Going to be a Dad!

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By Bentron

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  • 9 Replies
  1. Bentron

    Bentron
    Fort Worth, Tx

    I'm going to be a dad! found out my wife and I are having a son and cant wait to have a new golf partner! Any one have any good advice on how to teach my son to enjoy the greatest gam eon earth down the road?

  2. Jon T

    Jon T
    Iowa City / Cedar Rapids, Iowa

    Military
    Congrats! First piece of unsolicited advice: don't open your mouth while holding your kid over your head. Trust me.

    With any sport - don't shove it down their throat! Take them along with you and make it about spending time with each other, the interest in the game is secondary and may or may not develop. Offer help when it's needed, and don't offer too much.

    I was a pretty good high school baseball player, and when we had our first son in 2009 I was pumped to show him the way and turn him into a better "me". Turns out he likes math and video games a lot more than the actual sport outside of being social with friends. I tried to coach him when he didn't want coached, and when told me he didn't want to play anymore when he was 8 it broke my heart. I backed off with my urgings and he took it up again at 10; I was fortunate to be able to coach him until he aged out this last summer at 14.

    Cherish the time you have together no matter where it is. One day you'll be smelling new baby hair, the next day you'll be celebrating a 3rd birthday, and the following you'll walk into the basement to discover your high school son with three of his friends lighting farts on fire. Time flies. Enjoy it.
  3. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    First ask yourself. "Do I want him to play because I want a playing partner, or because he has an interest?" Children change their minds so many times when they are young trying to decide on a sport. Give him the opportunity to play many sports and equal encouragement. Ask him if would like to learn to play golf? When he gets old enough, enroll him in summer camps with qualified teaching pros. This will see if he is really interested in the game and he can learn with others his age. A lot of parents want to teach their children the game of golf, but there is more to golf then learning to hit the golf ball. Golf etiquette, rules, etc.....these are things that are left out. These summer camps will teach them these things. Also if he really likes the game, then take him to the next level, a teaching pro who can instruct him in the basics and build him a good foundation that will last hime a lifetime. He will become a good golfer, not just a weekender like most of us on here. Let the teachers teach and you can be a good father, encourage him, enjoy the game with your son and watch him beat you. Best advice I can offer at the age of 77. With respect. =)
  4. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Oh, forgot. Congratulations on the new addition to the family. Never had a son. Had a wild and crazy daughter, who lives in Texas, where her mom and step dad live, and thinks she can pick up golf club and hit it 300 yards. Tried to explain it just does not happen. She is now 53 and still never been on a golf course. Girls!!!!!!!!????????
  5. Manny A

    Manny A
    Staten Island, NY

    Military
    That's terrific!!! Just give him a club and let him enjoy the walk with dad.!
  6. James Young

    James Young
    Costa Mesa, CA

    Congratulations!! Lots to look forward to.
    It took 13 years, but my son is finally embracing the game. He was in group lessons with friends but was firm that he didn't want to compete/play competitions. The last 2 years we've walked 9 holes during summer afternoons (no school) for 'Boy Time'. We don't keep score and he plays 2 balls only if it doesn't hold anyone up. Chipping in for birdie twice in the same round remains his greatest memory.
    Over the years, I've tried to make 'Boy Time' special with many different activities, thankfully time on the course continues.

    Enjoy the journey!
  7. First off congratulation! I hope you and your son have many fond memories on the golf course. I remember when I took my son golfing for the first time. He was around 6. The course was a par 3. He was so excited, he hit one of his shots onto an adjacent hole and took off running over to hit his next shot before I could stop him. Golfer on that hole was upset about him doing that, I just said his excitement got the best of him, and to be understanding. It was a day I'll never forget. The sad part was that was one of the last days we would spent together on a golf course. Shortly after, his mom and I would get divorced, and I ended up moving to a different state because of a work transfer. He never took up this wonderful game, but sometimes think if I would have declined that transfer, he just may have.
  8. Abdon M

    Abdon M
    Northern California (because it's a big state)

    Congratulations! It's going to be an awesome adventure for you and your wife. My wife and I exposed the game of golf to our kids early in life; both of us are avid golfers. If you have the opportunity to belong to a club, many will have excellent youth programs which are geared towards a fun experience for the kids.
  9. Military
    Congratulations! There is nothing like being a father and your life will never be the same, in a good way. I can’t even remember what life was like before my little one came along. The biggest thing that I have had to work on is patience and enjoy the ride!
  10. My grandpa introduced me to the game - the love of the game comes from the experience. It’s not the score it’s not the round. It’s the moments the atmosphere, etc. once you find the pure love of the game for a game then it becomes more. You hit that perfect shot or nail that ship or putt and the fire grows. It’s a game first and let the competition fire grow naturally. I would prolly pay for a few lessons to for him/her because by six they will know more anyways then you.

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