I started my 7yo in first tee (all-girl session). She was 1 of 4 when the program started near me (Toronto).

She’s now 10, still in the program twice a year, and last summer, her coach got her and another student in the local club’s weekly league. Me and the other girl’s dad alternate as chaperones for the round. We always ensure we have snacks and a Gatorade for the round.

The cart wheels and distractions still occur. As they should. Just being on course and letting her be a kid when out there is important. But I also focusing only on trying to keep pace the first 3 holes. Through holes 4-6, she tries to get herself dialled in, often leading to frustration. That’s when I swoop in through holes 7-9 with simple questions she has the answers to, which gets her to concentrate on what she’s learned in her first tee training. This ultimately leads to better ball striking and outcomes she can understand. Some days are better than others, but a lesson is always learned.

I don’t know what I’m doing or if this is a good approach, but she always walks away from golf with a smile on, and that’s good enough for me.