teaching junior golf

Question
Hello - is there one good website/book out there that has unique & fun ways to teach different aspects of the game to juniors?  I'm a dad with a 5 handicap, knows my swing fairly well, can fix my kids swings.  I not only want to ensure I'm teaching them the proper technique on all the different shots, but I want some solid ideas on instruction tactics & games for the junior.   Thanks!

Answer
Hello Kyle:

I'll be honest.  I don't know.  The two websites I have seen that are loaded with information are www.juniorlinks.com and www.uskidsgolf.com.  Those seem to be pretty thorough and fun.  As a PGA Member and teaching golf professional for the past 26 years, I have narrowed my junior golfers into two categories.  One:  is your kid serious and want to be a better player, compete in tournaments, play high school and college golf and go from there or Two:  they just want to have fun.  I don't know how old your child is, but if they are just beginning, it sounds like you take them out and have some fun with them, helping them learn the basics, the rules and the etiquette of the game.  I would suggest at about age 12 or 13, if they show a strong interest in wanting to play at a higher level, that you seek out a well known in your area PGA Professional who works with kids.  Let them instill the proper fundamentals and techniques for all the different shots.  Kids need to be drilled with the fundamentals only.  Other than that, let them go play the game and get a feel for it.  Let them have fun.  If he or she really takes to it and wants to compete in junior events, then you can guage whether it's time to take it more seriously.  I am not saying you can't help them, but my advice is to put them in the hands of a competent, qualified PGA Pro.  But, you're right, the game needs to be kept fun for them, they need to play some games when practicing to keep it interesting and they need to experience it for themselves.  Besides, think back to when you started Kyle.  I bet you could show him or her some of the stuff you did when you were learning.  I bet you had fun with it, otherwise, you might never had played it long enough to become a 5 handicap.  Good luck.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member