and shape character development.

Common Parent Questions Answered

Q: My child gets frustrated easily. Is golf right for them? A: Golf actually teaches frustration management. Start with fun, low-pressure activities. As they improve, they’ll develop resilience.

Q: Do we need to join a private club? A: Not necessarily. Many public courses and MyGolf programs provide excellent junior development without membership commitments.

Q: How often should my child play or practice? A: For beginners, once or twice a week is plenty. Follow their interest level—forced practice kills enthusiasm.

Q: What if my child wants to quit after a few sessions? A: That’s okay! Not every sport suits every child. Give it a fair try (8-10 sessions), but don’t force it if they’re genuinely uninterested.

Q: Can my child play with me as a beginner? A: Absolutely! Playing together is wonderful for bonding. Choose shorter, easier courses and keep it relaxed and fun.

Your Next Steps: Getting Started This Week

Ready to introduce your child to golf? Here’s your action plan:

This week:

1. Visit golf.org.au and search for MyGolf programs in your area
2. Contact 2-3 local clubs to ask about junior programs
3. Watch junior golf videos together to build excitement
4. Check online marketplaces for affordable starter equipment

This month:

1. Enroll in a MyGolf program or junior clinic
2. Purchase or borrow basic equipment
3. Visit a driving range or practice facility together
4. Attend the first lesson with an open, supportive attitude

This year:

1. Complete a full junior program season
2. Play 5-10 casual rounds together
3. Connect with other junior golf families
4. Evaluate if your child wants to continue and at what level

Final Thoughts: It’s About the Journey

Junior golf isn’t just about creating the next professional golfer. It’s about giving your child opportunities to:

• Spend quality time outdoors
• Learn valuable life skills
• Build confidence through achievement
• Create lasting friendships
• Discover a lifetime sport

Some kids will fall in love with competitive golf. Others will enjoy casual weekend rounds with family. Both paths are equally valuable.

The key is starting with the right expectations: focus on fun, celebrate small improvements, and let your child’s interest guide the journey.

Welcome to the junior golf community in Australia. Your child’s golf adventure starts now.