In the not too distant past, the game of golf gave the impression it was only for the rich and elite groups of the community. Golf professionals more or less created their skills on their own, without consistent help at an early age. Sheer drive, ambition and a certain level of natural ability were the main keys to become successful.

Todays it has all changed. Children have much more support, availability of play and instruction than ever before. These kids are jumping at the chance. Studies have shown that over 6 million juniors between 5 to 17 years of age have either played a round of golf or visited a golf practice facility. That is an incredible number when compared to just a few years ago.

Opportunities for the children with visions for a professional golf career are many. No longer are kids serving as caddies to learn the sport, or simply hanging around the golf course and driving range, learning on their own. Theres schools like the International Junior Golf Academy where students develop their skills as a golfer for tournament play as well as receive academic training and learn basic skills for life. Learning professional quality skills at young ages can only create more powerful and focused adult players.

Two programs offered by the Tiger Woods Foundation called Start Something and In the City Clinics are helping to make golf available to kids who otherwise would have no opportunity to learn the game, or the life skills that produce a focused and productive adult.

If youre the parent of a youngster with an interest in golf, there are some things to keep in mind as your child investigates the sport. Most importantly for motivation, allow your child to have the right to choose whether or not to participate. Nothing will motivate a child more than the sense of investment that comes in choosing his/her own activities.

Secondly, remember the phrase It is not whether you win or lose thats important, but how you play the game. Results are important, but it is important for your childs overall development progress to reinforce the efforts made. Encouragement and acknowledgement for the efforts your child is making will go far to assure positive and motivated events in your childs life.

Susan Hill

Susan Hill is the President of Fitness for Golf, a website dedicated to helping golfers improve through golf specific programs.

Susan has earned national certifications as a fitness trainer with several organizations including the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the International Sports Science Association, and the American Council on Exercise. She currently trains golfers of all levels at the Sunriver Resort, a top U.S. golf destination resort in Sunriver, Oregon.

As a Chek certified Golf Biomechanic and Sports Performance Nutritionist, she is now among an elite group of golf fitness experts nationwide. Susan has worked with hundreds of golfers ranging in skills from beginners just taking up the game of golf to collegiate, amateur and tour players looking for a more competitive edge.

She is a contributing writer to Golf Illustrated, a guest speaker at private and public golf clubs, and a published writer on topics of health, fitness and golf. She was selected as one of the top three trainers as the Trainer of the Year 2003, having been chosen among over 85,000 trainers across the country.

Her work has also been featured in SELF magazine and on ESPN radio.