The average cost for an hour private lesson for juniors is around $75. Here’s how to help your kids get quality instruction from an expert at a fraction of the price:
Join a Junior Golf Program - Organizations like First Tee, Girls Golf or local grassroots junior programs offer structured group clinics and classes which make them both a cost-effective way for your kids to build their skills and make new friends along the way. If there aren’t chapters of a national junior program in your area, your local course or golf pro may have a junior program or summer camps of their own.
Learn Online - There’s no shortage of golf tips or instructional videos on YouTube, but not all “experts'' are created equally. As you search for online golf tips for your kids be sure to check the credentials of the pro to make sure they’re LPGA or PGA certified. GolfPass is an online platform with thousands of golf instructional videos from some of the best instructors across the country, including PGA Tour player Rory McIlroy’s coach. An annual GolfPass membership is just $7/month, but members of Youth on Course receive a year-long subscription at no cost.
Use Artificial Intelligence - The 18Birdies app specializes in offering an on-course GPS but now also has a feature called the “AI Coach”. Using the tool, golfers can film and upload a video of their golf swing. Artificial intelligence technology analyzes the swing and sends tailored golf tips and drill recommendations to help users work on their game. It’s a premium tool within the app but at a price of just $99/year pays for itself in just two uses.
*AI-powered swing analysis and coaching system for golfers that gives instant feedback about your swing. It identifies strengths, where a golfer needs to improve plus recommends personalized drills tailored for the golfers’ swing.
Before you start searching for pieces to add to your kids’ golf wardrobe, keep in mind that many golf courses are beginning to relax their dress code policies. Repurposing athletic tops, shorts and even leggings for golf is becoming closer to the norm. And golf shoes aren’t a requirement for enjoy the game either! In many instances sneakers work just fine.
Do keep in mind that the golf course is a place to represent yourself, so a looser dress code doesn't mean clothes with holes and stains!
If you’re keen to buy golf-specific apparel, however, try these tactics:
Shop Discount Stores - Did you know discount retailers like Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross carry golf clothing? It may take a bit of digging through the racks but you can purchase shorts/skorts, pants, and polos for as little as $15 a piece.
Shop Sale and Clearance Racks and Sign-Up for Newsletters
Retailers like PGA Tour Superstore and Golf Galaxy have e-newsletters that often have special promotions for subscribers. Sign up to get notified when clubs, clothes or shoes go on sale. And of course, when you’re shopping in-store be sure to search on the sale or clearance racks.