our journey to becoming a golf family with founders group international
We have spent the 3+ months becoming a golf family. It has been so much fun for all of us –– most especially the kids! And I love that we have a new family-friendly hobby to get us outside and active together! I know it can be intimidating (I WAS THERE) but I’ve found these practical tips to be helpful… Read on!
We are golfing with Founders Group International clubs because they have 21 area courses that are all family-friendly.
See a list of all their courses here. They care about ensuring golf is an accessible sport and they do a lot to encourage locals to enjoy their courses.
why get into golf as a family anyway?
These are the big reasons we wanted to pursue golf as a family…
1. IT’S A BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE ACTIVITY | We will take almost any excuse to be outside and enjoying nature. Golf courses are some of the most beautiful big green spaces you can enjoy.
2. IT’S GOOD EXERCISE | Even though we use the cart to get around, it’s still quite a bit of walking and the kids play and explore constantly.
3. MY HUSBAND ENJOYS IT & WANTS US TO PLAY | It’s something he loves but it can be a time-consuming sport (lessons, rounds, driving range trips, etc.) BUT if we do it as a family then it lessens the stress he feels in it taking away family time.
4. ITS A SPORT WHERE YOU COMPETE WITH YOURSELF | Our daughter will likely never be someone who pursues team sports. That is 100% fine with us. But she does like developing skill and perfecting techniques. That makes golf a good sport for her. I also see it developing patience, perseverance, calmness, concentration, and so much more.
how to get started...
If you or your spouse already play then some of what I’ll share may be too basic for you. When at least one person has an understanding of the game, etiquette, lingo, etc. it does feel less intimidating. But it is really not as scary as it may seem. Here is how we got started.
4 TIPS TO GET STARTED
1. GET SOME CHEAP CLUBS. Hand-me-down clubs are great for kids or any beginner. We have a set for our kids from older cousins and I bought a new, cheap set for me. FB Marketplace is an excellent place to start looking. Ask family and extended friends too.
2. START FAMILY PRACTICE IN THE YARD AND DRIVING RANGE. Get some practice balls and a net for the yard to get started. Kids may need to do this a few times to even get comfortable holding a club and facing the ball the right way (still where my 4-year old is at!). Anytime my husband picks up his club to take some swings in the yard, the kids come running with their clubs too. Don’t be afraid to take kids to a local driving range – ideally at a non-busy time. My kids love doing this.
3. SET A TEE TIME AT ANY FOUNDERS GROUP INTERNATIONAL COURSE. Yes, even before you think you’re ready! And remember –– Kids play free!!! We want the kids to see/experience the full game to have a better appreciation for what they are trying to learn. And it’s been a smart move. The kids love getting out on the golf course! Mention Moms of Myrtle to get a free bucket of range balls when you play too.
Just keep expectations pretty low. We let our kids hit whenever they want from wherever they want. And if they feel like scrapping sand in the sand traps or checking out the turtles in the ponds or running behind the golf cart to chase us (safely, of course) then that is what they do! We want their golf experiences to be positive and without any pressure so we still let them take the lead.
4. WHEN READY, START LESSONS. This is something else that the family of Founders Group International courses can help with. Most of the First Assistants at their courses offer classes for kids plus they often have clinics and on-site instruction for beginners. Do family lessons together to get some fundamentals or group together with another family to split costs and form a small group lesson.
OTHER PRACTICAL TIPS
• PACK LOTS OF SNACKS | I’ll never NOT give this tip 🙂
• PLAY JUST 9 HOLES | That is plenty with young kids who are just starting.
• GO WHEN IT’S NOT TOO BUSY | Later tee-times in the spring/fall and early ones in the warmer summer months. It’s good to be mindful of your pace of play too. If you’re moving very slow then you may want to skip a hole or let the group behind you play through.
• LET THE KIDS PLAY & EXPLORE | Scrapping the sand, checking out the turtles, running alongside the cart (safely). We let the kids enjoy the time how they want.
• ENJOY YOUR SURROUNDINGS | Golf courses are beautiful and just being together, outside, and active is a win in my book!
• KNOW THE CHECK-IN & OUT PROCESS | You’ll want to get there about 20 minutes before your tee time to check-in, get your cart and load your stuff. You can also hit some range balls if you want but with kids we usually just jump right in. Mention Moms of Myrtle to get a free bucket of range balls. When you’re done just head back to the clubhouse to unload your stuff and return your cart.
see our other articles about family golf
More about the fantastic Kids Play Free! program at FGI.
And keep an eye out –– Founders Group International will soon have a golf simulator experience (similar to Top Golf) that will be fun for families to enjoy. Plus their Waterway Live events at Myrtlewood Golf Course are fantastic.