SUPPORT TIPS
For those of you who are a significant adult for a golf-playing child – parent, grandparent, bonus parent
or others – and you play a role at a golf tournament or at Junior Thursday
You can certainly help your child before, during and after the round, but focus on helping them stay
You can do this by not doing things for them, but instead doing things for them.
together with them or completely let them do it themselves when they are ready.
Before the game
• Arrive at the golf course well before the tee time, depending on how long your player needs to warm up.
• Let the player unpack their bag from the car and check in at registration, help if needed, but don't do it
for them.
• Help get balls to the driving range.
• Help remember food, drinks, rain gear and sunscreen for the round, but remember that the players should also learn this themselves over time.
with age.
• Keep an eye on the clock and, if necessary, help your player arrive at the starting hole at least 5 minutes before the start.
• Tell your child that you are proud of them, no matter how they play.
• Remind them to do their best, have fun and let them know that it is normal to be nervous!
• Check the tournament conditions and help your child to understand the most important conditions. Pay particular attention to
on whether caddies are allowed at the tournament (they are not allowed at Junior Thursday).
HHA Rev. February 27, 2026
During the game
• Keep your distance from the players, but show that you are there to support them, and enjoy the ride.
• If necessary, introduce yourself to the other parents and supporters on the sidelines.
• Make sure to contribute to the good atmosphere and take responsibility for everyone's well-being.
• Be present and attentive – put your phone away and enjoy being present. Your child will notice.
• Help all players look for their golf balls and possibly dig in bunkers.
• Let your child play and gain his or her own experiences and avoid giving advice related to the game of golf.
• Let your child carry/push their golf bag themselves – if it is too heavy, it is a sign that there is too much in it
• Applaud and compliment good shots from all players and praise behaviors that you value, such as fair play, being his
your own referee or a good friend on the field.
After the game
• Let your child tell you about the game, and avoid giving your analysis of the day's game unless they ask you to.
• Ask open-ended questions: “What was the most or least fun about the tournament? What did you learn? Did you have fun?” (More important
than ”how many points did you make?”)
• Enjoy it, talk to the other players and parents while you wait for the prize giving.
• Attend the prize giving ceremony and applaud the players who receive prizes.
And finally, tell your child again that you are proud of them – especially if the game didn't go well.