Young Golfer: Essential Skills & Tips to Get on the Green
If you’re under 18 and want to swing like the pros, you don’t need a magic formula – just a clear plan and a bit of patience. Below you’ll find the basics that every young golfer should know, plus practical steps you can start using today.
Core Skills Every Young Golfer Should Master
Grip and stance. The way you hold the club and stand matters more than any fancy gear. Keep your grip neutral – not too tight, not too loose – and line your feet shoulder‑width apart. A solid stance gives you balance and lets you rotate smoothly during the swing.
Short game focus. Putting, chipping, and pitching make up about 80% of your total strokes. Spend at least half of every practice session on the short game. Set up a simple drill: place a ball three feet from the hole, try to make ten consecutive putts, then move back another three feet.
Consistent tempo. Think of a golf swing as a rhythm. Start slow, accelerate through impact, and finish with a relaxed follow‑through. A metronome app or the beat of a song can help you keep a steady tempo.
Physical basics. You don’t need to be a bodybuilder, but core strength and flexibility improve stability. Simple exercises like planks, hip bridges, and dynamic stretches before a round keep your body ready for the swing.
Mindset and routine. Young players often get nervous on the first tee. Build a pre‑shot routine – a few deep breaths, visualise the shot, then commit. Repeating this routine every time steadies nerves and improves focus.
Getting Comfortable on the Golf Course
Learn the layout. Before you tee off, walk the course or study a map. Know where the hazards are, where the fairways narrow, and where the best landing zones sit. Understanding the hole helps you choose the right club before you even swing.
Club selection made simple. As a young golfer, you probably have a limited bag. Stick to a driver, a 5‑iron, a wedge, and a putter. Use the driver only on long, straight holes, the iron on medium distances, and the wedge for approach shots within 100 yards.
Practice rounds. Schedule at least one practice round each month where you focus on playing, not just hitting balls at the range. Treat it like a real game: keep score, follow the course rules, and respect the pace of play.
Ask for feedback. Coaches, senior players, or even a good video of your swing can show you tiny mistakes you can’t feel. A quick tip – check that your shoulders stay level during the backswing; many beginners lift a shoulder and lose power.
Finally, remember that improvement is a series of small wins. Celebrate hitting your first fairway, sinking a 10‑foot putt, or simply finishing a round without a penalty. Those moments stack up and turn a casual teen into a confident golfer.
Keep training, stay curious, and enjoy every round. The green is waiting for the next generation of talent – and that could be you.
