Discover how golf positively impacts your child’s cognitive and physical development
When you think of kids’ sports, golf might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Football, swimming, gymnastics—these are often seen as the go-to options for getting children active and engaged. But golf? Isn’t that a sport for adults in polo shirts and visors?
At Tiny Tekkers, we’re here to challenge that thinking.
Golf is brilliant for children. In fact, it’s a hidden gem when it comes to supporting a child’s overall development—both mentally and physically. It’s not just about hitting balls into holes; it’s about focus, patience, coordination, and self-confidence. And in a world that often feels fast and frantic, golf offers a moment of calm, concentration and growth.
So whether your child has tried golf before or it’s never crossed your radar, this blog will show you why golf deserves a place in their sporting journey.
1. Golf builds focus and patience
In today’s world of fast-scrolling, on-demand everything, attention spans are shrinking. For children especially, the ability to focus on one task for more than a few minutes is becoming increasingly rare.
Golf is the antidote.
Every shot in golf requires thought, planning and stillness. Children learn to visualise where they want the ball to go, to focus on their posture, and to regulate their breathing—all before even taking a swing. It’s a sport that rewards patience, not speed. And as they practise this over time, they develop mental stamina that supports them in the classroom, at home and beyond.
What this means for your child:
- Improved concentration at school
- Greater self-discipline and control
- Better ability to manage frustration
2. It strengthens gross and fine motor skills
You might be surprised to learn just how physically demanding golf is for young children. It’s a sport that develops both gross motor skills (big movements like swinging and walking) and fine motor skills (precise actions like gripping the club and lining up a putt).
At Tiny Tekkers, we focus on age-appropriate drills that help children improve balance, posture, and coordination—all through golf-inspired play and practice. For younger children, learning how to swing safely helps build strength and control. For older kids, adjusting grip, angle and movement becomes a fine-tuned process that supports physical literacy in a completely different way to team sports.
The physical benefits:
- Increased hand-eye coordination
- Core stability and balance
- Strength and flexibility in key muscle groups
3. Golf supports emotional resilience
Let’s be honest: golf can be frustrating. One swing goes perfectly, the next… not so much. But that’s actually one of the reasons it’s such a powerful tool for developing emotional resilience in kids.
In golf, children learn that mistakes are part of the game. They have to bounce back after a missed shot and try again with a clear head. They learn that improvement comes through practice, and that not everything will go their way every time.
This builds a mindset of perseverance and a healthy relationship with challenge—hugely valuable skills that extend into all areas of life.
Life skills gained:
- Emotional regulation
- Growth mindset
- Confidence in overcoming setbacks
4. It’s a sport that values independence and connection
Unlike many team sports, golf is largely individual. But that doesn’t mean it’s isolating—quite the opposite.
Children learn to rely on themselves, but they also benefit from the support of coaches, the encouragement of friends, and the shared joy of progress. Golf teaches kids how to manage their own performance, but also how to cheer on others, show sportsmanship, and connect over a shared experience.
Plus, golf is one of the few sports where parents can genuinely play alongside their children at any age. It’s a brilliant way to bond, spend quality time outdoors, and share in your child’s development—whether it’s their first mini putt or their hundredth drive.
Social and emotional benefits:
- A sense of autonomy and ownership
- Positive peer interaction
- Opportunities for family bonding
5. Golf is inclusive and accessible for all abilities
Because it isn’t built around speed or strength, golf levels the playing field for children of all abilities. Whether your child is naturally sporty or tends to shy away from traditional PE, golf offers a low-pressure, highly adaptable way to stay active.
At Tiny Tekkers, we tailor our golf sessions to be fun, non-competitive and accessible—introducing children to the fundamentals in a way that suits their pace, personality and needs. Golf gives every child a chance to shine, whether they’re quietly focused or full of beans.
Ideal for:
- Children who prefer solo activities
- Those with additional needs
- Kids exploring different sports for the first time
6. It nurtures a love of the outdoors
Let’s not underestimate the simple power of being outside. In a screen-filled world, golf offers a reason to step into nature, feel the sun (or even the rain!) on your face, and enjoy fresh air and open spaces.
Many golf courses are set in beautiful environments that encourage mindfulness, observation and appreciation of the world around us. For children, this connection to nature can help with mood, mental health and even sleep quality.
And even though we have access to one at Lindfield Golf Club, you don’t need a full 18-hole course to benefit. At Tiny Tekkers, we bring the outdoors into our Golf Camps that give kids a taste of the real thing—without the need for a golf club membership! There’s even equipment to borrow if you need it.
7. Golf encourages goal setting and achievement
Setting goals is a powerful way to keep children motivated, and golf is full of natural milestones to aim for—whether it’s hitting the ball straight, getting it airborne, or making it into a target zone.
Children experience clear progress in golf, and every improvement gives them a sense of pride and achievement. This builds intrinsic motivation—the desire to improve for their own satisfaction rather than just external praise.
At Tiny Tekkers, we use challenges, themed sessions and fun incentives to help children set and achieve mini goals within their own capabilities.
Examples of goals:
- “I want to hit five balls into the target zone today.”
- “I’m going to work on my swing posture.”
- “Can I improve my score from last week?”
Getting started with golf at Tiny Tekkers
If this blog has you thinking “maybe golf is for my child…”, we’d love to welcome you to one of our sessions!
You don’t need any equipment, experience or special clothing. Our golf-inspired activities are designed for beginners, fun-focused, and totally accessible. We introduce kids to the basics in a relaxed, playful way—making sure they leave with a smile on their face (and probably a new favourite sport!).
Our golf programme runs as part of our holiday camps. And throughout May, we’re shining a spotlight on golf with extra content, tips and opportunities to get involved.
Final thoughts: Think beyond the ball
Golf might not have the same fast-paced appeal as football or netball—but what it does offer is something that’s increasingly rare in children’s lives: focus, reflection, and steady growth.
It’s a sport that nurtures not just physical skills, but emotional and cognitive development too. And best of all, it’s one your child can enjoy now—and carry with them for life.
So if you’re looking for a new activity that’s equal parts fun, fulfilling and developmentally powerful, give golf a go. It might just become your child’s favourite thing.
Ready to tee off?
Book a golf session or find out more about Tiny Tekkers’ multi-sports programme at https://tinytekkers.com/holiday-camps
Let’s grow their love of learning—one swing at a time.