Here in New York City, soccer, baseball, swimming and martial arts are usually the top sports for kids, but what if you have a budding Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie in your family? Encourage them to stop using your living room as a putting green and teach them the game of golf with local lessons that will set them up for a lifetime of loving the links. Check out Red Tricycle’s top golf lessons for kids and in no time your little golf pro will be donning a green jacket while swinging for show and putting for dough.
An Urban Golf Experience in the City
Created by Kate Tempesta, a former private school teacher of creative movement, the Urban Golf Academy is designed for little golfers (ages 3-10) to learn proper skills, rules and etiquette because no one likes a loud talker on the golf course. Forget 18-hole golf courses, these lessons take advantage of all the space New York City has to offer. Kids will learn to putt and drive on rooftops, in parks, in gymnasiums and even in classrooms, though most classes are taught in Riverside Park and Central Park. No prior golf experience is needed and kids will learn the basic fundamentals and beyond here. Summer camp options are also available. Age groups: Early Birdies (2-4.5 years), Birdies & Eagles (5 years and up); Pricing: summer programs begin at $110/week and fall and spring programs begin at $425/week for 8-week sessions; 917-270-7257.
Photo courtesy Urban Golf Academy
No Golf Umbrella Needed at this Year-Round Golf Course
It’s not surprising that Chelsea Piers, home to every sports activity under one roof, offers golf lessons too. But what may surprise you is that they offer golf instruction for kids starting as young as 4. At the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers, preschoolers to big kids can participate in classes designed to teach the fundamentals of the game including etiquette, posture and swing techniques. If you’ve ever played Miniature golf with a little one you’ll definitely appreciate this program. In addition to a Tots Only program, they also offer After School, Saturday classes and a Family Clinic. Since all lessons take place inside you’ll never have to worry about a rainout. Summer camp options are also available. Ages: Tots Golf (4-5 years), After School (5-14 years), Saturday Program (5-16 years), Family Clinic (5-16 years); Pricing: Varies by program; 212-336-6400, golfclub@chelseapiers.com.
Photo courtesy The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers
Swing For the Green – Indoors
For the kid who wants to master their golf technique and actually see whether or not their ball gets close to the green, New York Golf Adventure is the place to learn. John Kang, head golf coach at Spring Lake Day Camp in New Jersey, teaches 300 plus little ones each summer. Translation – the man’s got patience. Using a state-of-the art indoor performance golf studio (think flight simulator, but for golf), students are fitted with real golf clubs that match their little stature and ability, and also use real golf balls to learn the game. When the weather cooperates he takes the kids outside to a nearby golf course. Free trial classes are offered. Ages: 4 years and older; Pricing: 1-hour group lesson, 8-pack – $320, 1-hour semi-private lesson – $50, 1-hour private lesson – $70; 908-477-7362, nyagolf@gmail.com.
Photo courtesy New York Golf Adventure
The Most Expensive Sport is Now Affordable
If you’re looking for an affordable way to teach your kids the game of golf, one of the most expensive sports out there, check out the free programs offered at CityParks Golf, a program sponsored by the non-profit organization, City Parks Foundation. There are different options for little golfers to be introduced to the game with lessons held at public parks and golf courses throughout the five boroughs. One program is even designed by one of the greatest golfers in history, Jack Nicklaus, through his Learning Leagues. Boys and girls are welcome and if you don’t have clubs, no worries, they’ll provide them and all other proper golf equipment you need. Classes are available throughout the year and aim to teach the basics to get your future PGA tour star on their way. Ages: 5-16 years; Pricing: Free; sports@cityparksfoundation.org.
Photo courtesy Joe Drobezko via City Parks Foundation Facebook
Where have you taken your little pro to get in the game?
-Judy Cohen
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
