Junior golf is gaining a lot of attention these days. As adults begin to recognize the social and business benefits of golf, they also begin to feel the need to prepare their child properly for a lifelong relationship with the game. Parents are also aware of the increased number of college golf scholarships available and want their child to enjoy the rewards and self-confidence that go along with them.

Today’s child expects instant gratification. If they feel like a failure after one or two trips to the golf course, they may give up before they’ve really started. It is important to bring them along gradually and not push them too hard or expect too much. It’s probably best to take them to a vacant soccer field, give them a club and a bucket of balls, then go sit on the sidelines until they wear themselves out. At this point in their development, the important thing is that it is a fun activity. They have plenty of time to work on technique and accuracy. For their first experience, let them have the joy of whacking the next ball ten feet further than they whacked the last ball. The next time out, you can gradually introduce them to basic techniques, such as proper grip, stance and backswing. As they see the positive results of these initial instructions, they will be more willing to accept more advanced instruction later.

Even though the goal of their first attempts is to have fun and lose any initial fears or timidity toward the game, proper equipment from the start is absolutely essential. Junior golfers can use adult clubs by "choking up" on the grips, but the result may be so awkward and uncomfortable that success is not very likely and they may just give up in frustration.

Many golf club manufacturers are now producing golf club sets designed specifically for junior golfers. Young golfers need golf clubs that are not only shorter and lighter, but also designed to have the proper amount of flex in the shaft. When selecting a golf club set for the junior golfer, make sure that things such as grip size, clubhead weight, shaft flex and age-appropriate length are all taken into consideration.

Golf club sets are made specifically for children as young as 2 years old. The Snoopy Junior Golf Club Set from La Jolla is available as a White Set for ages 2 - 4 and a Red Set for ages 4 - 7. Both sets include a wood, an iron, a putter and a matching Snoopy Junior Stand Bag. Cleveland Junior Series Golf Sets come in 3 sizes for children aged 3 thru 12. Each set is weighted and sized to accommodate the height and typical swing speeds of younger golfers. For children aged 6 thru 12, the La Jolla Junior Golf Club Sets are available in 3 different lengths. These clubs look like adult's clubs and feature oversize heads and "Super-Flex" shafts. NIKE Junior Golf Clubs also come in 3 sizes geared to the child's height, from under 50" to 66". Each set moves the child one step closer to the clubs they will use as adults.

Even though juniors will outgrow their first set of golf clubs in a couple of years, the skills they learn now, using the proper equipment, will stay with them for a lifetime.