1. Let them call the shots. Learning the correct grip may be fundamental, but to a fertile, inquisitive mind, the grip can be drudgery. Let them explore the game on their own at the outset.

 

2. Do more "playing" than teaching. The lesson should not last longer than 30 minutes. Furthermore, the 30 minutes should be broken down into 10 minutes of actual teaching and 20 minutes of playing.

 

3. Share the joy. Enthusiasm and excitement, felt and expressed without restraint, increases the child's desire to please, learn and excel (a 1-minute puppet show with the headcovers doesn't hurt either).

 

4. Communicate on their level. Don't stand when you talk; kneel down and look the child in the eye. Rather than say "wide arc," say "big circle." Instead of challenging them to make a "descending blow," ask them to "thump the ground." Children must comprehend an idea before they can execute it.

 

5. Tee it up in more ways than one. To establish an early pattern of success, tee the ball on every shot with every club. Be ready to help at every turn.

 

6. Visual is better than verbal. Don't explain the point, show it.

 

7. Safety first, last and always. Keep the child in your line of sight at all times. Kids don't drive the cart. They don't sit alone on the passenger side. They sit right next to you or on your lap.

 

8. There is no such thing as criticism. In a child's simplistic world, events are classified as either "fun" or "not fun." Criticism is not fun. If they hit a good shot, you say, "Good shot." If they hit a bad shot, you say, "Good swing."

 

9. Think of creative ways to teach technique. Little kids don't have the strength, balance or mass to swing the club like an adult. A little creativity will help overcome these issues.

 

10. Make a big deal out of the short game. Never walk past the practice green with a child. Walk on it, then use it. Heighten the child's curiosity about this vital part of the game, and then let the child pursue it.

Source: Golf Digest