Fore! The Ultimate Guide to Golfing With Kids

As so many other people did, I picked up golf during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a fantastic way to get outside, find some mental calm and disconnect from … well, everything going on in the world. And honestly? I quickly became obsessed! My swing was atrocious, but something about the sport hooked me. 

Naturally, I wanted to introduce my newfound passion to my kids. The problem: Golf is expensive, right? The price of clubs, those often-hefty green fees for a round of golf, lessons, even outfits — it all felt out of reach for our already overloaded family. For a long time, it stayed just a passion of mine, until I finally decided to make it a family thing. We’ve picked up a lot of hobbies over the years, so why not add golf to that ever-growing list? Unlike many fleeting interests, golf is something special we can do together as a family for decades to come, creating endless memories along the way. 

What surprised me most

My research began with trepidation but ended with a happy surprise. The more I dug, the more I realized how incredibly accessible and affordable the game of golf can truly be for kids (and the grown-ups who love them!).  

Golf is undergoing a quiet revolution, embracing inclusivity and offering opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn and grow together on the course. When I was growing up, golf seemed like a bougie sport played only by wealthy businessmen, but that stereotype is shifting. Right here in Washington, organizations and passionate pros are making it easier than ever to tee up some family fun without breaking the bank. 

My family’s favorites

Before we tee off, here are our family’s golf awards:  

• Best family-friendly course and driving range: Interbay Golf Center
• Best indoor facility: Evergreen Golf Club (Tacoma) 
• Best group golf sessions: First Tee of Greater Seattle 
• Best discount golf program: Youth on Course 

How to get started golfing with kids

Introducing your kids to golf doesn’t require a deep dive (or a deep wallet!) — you can gently dip your toe in. I chatted with Shane Henderson, a seasoned golf pro at Tacoma’s Evergreen Golf Club, and he suggested keeping it simple: “Bring them to the golf course at an early age and let them explore. Spend time on the putting green or chipping green without a lot of instruction. The goal isn’t to perfect their swing — it’s to help them enjoy being at the golf course.” It’s about making it feel like playful exploration, not a rigid lesson.  

With that in mind, we really leaned into the “fun” in fundamentals. 

First Tee: Building character, one swing at a time 

“The biggest misconception is that golf is expensive or that kids need to be ‘good enough’ before they start,” Evan Johnsen, the vice president of programs and development at First Tee of Greater Seattle, told me. “The reality is that there are more affordable entry points into golf today than ever before.” 

First Tee of Greater Seattle really connected with me as a parent trying to find opportunities for my kids to learn more about golf. They use golf to teach life skills and instill core values like confidence, perseverance and respect. I really like that their program isn’t just about the game. It’s not just about hitting a perfect drive; it’s about building character and self-worth (which I love, especially for my daughter). 

“Programs like First Tee – Greater Seattle are designed specifically for beginners,” Johnsen explains. “Kids don’t need any prior experience, and we provide a welcoming environment where they learn golf alongside life skills.”  

You can also find chapters all over Puget Sound, offering programs for ages 7–18. And don’t stress about money. Significant financial assistance is available (up to 100 percent), which helps break down the biggest barrier to entry in golf: affordability. This fall’s sessions run from Sept. 15–Oct. 26, and you can register online now. 

First Tee program details:

• Length: A six-week series with 60–90-minute weekly classes 
• Age range: 7–18  

• Cost: $165 (discounts are available) 
• Location: 15 locations in King, Snohomish and Skagit counties

Youth on Course: The $5 dream round (No, really!) 

If there’s one program that truly blew my socks off, it’s Youth on Course. This isn’t just a game-changer; it’s a budget-saver for any Seattle family curious about golf. For a mere $25 annual membership, kids (ages 6–18) gain access to rounds of golf for just $5 or less at more than 80 participating courses across Washington. 

Seriously, five bucks for a full 18-hole round! I still can’t believe how much a membership gets you for so little, including a USGA handicap. If you don’t know what a handicap is yet, that’s okay. There is a lot of lingo in golf you’ll pick up along the way — just know it’s good to get one. You can track your progress with a handicap, level the playing field against other golfers and build up your confidence along your golf journey. 

WA Golf actively subsidizes these golf rounds, recognizing that investing in junior golfers means a healthier, more engaged golf community in the future. As Matt Brown, the director of development and donor engagement at the Washington Golf Foundation, puts it, “The future of golf depends on access. Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover what this game can offer — not just as golfers, but as people.”

Gear up for less: Smart shopping for Seattle swings 

One of the biggest perceived hurdles to starting golf is the cost of equipment. But trust me, you can equip your family without emptying your piggy bank. 

The basics first: You absolutely do not need a full set of brand-new clubs. As Johnsen advises, “Keep it simple. A few basic clubs are plenty to begin with, and many First Tee locations provide equipment during classes.” He adds, “The goal is to make trying golf easy — not expensive.” Many golf courses (like Interbay) also have clubs kids can borrow, or you can rent them. We picked up a 7-iron, putter and driver from our local Puetz Golf store. We saw it as an investment in learning, knowing all three of my kids could use them and pass them down. A few essential clubs are more than enough to get your little golfer started. 

Savvy shopping strategies

• Secondhand steals: Think local sporting goods consignment stores, online marketplaces and even garage sales. “Junior golf equipment can be found through friends and family, secondary markets (e.g., Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace),” Evan notes. Kids outgrow clubs fast, so gently used sets are everywhere. 
• Befriend and borrow: Do friends or family play? Ask if they have old clubs gathering dust. 
• Buy junior sets: Look for lighter, shorter, more forgiving sets designed specifically for kids. 
• Shop sales and clearance: Keep an eye out for deals at golf shops and sporting goods stores. First Tee also holds seasonal equipment sales where you can find sets for around $25. 
• Put comfort first: You don’t need fancy golf attire. “Spend money on comfortable athletic shoes and making sure your child has clubs that are reasonably sized for their height,” suggests Evan. Beyond that, comfortable athletic wear works perfectly. 

Picking a golf course for beginners

Seattle’s golf scene is buzzing with opportunities, rain or shine! 

Trying an outdoor course with the kids

My family loves hitting the driving range at places like our perennial favorite, Interbay Golf Center. And guess what? It’s on the Youth on Course list! So, yes, you can absolutely find us there during a casual afternoon, happily playing a round in cute matching mama-and-mini golf outfits. Okay, I may have splurged on an outfit or two. 

We head out, smash some balls while taking in the city views, grab a hot dog (it’s a tradition), all while cherishing family time. I love that they have junior clubs you can try out, so you don’t even have to bring your own. Their putting green, practice area, par-three course and mini golf course offer a full afternoon of fun without the pressure. 

As Johnsen points out, “One of the best things about golf is that it’s one of the few sports families can truly play together regardless of age or ability.” And that’s the key for new golfers: Stick to places like Interbay, Jackson Park Golf Course (another family favorite close to home with a par-three course), or other casual public courses such as Bellevue Golf Course. 

Our experience (and insider tips!)

I was honestly really intimidated to play a round with my kids, ages 6, 7 and 9, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun we had when I finally took the plunge and booked a round. I was dreading trying to move quickly through the holes with my little ones, but it ended up being an awesome family activity. We first played at a course that was not included in the Youth on Course list, so the price tag for four was a bit shocking, but the experience was invaluable. I learned my lesson to check the Youth on Course directory before heading out for a round. 

I loved carting around with my kids, showing them how to read the green, explaining the rules of golf and letting them practice hitting from the tee box. When we (eventually) made it onto the green, they took turns putting for me. They also very much loved raking for me after my sand shots. I didn’t end the round with any pars (or a good score overall), but the experience was a hole-in-one.   

A pro tip: Book a tee time at a slower time of day (or call the clubhouse and ask for a suggestion to avoid busy hours). I’d explicitly avoid early mornings when golf enthusiasts want to hit the course. 

Also, if you play par-three courses, most are walkable (meaning no carts), so make sure your little ones are prepared for a hike. 

What to know before you golf a full round

• Check the dress code before you go: Higher-end courses may require collared shirts and golf pants/shorts for everyone. Casual public courses are usually more relaxed. 
• Call ahead for rules: Always call the clubhouse to make sure they’re okay with juniors playing and if there are any specific rules you need to know. 
• Prepare for mood swings: Pack a few small bribes for the kids to keep spirits high on the course. Rounds can be long! Plan for four hours for a round of 18. At Interbay, a 9-hole par-three course, we usually take up to two hours.  
• Keep the pace: How fast you move from hole to hole matters in golf. Focus on having fun, but move along as best you can to avoid angering the people behind you. 

Indoor golf to beat the rain 

The Pacific Northwest’s gloomy weather won’t stop us, thanks to fantastic indoor facilities. As Henderson points out, “One of the biggest changes in junior golf has been the growth of indoor practice facilities.” Places like Evergreen Golf Club in Tacoma (and Redmond) offer year-round golfing fun. Evergreen Golf Club is an amazing facility with bunkers, rolling greens, and tons of bays with state-of-the-art simulators. I even splurged on a private lesson for my daughter there. 

You may panic a bit when you see the price of private lessons, but I really did think it was worth it. Honestly, we will be back for more lessons. We loved Shane. He was patient, knowledgeable, and gave us things to practice at home and on the course. And let’s talk about tech! The simulators are so cool — you can replay your swing and analyze it instantly, which even fascinated my daughter! I think I need a lesson next. 

Co-founded by former Seahawks champ Jermaine Kearse, professional caddy Greg Bodine, and PGA Tour player Andrew Putnam, Evergreen offers junior lessons and camps. My daughter had a blast learning fundamentals and playing games on simulators. Seriously, the games are so fun! From bowling to blowing up cars, the entertainment doesn’t end — and you don’t even feel like you’re honing your swing while you’re playing the games. 

They offer private lessons, camps and memberships — and trust me, the facility is impressive. The Tacoma location is the largest indoor golf facility in the nation, so get ready to be wowed. 

PGA Jr. League: Golf is the new team sport

When kids are ready for a bit of friendly competition, Henderson recommends checking out PGA Jr. League. With three age divisions, it offers a “fun, team-based format that takes much of the pressure out of competition while helping kids build confidence and friendships.” It’s like Little League, but for golf — a super social and supportive way to learn the ropes! 

Golf shows and experiences you don’t want to miss

Boeing Classic

If you want to see world-class golf in action, you’re in luck. Every August, the Boeing Classic returns to the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, and it’s the only premier PGA Tour Champions event in the Pacific Northwest. Even if you don’t know a lot about golf, it’s a fun event, especially if your little ones like airplanes. One of the most unique aspects of the golf tournament is the airplane flyovers: one on Friday to kick off the tournament and another right after the last ball drops. 

Yes, the golf legends are 50 years and older, but their swings are unbelievable — and you will be floored by how far they can hit a drive. You might even get a chance to see hometown hero Fred Couples play. 

Cofounded by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and the Seattle Seahawks, the Boeing Classic invites legendary golfers to compete to win $2.3 million — and it’s all for a good cause. 

• Dates: Aug. 14-16, 2026
• Location: The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, a stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed course just 20 miles east of Seattle, nestled in the Cascades. 
• Fundraising efforts: This event isn’t just about golf; funds raised go back to the community. Since 2005, it’s raised over $12 million for local charities including Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and First Tee of Greater Seattle. Your attendance directly helps fund critical research, compassionate care and innovation across Puget Sound. 
• Family activities: The Boeing Classic is designed for families. Head to Seahawks Village (open Friday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) for crafts and family-friendly activities like a putting contest. Meet Seahawks legend Cliff Avril on Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon–1:30 p.m. for autographs. Enjoy thrilling airplane flyovers and delicious food. There’s even a lounge area overlooking the iconic 18th green — perfect for relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere. 
• Youth clinic and tickets: Don’t miss the Boeing Classic Youth Clinic on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at noon. Kids ages 6–18 are invited for professional instruction, a prize pack and a glimpse into pro golf — no clubs needed. This clinic is open to the public and hosted in partnership with First Tee of Greater Seattle.  
• Tickets: General admission tickets for the tournament start at just $20, and here’s the best part for families: Kids 14 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. You can even upgrade tickets for unique viewing experiences at the ANA Lounge or Alaska Airlines Canyon Club. Fore (pun intended!) more information and to snag your tickets, visit the Boeing Classic website. 

The Seattle Golf Show

Kick off the golf season at the Seattle Golf Show in March. You can explore new gear, take mini lessons from pros, and learn about local programs and activities. We haven’t been, but we’ve heard it’s the place to go for special deals and clinic info. 

• Dates: March 19–21, 2027
• Location: Washington State Fair Event Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup 
• Kids activities: An area just for junior golfers will have games and instruction from First Tee professionals. Come on Saturday, March 20, for Kids and Family Day, which will be filled with more games, prizes and junior golf seminars. 

Besides these big events, Johnsen reminds families that “many golf courses also host free junior clinics, beginner days and family golf events throughout the year.” It’s always worth checking with your local course. Also, the Junior Golf Opportunity Grants from the Washington Golf Foundation can be a lifesaver. They believe financial barriers should never prevent a young person from experiencing golf, offering assistance for equipment, tournament fees, instruction and other participation expenses. If cost is a concern, this invaluable resource can help your child get involved. 

Don’t let a lack of experience stop you 

Johnsen says even if you’re not a golfer, it’s a great sport to get kids involved in early on: “Don’t worry about knowing the game. Kids don’t need parents who are golf experts — they just need parents who support and encourage them to try something new.” He adds, “Golf teaches so much more than how to hit a ball. Kids develop confidence, patience, honesty, resilience and problem-solving skills. Those lessons last far beyond the golf course.” He should know — as a kid, golf gave him “mentors, lifelong friendships, opportunities to compete,” and now he’s made a career out of it. 

So, take a swing at something new this year. With affordable programs like Youth on Course and First Tee, smart equipment choices, year-round indoor options and local events like the Boeing Classic, getting your family into golf is not only achievable but truly enjoyable. You might just discover your family’s new favorite pastime.