1. Pick a resort that’s youth golf-friendly.
When you step into a golf course pro shop and see only adult clubs and apparel, that’s a bad sign. A kid-friendly golf course will have kids’ clubs lining the walls, and even better yet: rentals. Think this is only the case at less luxurious nine-hole courses? Not so. Our favorite golf resort, Brasada Ranch, offers a course for the most sophisticated golfer, and yet staff members still smile when kids come in the door of the pro shop. It’s no surprise to me that Brasada Ranch is pro-youth golfer: this Preferred Hotel is a designated Preferred Family location, which means it offers kid-friendly perks on and off the links. We were able to play nine holes instead of 18 with our kids (not usually allowed for adults on the course), and the starter took extra care to time our start when no one would be crowding us.
Likewise, the Coeur d’ Alene Resort in scenic Idaho appeals to kids because of its fun floating green on Lake Coeur d’ Alene, but parents will get more excited that kids golf free. Better yet: sign up for Preferred Hotel Group’s point-based reward program like we have, and Mom and Dad can golf with the kids this time around, and return later on points for a couples’ day on the links. This option extends further than Idaho: to find the best family friendly golf property that’s included in iPrefer, start at PreferredFamily.com/iPrefer. Win-win.
2. Opt for a twilight tee time.
Every golf resort has a least desirable time of day to be on the links; the key is to find out when that is, and book a tee time. Often, twilight tee times are least desirable, as the light gets bad, but depending on the resort location, the least desirable time could be mid-day or late afternoon. If you’re golfing in Palm Springs in summer, of instance, the courses are empty at 3 pm. Golfing at low-crowd periods ensures kids can golf at their own pace, and parents don’t need to worry about backing up pairs behind them. Another perk: twilight tee times are often discounted.
3. Play every other hole with young kids and beginners.
If you’re golfing with a beginner, let the starter know. If you’re indeed at a kid-friendly course, he or she will be able to offer suggestions of holes to pass up. Skipping a hole or two is a good strategy to implement when parents start to notice groups waiting for them to finish each hole, or when kids begin to wilt. Our kids are now tweens, and they’ve yet to finish 18 holes at one time.
4. Try a golf academy or kids’ camp.
If you have a serious golfer in your midst, consider finding a golf destination offering a PGA Tour Academy lesson. We had an amazing experience in Central Oregon with the PGA Academy, where our golf swing was recorded on video and we were instructed by the best. If you’re not ready to go pro, look for a resort with a kids’ camp that includes golf. We’ve enjoyed kids’ camp experiences that take kids to the driving range for a one-on-one lesson with the golf pro after-hours.
