Hit the Links with Your Loved Ones during Family Golf Month
Looking for a family activity that involves fresh air, moderate exercise and ample opportunity for fun and fellowship? How about making a tee time at your local golf course! The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America has officially named July as “National Family Golf Month.” Check with your local links to see if they offer reduced greens fees, group lessons or other special events for golfers of all skill levels.
The Origins of Family Golf Month
The PGA developed the concept of Family Golf Month as an extension of a charity event held a number of years ago. Officials saw that many families came out together and found that the experience of playing golf together brought them closer together. It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by just about everyone and there’s plenty of time to talk while you’re traversing 9 or 18 holes.
What You Can Expect from Many Golf Courses during Family Golf Month
The PGA has put together a blueprint for member courses to use to provide the best experience for families during July. That includes:
- Family golf clinics—These are typically one to two hours long, and usually on weekends or in the evening, when families are most available. They are typically led by PGA or LPGA-certified professionals and generally at no cost to participants
- Orientation to the club—Participating courses will typically offer a tour of the grounds and show families how to do all the things available at the club, such as where to leave their golf bags, how to reserve a tee time, where to get range balls, where the practice areas are, and where the 1st and 10th tees are located. Participants also learn basic golf etiquette.
- Golf instruction—The PGA offers the “First Swing” program, with mentors and instructional offerings on all aspects of the game, from driving to pitching to putting
- Skills contests—Many courses offer fun events, such as “beat-the-parents” competitions, where younger golfers get to take on mom or dad (with a handicap, of course)
- Family golf play days—Many courses will designate one day during the month as “Family Golf Day,” with a wide range of activities geared to golfers of all ages.
