Kids Golf Camp

A Hole-in-One Experience for Kids!

In an era dominated by fast-paced sports and digital distractions, golf may not seem like the obvious choice for young children. However, golf camps designed for kids ages 5 to 16 are becoming increasingly popular across the country—and for good reason. These programs offer a structured, fun, and enriching experience that teaches not just the mechanics of the game, but also valuable life skills.

We were fortunate to spend some time with Golf Pro Matt Artrip during one of his camps for kids. Coach Matt (as his campers call him) is the Golf Pro at The Bridges Golf Club in Gunter, Texas, owned by Centurion American Development Group. Coach Matt educated us on the benefits these children gained while attending his golf camps.

What Is a Golf Camp?

Golf camp is a specialized program that introduces young players to the fundamentals of golf while creating a positive and engaging atmosphere. Camps can run during summer or school breaks, and range in duration from a few days to several weeks. Many are held at local golf courses, country clubs or driving ranges, with a focus on skill development, teamwork and individual progress.

These camps are usually broken down into age or skill-based groups so that instruction is tailored to each child’s level. Whether a 5-year-old is holding a golf club for the first time or a 16-year-old is working toward joining a high school team, there’s a place for every young golfer. Coach Matt explains, “We work on basic golf grip, which clubs are used where, simple techniques to be able to hit and putt the golf ball, while having fun doing it.”

Artrip adds, “We have several safety rules with cones and how we hold our clubs if we aren’t hitting. I say, ‘Get your cane out,’ and the kids hold their clubs by the head with the grip touching the ground so we aren’t tempted to practice our swings.”

The Benefits of Golf for Kids

Golf may seem like a calm sport, but it provides numerous physical, mental and social benefits for kids.

1. Physical Fitness

Golf helps kids develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, balance and flexibility. Walking the course, swinging clubs and carrying gear also promote cardiovascular health and muscle development.

2. Mental Focus

Unlike many team sports that emphasize quick reflexes and fast movement, golf teaches patience, concentration and strategic thinking. Kids learn to assess distances, choose the right club and make decisions independently—skills that translate well into academics and everyday life.

3. Character Building

Golf is known for its emphasis on etiquette and honesty. Players are responsible for keeping their own scores and following rules without constant oversight. This fosters integrity, sportsmanship and respect—values that are essential on and off the course.

4. Confidence and Achievement

As kids learn new techniques and see measurable progress in their skills, their confidence naturally grows. Golf is a sport where small victories, such as making a putt or hitting a clean drive, can make a big impact on self-esteem.

5. Social Skills

Golf camps are social environments where kids meet peers with similar interests. They learn to communicate, cooperate and even compete in a healthy way. Mixed-age groups often allow older participants to act as mentors, creating a sense of community.

What Kids Learn at Golf Camp

A well-structured golf camp covers a variety of topics to keep things fresh and exciting. Typical activities include:

Swing fundamentals: Grip, posture, alignment and swing techniques.
Putting and chipping: Short game instruction, often with fun mini-games and challenges.
Course etiquette and rules: Understanding the do’s and don’ts on a golf course.
Driving range practice: Safe and controlled long-game sessions.
On-course play: For older or more advanced kids, supervised rounds help them put their skills into practice.
Fitness and warm-up routines: Emphasizing the importance of stretching and injury prevention.

Many camps also include themed days, skill contests and even mini-tournaments, complete with prizes and recognition ceremonies. This adds an element of excitement and accomplishment to the experience.

Choosing the Right Camp

When selecting a golf camp for your child, consider the following:

Instructor credentials: Look for programs led by certified PGA or LPGA professionals with experience teaching children.
Group sizes: Smaller groups mean more personalized instruction.
Facilities: Well-maintained courses and access to a range or putting green enhance the learning experience.
Age/skill groupings: Camps that organize kids by ability ensure that each child is challenged appropriately.

"Age groups are 5-16 and any skill level" ~ Coach Matt

"...Safety is our #1 goal!" Coach Matt