Introducing Golf To Your Child

By RYAN ECKROAT

I am flattered and excited to be a new writer for SATT, and would first like to thank SATT and the SCSWSPGA for inviting me to be a regular contributor to such a fine magazine. I hope that you will enjoy my submissions as much as I’ll enjoy writing them.

In thinking about what to write for my first editorial, the first thing that came to mind was relaying my story of getting my daughter Abby started in golf. I will admit to teaching her the proper grip using my little finger when she was all of 2 hours old; however, I knew I couldn’t push the game on her. As time went on, I always told her when I played golf and how much fun it will be when she was old enough to join me. Soon she was playing with the little plastic clubs around the house, “just like dada does.” This is the first key, if your child isn’t excited about going to the course with you, don’t take them. They will be bored and fidgety and you will be frustrated leaving little desire for a return trip together. We made the idea as exciting as possible until one day, I heard the magic words, “Dada, can I play golf with you?” We set a date to play and counted down each day. That morning, my wife and I were awoken to the sound of Abby calling for us through the baby monitor that it was time for us to go play golf. After breakfast, we packed her bag and headed to the course for our first Dad and Abby Golf Day shown in this photo.

Since then we play at least once a month. There are rules though to keep it fun for both of us, the most important of which is when Abby tells me she wants to go home, we head home. Despite how much I may want to practice or play, when she’s done, we’re done. It has been just over a year now since her first “round” and she has made it a full nine holes just twice. Sometimes we’ll make it six holes, other days just two. Whatever the case, she calls the shots…no pun intended.

Here are some helpful “rules” for you and your little golfer:
1. Get them excited before you take them out.
2. Pack snacks.
3. The day is about them, not you. Your kid could care less what you shoot, so should you.
4. Leave when they want to leave.

Now, I’d like to say that I’m off to make a tee time with my daughter but I’m actually late for a dance recital….dad can’t win them all you know!

Ryan is the General Manager at Poston Butte Golf Club at Anthem Merrill Ranch in Florence, Arizona. As a PGA Member and 9-year veteran with Troon Golf, Ryan has managed multiple facilities in Arizona and Colorado. Ryan can be reached at 520.723.1880 or visit www.postonbutte.com.

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