It’s no secret Jack Nicklaus holds the all-time record for winning 18 majors, but what’s his secret for introducing kids to golf that sports psychologists say involves science.
“When people would ask me what the right age is to introduce a child to the game of golf, I used to joke that the right age is when a boy or girl can play three holes without chasing frogs,” Nicklaus joked when he talked with ‘The Golfer’s Journal.’ “But seriously, it doesn’t matter the age as much as how you introduce a child to golf. You have to make it fun for them and just as important, let them have fun golfing with other kids.” Nicklaus added.
THE SCIENCE OF INTRINSIC MOTIVATION IS “FASCINATING”
“Introducing kids to golf with fun, rather than immediate technical instruction, builds their intrinsic motivation, which is the internal desire to do something because it feels satisfying or meaningful,” according to Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine Psychologist Dr. Matthew Sacco. “It’s especially fascinating with children because when they experience joy, curiosity, and connection during an activity, their brain releases dopamine, which strengthens positive emotional associations with that environment. In turn, this increases the likelihood they’ll want to return to the golf course instead of feeling like they must,” Sacco added.
Nicklaus says let the child decide if they want to keep golfing. “Once they have the opportunity to enjoy the game with family and friends, a child will determine what they want to do. They will tell you whether they want to continue playing or not. You should not be the one telling them,” Nicklaus recommends.
DRIVING HOME THE POINT OF NATURE AND GOLF
“Kids also benefit from the physical activity, fresh air and wildlife golf courses have to offer, which are so important today as they need a break from phones and tablets,” says Barry Friedman, PGA Master Professional at ‘Valley of The Eagles,” a Nicklaus Design in Ohio.
Nicklaus agrees, “Yes, the physical aspect of golf and connecting with nature is important. Those are reasons why I became passionate about golf course design, so I could create beautiful places where people can enjoy the game with the company of others, but also enjoy the natural beauty of the course and the experience.” His passion for this topic continued, “It’s the same with other sports. Let them have fun, enjoy that sport, and then ask them if they want to learn more or take lessons from a pro or a coach. They will then tell you whether they want to be a golfer, a tennis player, a football player, or what sport they are truly interested in, but let them make that decision.”
PRESSURE TO PERFORM CAN LEAD TO A ‘FIGHT OR FLIGHT’ RESPONSE
“When the early experiences of golf are dominated by instruction, correction, and pressure to perform, the activity can shift from play to evaluation, Sacco said. “For many children it triggers a physiological stress response called “fight or flight,” which elevates heart rate, muscle tension, and decreases focus. This makes learning almost any new skill more difficult, including new motor skills,” according to Sacco.
Nicklaus added this, “I don’t know the particular science behind it, but I totally agree,” Nicklaus said. “It has to be fun for the kids, or it’s unlikely they will stay in the game or come back to it. I also think that having fun should extend well beyond childhood. Yes, I have always loved competition, and golf was my vehicle to competition, but golf is still a game. And with any game, it needs to be fun.” Nicklaus said.
Nicklaus’s passion for how to introduce kids to golf applies to all sports, he says. “It’s the same with other sports. Let them have fun, enjoy that sport, and then ask them if they want to learn more or take lessons from a pro or a coach. They will then tell you whether they want to be a golfer, a tennis player, a football player, or what sport they are truly interested in, but let them make that decision.”
“TREAT THE PUTTING GREENS LIKE A PUPPY”
As I write this story, I’m smiling as I think about the first time I took my daughter Olivia golfing when she was five-years-old. I told her to be gentle on the greens and to treat the putting greens like a puppy. She petted the green and smiled. She got it and she’s also a silly bird. I think of the day when she’ll introduce her own kids to golf by focusing on fun then skill.
“When kids fall in love with the sport first, skills come later, but they’re more likely to want to learn the skills,” says Dr. Drew Duerson and Master of Physical Therapy William Rice with Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Golf Medicine Department, in Nicklaus’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Both medical experts collaborated on their answers. “Golfing while surrounded by nature helps a child’s well being, how to regulate emotions, and golf is one of the only sports that allows adults and children to play together, making it a great bonding activity for families.”
PGA Professional and golf instructor Kevin Moore says, “I found with my students and my own kids that you start them off golfing by letting them do what comes naturally and then you work on fundamentals and watch their interest grow.” Moore is Director of Golf at Sweetbriar Golf Course near Cleveland, Ohio.
NATIONALLY RENOWNED T3 TRAINING HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS FACILITY WEIGHS IN
Like with my daughter Olivia, I also fondly remember the first time my dad took me golfing. I was eight-years-old. My dad gave me little instruction as he made golfing about big fun, including a putting “competition” between us. After golf, we sat on the creaky porch of the old clubhouse. We had a salty hot dog, and a cold root beer. The next day I said to my dad, let’s go golfing! I fell in love with golf. Eventually, he shared golf tips, rules, and golf etiquette with a focus on fun.
Back to that day, my dad and I golfed together for the first time. As we walked across the gravel parking lot to put our clubs in the trunk of his car, I heard a steady drum beat coming from an old oak tree. Then, I saw it…the most beautiful red and blue woodpecker. As the years went by, my dad and I would sit together on that shady porch at the course having a hot dog, now, it was cold beers, and watch gorgeous woodpeckers make a home for their family.
NICKLAUS OFFERS THIS LASTING WISDOM
“One of the many reasons why I became passionate about golf course design was to create beautiful places where people could not only enjoy the game and the company of others, but could enjoy the natural beauty of the course and the experience,” Nicklaus said. “Yet, in the end, the most beautiful aspect is when you walk away from a day of having fun on a golf course.”
Paul Kiska
Paul Kiska is a longtime TV sports and news reporter, who now writes freelance articles locally in his hometown of Cleveland, and for national publications. He is also a husband, father, and his golf goal is to break 80 from the tips, but he quit playing the tips years ago.