Golf is such a wonderful game to teach your kids. It teaches them the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, self-confidence and so much more. Despite the advantages, like most sports, golf is expensive. High-end junior golf sets can cost upwards of $2,000, and when coupled with a course membership, lessons, clothing, you’re talking a good chunk of change. The cost of the game has alienated many youngsters from joining, and this trend is a scary one. Nationally, we’re seeing a significant drop in new golfers joining the game. This year though, there’s hope.
This year, getting your little one into the game has never been easier (or cheaper). Across the continent there are hundreds of courses offering Free Golf For Kids this summer. And we’re not talking your crappy neighborhood cow-pasture golf course either. Courses throughout Canada, Myrtle Beach and even some in Hawaii are all on-board.
Here’s the details on the various programs out there:
Canada
In Canada, there’s a program called “Take a Kid to the Course“. The program only runs for a week from July 4th – 10th this summer. In addition to free golf with a paying adult, many courses are also offering junior clinics, free range balls, rentals and even parent/child tournaments. Yes, this program is only available for a week, but it’s a start – with well over 300 courses participating, there’s like a course near you that’s involved (assuming you’re Canadian). Find out more information at the link above – don’t miss out!
USA
If you’re an avid golfer yourself, you’re going to love this next part. Two of the most spectacular golf destinations in the USA are also jumping on board with this Kids Play Free deal, and it’s running this entire summer. Golf vacation anyone?
Here’s the details:
Myrtle Beach
Kids play free in Myrtle Beach when accompanied by a paid adult from May 23rd to September 7th, 2011. Kids are free Monday-Thursday after 12pm, and all day Friday-Sunday. With over 60 courses to choose from, there are definitely some Myrtle Beach tee times with your names on them.
The quality of courses you get to play are worth shaking a 7-iron too – 8 of the top 10 courses in Myrtle Beach (as ranked by Golf Digest) are offering this awesome deal. For the full list, visit the link below – there’s never been a better time to take advantage of some of the best golf courses this game has to offer.
http://www.mbn.com/article.cfm?linkid=46
Hawaii
Who doesn’t love a Hawaiian getaway? The warm weather, the beach, the sand, the ocean… and now free golf! There’s a couple of Hawaiian courses offering free golf to kids, both on the island of Kauai – the details are below:
The Puakea Golf Club on the island of Kauai is ranked as No. 16 on the 2010 Golf Magazine’s list of Best Courses You Can Play. This particular course also served as a back-drop for the hit movie Jurassic Park! From June 1st, to Sept 31st, 2011, kids aged 7-17, accompanied with a paying adult get to play free, any day of the week.
The Princeville Makai Golf club is offering a similar deal. Kids aged 6-15 can jump on for free with a paying adult this summer, and even enjoy complimentary Callaway rental clubs (another $55 value). Teens aged 16-17 can also enjoy 50% off green fees when with a paying adult as well. If you want to experience Hawaii golfing at it’s best, now is the time to go!
For avid golf enthusiasts like me, this is really nice to see – so please take advantage of this great opportunity while it lasts and get your kids out to enjoy this wonderful game!
Did we miss some great, free golf programs for youngsters? Share the details in the comments below so people can take advantage!