What is special in children's golf?

Children's golf is the same game and kind of sport that we love. It is based on courtesy and respect for each other... But, of course, children's golf has some peculiarities. A child can never make such a long and strong strike as an adult. And not every child will be able to play to 18 holes. Therefore, we need to adapt to children’s psychology and to limits of their bodies.

Typically, special tees are set on golf courses. They look like women’s red and men’s yellow ones. Thus, on our Park Course during teenager’s tournaments, we always identify from which place by a hole a little player should start and by this we get a situational children’s tee. On the second, Club Course, which is soon to open, there will be four types of tees – for professionals and amateurs of both sexes. A tee for women amateurs will be used to coach children.

Another amendment relates to format of the game. It is better to have 9 holes for children in family tournaments, when adults play with children in a flight. Additionally, though these tournaments are, of course, for amateurs, we do not take into account handicap. Very little children come to play in the Club and they understand easier when strikes are counted and it is more interesting for them. In any case, playing is important. No training gives such a charge and does not boost interest in the game as a real tournament does. And it is important that children play. We do not make difference between 6 and 12-year-old children. Though they have different levels and age, let someone play worse, even when conditions will be slightly «non-canonic» or simplified… The main thing is to play and then one can really fall in love with this sport.

Do your children play golf?

Yes, of course! We have taken a great interest in golf with my husband four years ago. Then and now we do not seek and regularly engage in professional golf in order to earn money. I love golf not for that. Golf is the only sport that allowed me with two small children to spend time with them, engage in the same sport outdoors. This is a wonderful, healthy atmosphere, in which it is pleasant and interesting to socialize. We are open to each other, neither noise nor stress distract from listening to children carefully and understanding them better.

Then I became aware of a widespread phrase: «Golf is not only a sport but a way of life». Of course, if a person wants to take it only as a sport, golf will allow it. One can become a professional golfer and make golf a main occupation in life. But people also talk about golf as recreation. And it means not just sitting in a restaurant in the open air a la tourist. That can happen because after a many hours round you want to rest... Still, golf gives you much more. For example, an opportunity to communicate with people with no age limits. People play golf from early age until they are 60-70 years old. A father, his son and grandson could play on an equal footing, as a team. Because of this golf is unique and attractive.

From what age one can start playing golf? And how quickly a child can learn?

You know that last October, kids who began training only in the summer played in our Children Tournament. Prior to that, they never kept a club in hands but after a couple of months they took to a course.

Much depends on talent, desire but in principle in a year one can reach normal level of playing. As to age, every child is unique. If he or she does not develop physically, it will be difficult to hold a club before they are 5-6 years old. My son began playing when he was five, daughter – when she was four and after a year of trainings she is playing very well. But some can start when they are two and why not? A habit will be established even after three shots at least once a week. Another point is that such exercises have little in common with the «sport». This is a game, fun. And only whey they are 6 or 7, you can think they will go in for golf.

Please, tell us about children's professional golf tournaments.

These tournaments exist and children play to 18 holes. It should be understood that these are children who train for 5-6 years. They begin playing in early childhood, when they are three or four and grow up to big competitions.

For example, there is well-known international tournament US Kids Tour, within which national championships take place. In other words, each country carries out a series of tournaments on various golf courses in several age categories. Winners of those qualifying tours go to the U.S. to play in finals. By the way, Slovakia has its «US Kids Tour» and my children participate in it.

In many countries, children's tournaments are held regularly as there is an established system and many generations of young golfers have grown up into professional players. Ukrainian market in this regard has not yet emerged. We can prepare just the first shift, starting virtually from a scratch.

Kiev Golf Club has a separate program for development of children's golf. As golf director of the Club, I reflect on various ways to gradually prepare for our participation in the US Kids Tour. In addition, KGC has a special program of golf instruction for children – Teenager Golf School. We also have created an «elite» club Green Team, in which kids learn golf, have a lot of practice and prepare to represent our Club in big competitions. The best Teenager Golf School students are enrolled in that team.

How long will it take to have children in Ukraine regularly playing golf?

There is no recipe. Situation is different in every country. Last year we provided free trainings for children and began working with Kiev schools. This is a proven way. We need to make children interested in the game. We need to give them an opportunity «to hit the ball». The Club invites them to its golf school and then to Green Team. But this is individual work. In addition to it there must be organized activities like tours for schools or even regular physical education classes in the Club and with a focus on golf.

In Slovakia, for example, it went this way: golf clubs together organized a unique children's camp. They organized golf trainings, swimming, tourism and classes on general subjects like English, etc. Children were in the camp for one week, rested, did sports and, of course, spent a lot of time on a golf course, where a variety of activities took place. An instructor was around all the time. At the end of the camp there a small golf tournament was held. And it was a very successful program, due to which just in three years our «little» golf amateur developed in Slovakia. They are those teenagers «regularly playing golf», as you have said.

When the Club House is ready, we will have more opportunities to invite groups of children to the Club. They will be able to stay here for some time and to have interesting recreation. All this is achievable and depends only on us. In addition, I think that all recognize a significant role of family, environment, traditions, and even of national psychology. People must love sport as such and understand how important it is for health, complete life and good mood. Only then they can fall in love with golf. If children are not accustomed to do sports but just sit in front of TVs or computers, then it is very difficult to bring them to golf. In Western Europe, most people, even elderly and retired, are engaged in some sport. I hope there are conditions for that in Ukraine and your nation will grow up healthy, in love with sport and active lifestyles.


Interviewed by Natalya Ivanova

Pictures from the archive of Mrs. Zatkova