**THIS IS A GUEST POST. The opinions expressed are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect my own.
While most children take naturally to team sports like football, baseball, and lacrosse, many underestimate the developmental benefits of quieter activities like golf. Not to mention, they make for excellent opportunities for family bonding.
If your child is of sporting age, here are five underrated life lessons they can learn from the art of golf. Be sure to check out The Left Rough for some your golf equipment needs.
Patience
Whether amateur or professional, even adult golfers can grow impatient with clumsy swings or challenging holes. Golf is a characteristically slow sport, which provides ample opportunity to teach a child the fundamentals of patience.
While a typical game takes up to four hours, even two—or one—can put finicky children in a funk. Still, you can’t underestimate the value of waiting—it’ll do your children good in the future.
Safety
Because it doesn’t involve contact or speed, many players tend to overlook the precautions that come with learning to golf. Let’s face it; your child isn’t going to be on their toes, dashing from point to point—but they will have to navigate the unexpected dangers of golf clubs.
Practice swings aren’t as easy as they appear. Approach it clumsily and your child could end up with pulled muscles, or worse—stitches.
There are more to this sport’s safety measures than you might anticipate. Children will have to be aware of the space around them so as not to come into contact with other players. Other hazards include golf carts and flying golf balls.
Focus
If there is an aspect of human nature that golf tends to test, it’s the focus. We, as parents, all know the horrors of a fussy child who can’t seem to keep their mind on one thing at a time. As such, golf can do wonders for improving your child’s mental and emotional concentration.
Unlike other sports, golf doesn’t demand multitasking. On every tee, it is simply you and the ball. By introducing your child to the sport in their early years, they can learn to silence their inner critic, and get back into the game with clear, focused intentions.
Perseverance
Some children are natural athletes. Others are late bloomers. Whatever the case, golf requires practice, persistence, and perseverance.
While this tranquil sport may appear less challenging than high-energy activities like badminton, swimming, or kickball, it is by no means easy to master. Rarely does anyone achieve master status in a single swing?
To truly perfect the sport, it’s important to practice resilience—and, of course, the art of golf itself.
Etiquette
Golf isn’t pegged a “gentleman’s game” for nothing. The sport adheres to a plethora of rules and regulations, with etiquette at the top of any golfer’s list of priorities.
From dress codes to tee times, golf demands high levels of respect, sportsmanship, and graciousness. By getting to know the ups and downs of this elite sport, you can expect your child to become far more mindful of others than their peers.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to golf, there is an endless list of positive takeaways. Integrate it into your child’s developmental years and they can benefit in every aspect—from communication to respect and problem-solving to learning how to accept the seemingly unacceptable.
On top of other at-home learning activities for your child, golf is an outdoor sport that can make a significant impact on their future.
About the Author
Jordan is a retired golf player and mentor who continues to share his appreciation for the sport through Golf Influence. He aims to provide accessible resources for rookies and veterans alike.