Like the game itself, golfing with your kids can be the best or worst experience. It can be fun and lighthearted, or frustrating and tiring, and usually all of that over the course of 18 holes. As a veteran of numerous rounds with my own father, I offer you this 5 mistakes to avoid when golfing with your kids.

1. Don't try to gamble with them

Betting on a friendly game certainly can make it more interesting, especially since golf has several different ways of gambling on it. Kids do not understand any of it. Plus they don't make as much money as you do. Taking their lunch money will get you in trouble with the spouse and really, is $2 worth it?

2. Don't try to explain the concept of a handicap

Kids will think you are talking about physical ones.

3. Don't tell them they have to buy a round when they fail to clear the women's tees

For those of you who don't know, when a male golfer tees off and fails to get his shot past the women's tees, he is supposed to buy a round for the rest of his foursome. It is an insulting way to make fun of a bad tee shot, and is essential to any golf game. But your kids don't make any money, as they don't work, and so can't afford to buy such a round.

4. Don't let them drive the golf cart

Inevitably, something or someone will get hit.

5. Don't try to explain all the things wrong with their swing

Inevitably, at some point over 18 holes, my father would say I was swinging the club wrong and give me 8 commands at once, from keep my arm straight to don't open up the club to keep your head down. Trying to follow all of them made me feel like a robot: stiff and rigid. My shot would actually look worse, and it would lead to another round of suggestions.

Instead, give one suggestion and have the kid work on it until they get it right. Or better yet, don't give them any suggestions at all. Some of the best golfers I know have some of the strangest swings I have seen.

Sure, these five suggestions will not make your kid the next Tiger Woods. But they will make golf more enjoyable for you and your kids.

Learn more about this author, Jack Serapiglia.
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