Earlier this week, I wrote about the joy of uncle-nephew golf. As I instructed Alexander and Edmond, my six-year-old son Charlie watched quietly from a shaded spot next to the practice tee.
When I embarked on my quest to play on the PGA Tour, I shared how Charlie is the inspiration for my effort. In his short golfing career, he has never had a formal lesson. Instead, I watch him hit a couple of shots. Then, he stops and watches me take a couple of swings. In any sport, a child can easily mimic a good model. As a toddler, Charlie copied my waggle and most of my preshot routine. Alternating swings also has the added benefit of slowing down the rapid deployment of his ammunition.
For Charlie, his older cousins are heroes. His favorite hybrid is his “Edmond club” since the stick was handed down. Now, he wants golf lessons just like his cousins. Today at the driving range, he explained that he has a bad ten-finger baseball grip and asked for my help.
Generally, I do not recommend individual lessons for most junior golfers until the age of eight. In the early years, the focus should be on the fun of golf and not on the finer techniques of the game. I am also conflicted if a parent should provide formal instruction to his or her own child.
Nonetheless, I offered a simple tip for Charlie to run his left thumb down the grip, which he adopted immediately with ease, and he was content that he just received a golf lesson just like Alexander and Edmond.
If you want to see more photos of Charlie golfing, please visit my Shutterfly Share Site.
Now for your turn: Do you think a parent should instruct his or her child?
Until next time, enjoy golf, America!
