Gearing Up the Next Generation: Junior Golf Essentials

So much has been said lately about growing the game and while a lot of that refers to getting clubs in the hands of those who previously wouldn’t have thought of playing golf, both male and female, it’s just as important to make the game as attractive to juniors as possible. Whether that means relaxing dress codes or introducing youngsters to the game through innovative, accessible formats like Topgolf and other of the best golf simulator systems.

Getting junior golfers the right equipment is one of the most critical things to ensure they have a positive first experience. Golf is one of the hardest sports and you hear so many adults say “they wish they took the game up sooner”. Ingraining the right movements in the golf swing and developing hand-eye coordination as a junior is vital, as doing so as an adult can be far more difficult.

Having the right clubs ensures they stay clear of unnecessary injuries and engraining bad swing mechanics. With ever-changing height choosing the right clubs for a junior golfer can be a daunting task. While some brands will recommend golf clubs based on an age range, this is really subjective as kids grow at different rates and hit growth spurts at different ages. U.S Kids color-code their package sets for juniors based on certain height ranges. These charts can be found online as well as in local stockists.

Many professional shops at golf clubs lack junior golf equipment, meaning parents have to shop online, gambling on the sizing of both clubs and apparel. The PGA TOUR Superstore is a store determined to see junior golfers enjoy the game and excel in the sport, providing a wide range of tailored junior golf clubs and clothing, so they can look like their favorite player the next time they hit the course.

While getting a junior fitted and having lessons at PGA TOUR Superstore is a great way to go about getting your junior golfer into new clubs or alternatively, progressing their game, there are a few things worth taking note of when purchasing a new set of clubs for a junior golfer.

In order to see the progress in the game, the use of correct equipment is vital. While juniors may want some of the best drivers on the market because their hero might use it, package sets are a great way to go until they have fully developed. These junior package sets have lighter heads and shorter shafts with smaller grips, all designed to aid the junior golfer and help them swing the club correctly. The likes of the Team TaylorMade junior golf set allows golfers to still use one of their favorite brands and it even comes with a stylish junior stand bag.

Don’t be put off purchasing these junior package sets just because some of them may offer less clubs. To begin with, juniors don’t need 14 clubs in their bag. The Ping Prodi G junior golf clubs are available in 5 and 7 club package options - more than enough club choice for a junior golfer to get around the course. Plus you also get a free re-sizing should you purchase the minimum number of clubs, enhancing value for money through added longevity.

Having a putter, wedge, 9-iron, 7-iron, hybrid and driver would be a great place to start if you choose to not go down the package set route, this allows for good versatility within the bag. Not only does this make their golf bag lighter and easier to carry, it also can improve their shot-making capabilities by having to hit a certain club a little softer or harder depending on the shot they face.

The emphasis on adults being properly custom-fitted is often talked about, yet passing hand-me-downs on to junior golfers is widely accepted. There’s no denying it can save money but you could seriously jeopardize a child's ability to progress, enjoy their first experience in the game and even risk injury. Cutting down clubs is fine to get kids swinging a golf club initially but as soon as interest is shown, you’ll want to purchase some clubs correctly built for juniors. 

Cutting down shafts will make them actually play stiffer than how they were designed, so despite being shorter and junior length, they will often be far too stern for a junior to get any action from. When the club is too stiff or heavy, getting the ball in the air will become an issue. The same applies to what type of clubhead you give the junior golfer. While you may think cut down bladed irons will get them playing better, quicker, as they have to find the center of the clubface, the likelihood is they will struggle and would be far better off with one of the most forgiving irons that possess technology to help get the ball airborne.

While it may seem hard work keeping up with a junior golfer's ever-changing body and golf swing, they will reap the benefits in the long run. Be sure to be vigilant when on the golf course with them and take on any club advice from PGA professionals if they take lessons. As they get older, taller and stronger, their equipment needs will change - so keep in regular contact with experts. 

When you think your child's clubs may have become unsuitable, getting a full custom fitting at somewhere like the PGA TOUR Superstore is a great opportunity for your junior to try different brands and heads and along with the expert fitter, create a set of clubs they are likely to use for a large part of their golfing journey.