Kids Golf….benefits of golf for kids, plus training exercises for golfers!

Whilst picking up my son Freddie from school a few weeks back, I overheard a mum talking about her son playing golf, and it prompted me to write this feature.  I hold my hands up and admit I’m totally ignorant when it comes to golf, I follow the stigma it’s a game for ‘retired bankers’, an ‘opportunity for a jolly on expenses’ and the one that makes most of my golfing buddies want to wallop me - ‘there’s a great element of luck involved’. 

However, it never crossed my mind to get my kids into golf and, whilst I banter with the above I’m incredibly intrigued to learn more. Truth is golf involves a great amount of skill, mental ability as well as fitness and strength. I’m passionate in encouraging my kids to play sports, especially if it stops them ‘hanging around the high street’ when they’re older.  Golf is becoming increasingly popular with kids, especially as it’s a game that encourages them to be sociable and can keep them focused for hours on end!

So with bribes of ice cream I took Freddie to Romford Golf Club to pose for a photo-shoot with Chris Garner, Assistant Pro, and to meet Richard Hall, Club Secretary who answered my basic questions on golf. (It has to be mentioned after 15 minutes of practice hits Freddie was asking me to sign him up for the Academy, all thoughts of ice cream banished!)

What age is golf suitable from? Anyone can learn from age 6 and above.

What equipment is needed and is there any special attire? You can buy clubs for juniors cheaply and if toddlers want to join in, then the plastic garden sets are ideal for introduction.  Dress code is focused on comfort however, golf shoes are needed for playing on the course.

What are the benefits for children to learn to play golf? Golf is an excellent all-rounder and teaches discipline, respect, etiquette and of course exercise.  An 18-hole golf course covers around 6 miles and it’s a game that will carry you through life, making it one of the most sociable games to learn.

Is there anyone who shouldn't play golf? No, we have disabled members who thoroughly enjoy golf. However, if you have any concerns it’s always best to consult your GP first

Does golf run all year round? If the weather is extremely cold and wet, then cadets tend not to play.

Could you give a brief glossary of golf terms? Golfing jargon is best found on the Internet. This is the best website

http://www.pga.com/golf-instruction/instruction-feature/fundamentals/golf-glossary-and-golf-terms

Are lessons for children mixed ability/group etc? Golf is a game enjoyed by both sexes.  We run an Academy on Saturday afternoons with different age groups. Each group consists of about 10-12 cadets with 3 PGA Pros supervising the groups.  Individual lessons can be purchased for more intense training.

If I would like my kids or myself to learn golf at a club, what is the process?  Under 13’s don’t have to become a club member they can just join the Academy. Lessons are 90 minutes and include all aspects of learning the game.  Once they have reached a certain ability they can then apply to become a Cadet Member, which allows you to play on the course. 

For more details on the Cadet Academy at Romford Golf Club, please contact Chris Goddard on 01708 749393 and request an application form for the Saturday Academy.  Prices for the Academy are a £15 yearly fee and £7.50 each Saturday. 

For regular golfers wanting to improve your fitness, Nick Grantham, Performance & Enhancement Specialist and Author of The Strength & Conditioning Bible: How to Train Like an Athlete (Amazon RRP £20), gives the following advice:-

‘Keep it simple - focus on two areas that will have a positive impact on your game 1. Strength and 2. Endurance. 

Strength - training exercises don't need to look anything like your golf swing in order to be effective. When I work with professional and amateur golfers we hit the gym primarily to improve their robustness. I want a general level of conditioning that will allow them to play round after round without fatigue or injury. Hitting the gym is mainly going to help you cope with the demands of playing, walking the course etc. Use simple exercises like squats and lunges to develop lower body strength and muscular endurance. If you're legs are tired at the 18th you won't hole the match winning put!

Endurance - you'll be out on the course for a significant amount of time so it's worth spending some time improving your cardiovascular fitness. My preference would be to spend time working on your endurance using interval-training sessions. Try 5 x 3mins work with 1min rest between each interval - you can run, swim, cycle, row or jump on the cross-trainer. Just spend time improving your aerobic fitness. Not only will your perform better around the course you'll also find that improvements in your cardiovascular fitness will help you to recover quicker.’

If you’re walking around a golf course enjoying the warm weather, it’s easy to forget the strength of the sun! Keep your skin protected with Solero Ultra Sensitive Lotion SPF 50 £7 Lloyds Pharmacy.  This one is particularly suitable for kids with sensitive skins and ideal for those who suffer from eczema.

The Prince’s Trust Invisiblur Perfecting Shield £69.50 www.murad.co.uk, is ideal for protecting the face, whilst at the same time offering a smooth complexion with blurring technology. £10 is donated to the Prince’s Trust for each product sold.

HJ Hall offers a range of cotton rich and bamboo golf socks from £6.25 www.hjhall.com, giving comfort to tired feet.

For beauty/lifestyle queries contact Molly@askmollybeauty.com