Teaching Kids to Golf

Our new favorite evening ritual: two large buckets.

The twins don't turn 6 until next week, but we already gave them their big birthday present weeks ago. Because we couldn't wait to let them use it! We gave E and O a new golf set. It came with a 5, a 9, a driver and a putter. We figured they could share and try everything out before we went to the expense of a second set.

Off to the driving range we went.

You've never seen such rapid-fire golfing. Two large buckets, gone in mere minutes. Our philosophy at this young age: Just let 'em hit the ball, however they want. Not too much schooling, or we might sour them.

So far, they're loving this new sport. The driving range is close to our house, and we figure we've made enough trips to know the twins are pretty hooked. So, Nate and I decided we better buy another set of clubs. After all, even though there's no visible difference between the 9 and the 5, they fight over them just for the sake of fighting. That's what twins do.

It's hard to believe these were headed to the landfill.

As luck would have it, we got a call from a friend the other night. "Someone was having a garage sale, and all the leftovers were piled into the alley. There are some kids' golf clubs in the mix, and I'm gonna grab them for your boys."

We figured they'd be junk, but they're great clubs! About 15 of them! The twins now have more club choices than their serious-golfer dad. And the fighting? It has virtually ended. There are plenty of 9s to go around.

As my dad says, golf is something you can enjoy even when you're old and out of shape. So here's hoping the twins will continue to enjoy their new sport. And here's hoping that golf is something the four of us can do together for years to come.

Now, if only mom could get some lessons...