Golf and Education: Helping Young Golfers Enjoy, Focus and Grow

Supporting schoolboys and schoolgirls in their golf, learning and family life.

By Dennis J. Smith, M.Ed., author of Your Dynamic Golf Mind and former Housemaster and Head of Pastoral Care

A well-struck shot, a putt that finally drops, a laugh with friends on the fairway: these are the moments that can make golf such a pleasure for young people.

For boys and girls discovering the game, enjoyment should be at the heart of the experience. Some may dream of playing competitively. Others simply enjoy being outdoors, learning something new and spending time with friends or family. There is room for all of them.

As parents, we can encourage ambition while remembering that a child’s score is only one small part of what they gain from playing.

My interest in the mental side of golf led me to write Your Dynamic Golf Mind. Alongside my background in education and pastoral care, that interest has shaped my belief in the value of encouragement, concentration and helping young people enjoy their learning.

One shot at a time

Golf gives young players opportunities to practise concentrating on the task in front of them. They choose a target, consider their shot and give it their attention.

The previous shot may have gone badly. The next hole may look difficult. But the useful question is: “What can I do with this shot?”

There is a gentle connection here with education. A difficult homework task or examination paper can feel overwhelming when a child thinks about everything at once. Taking one question, one paragraph or one manageable step at a time can make it easier to begin.

On the course and in the classroom, young people need encouragement to return their attention to what they can do now.

Enjoying the moment

Sometimes a young golfer becomes absorbed in the game: looking towards the flag, feeling the swing and enjoying the challenge without worrying constantly about the final score.

This sense of being fully involved is often described as “flow”. We cannot demand it from a child, but we can give them room to enjoy playing without commenting on every movement or mistake.

A relaxed round with friends can be valuable in its own right. Golf does not have to become another examination.

Learning to start again

Every golfer makes mistakes. A ball finds a bunker, a short putt misses or a promising shot takes an unexpected bounce.

These moments offer opportunities to practise patience and recovery. A disappointing shot does not have to spoil the next one—or the rest of the afternoon.

Children encounter similar feelings at school. They may receive a mark below their expectations, struggle with a topic or feel disappointed after putting in considerable effort.

A helpful adult response is calm and encouraging: “That was difficult. What might help next time?”

Children need to know that mistakes are part of learning and that one result does not define their ability or their worth.

Discipline with a purpose

Golf asks players to wait their turn, practise, make decisions and take responsibility for their actions. It also encourages honesty, courtesy and consideration for other people using the course.

Keeping an honest score, caring for the course and showing respect to a playing partner matter alongside developing a good swing.

Practice can help children understand that progress often comes gradually. A small improvement deserves recognition, even when there is still plenty to learn.

Discipline works best when a young person has a reason to return. Enjoyment, friendship and a sense of progress can make practice something they want to do.

Making room for school and golf

For aspiring young golfers, balancing education and sport need not mean filling every spare hour.

A manageable routine can make room for schoolwork, practice, rest and family life. During busy school periods, that routine may need adjusting. A shorter practice session may sometimes be more helpful than a long session squeezed into an already tiring day.

Golf can offer a welcome change of pace after studying: time outdoors, movement and the pleasure of doing something different.

Parents can help by showing interest in both parts of their child’s life. Ask what they enjoyed learning at school as well as what happened on the course. Notice effort, curiosity and kindness alongside scores and results.

Encouragement from parents

After a round, “Did you enjoy it?” can be a better opening than “What did you score?”

You might also ask:

• What was your favourite moment?

• Was there a shot you felt pleased with?

• What did you learn today?

• Would you like to play again?

These questions give children space to talk about their experience. They also show that our interest in them extends beyond performance.

Playing together can provide valuable family time. There is room between shots to talk, listen, laugh and enjoy each other’s company.

Every young golfer can gain something

Competition can be exciting, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to do well. But there can only be one winner in a competition, while every participant can take something worthwhile away.

One child may discover greater confidence. Another may enjoy a new friendship. Someone else may feel proud of staying calm after a difficult hole or simply hitting their best shot of the day.

For young boys and girls, the connection between golf and education lies in these opportunities to practise attention, patience, responsibility and perseverance—while still having fun.

Whether a child hopes to become an accomplished competitive golfer or simply loves an afternoon on the course, our encouragement can help them enjoy the journey.

Enjoy the game. Value the learning. Take it one shot at a time.

Through Sport Study Success UK, I also offer free articles and resources for parents supporting their children’s education and interests. These include the quarterly Family Success Journals, exploring education and family life, with practical ideas on confidence, learning, routines and growing up.

Explore the journals and further articles at SportStudySuccess.co.uk.