The golf course has long been a place to cement family relationships and friendships, and make business contacts.

D. Rutti - Learning to play golf has opened up a whole new world for many who may have thought their sporting days were over. A game that parents or grandparents can play alongside young children is a great way to enjoy family relationships in a healthy outdoor setting. There are not many sports that offer the opportunity for all generations to play together and compete on a level playing field thanks to the unique handicap system employed in the game of golf.

Unlike many other sports, golf is a game for all. From the very young to the older generation, people of all ages can enjoy this wonderful sport and do so in a meaningful way. Most sporting pursuits involve running or some other exertion and will most likely become a thing of the past as we reach an age where we are no longer as mobile as in our younger days. Perhaps this is why many people take up the game of golf in later life when they no longer feel fit enough to pursue the more vigorous sports they enjoyed in youth.

One of the advantages of golf is that it closes the generation gap so often evident in sport. When a person begins reaching middle age, it can be the beginning of the end for certain sporting activities like football, soccer, or baseball. If you play golf however, you still have decades of fun ahead of you as you enjoy a life of activity on the golf course. While there may be a tendency for some to become couch potatoes when their sporting days are over, the game of golf allows us to continue to be active and improve our health as we walk the fairways. There is nothing more enjoyable than a round of golf on a good day, taking in the scenery while enjoying the companionship of family or friends.

Another benefit to be enjoyed as we play golf regularly is the opportunity to make new friends. Golf is a very sociable game and many have made friends for life in their pursuit of the perfect swing. Some will join a golf club and make friends with other club members while others may do so when visiting new golf courses while on vacation. Friendships formed on the golf course can be long lasting and open up the opportunity to develop a wide circle of acquaintances who are also attracted by the game. The same principle applies even in the business world as connections are often made on the golf course.

There are numerous benefits to playing golf. The golf course has long been a place to cement family relationships and friendships, a place to make business contacts and a means to improve your health while enjoying the natural beauty of the world around you.

By JC Campbell – In this technological age of inactivity, encouraging children to play sports of any kind can only benefit them physically and emotionally. Golf is a sport where age is no barrier as can be observed by the fact that it is played by the very young to the not so young. Teaching children to play the game will be truly worthwhile in the long term, although there are pitfalls to be avoided in order to make this a pleasant experience for the young one.

Make It Fun
Assuming your goal as a parent is not to produce the next Tiger Woods, make sure that the periods spent teaching your child to play are fun experiences. If the young one enjoys your coaching sessions, they will be likely to come back for more and improve in their ability. If though, learning to play the game becomes a pressure for them due to your high expectations, they will probably quit before too long.

Set Realistic Goals
Depending on the age of your child, set realistic goals that will encourage them as opposed to goals that are clearly beyond them. For the very young, just learning to make contact with the ball might be the aim. For those who are a little older and who have played some golf already, you may want to concentrate on some aspect of the swing that will help them improve. This could be anything from making a full backswing to finishing the swing in balance. When parents expect too much, the children can easily become despondent, feeling that they have somehow failed.

Don't Become a Control Freak
Parents want to see their children excel in most things and sport is no different. Sadly, some parents fall into the trap of becoming control freaks with the kids, almost bullying them into improving. Displaying anger or disgust when your child fails to execute a golf shot in an attempt to follow your instructions will achieve nothing. Like anyone else, children thrive on encouragement, not criticism.

Golf is a sport that will last your child for a lifetime. Start them young and encourage them to enjoy the game. Keep your expectations low and simply help them to improve when you can. Teaching your child to play the game of golf could ensure you have a playing partner for years to come.