Local Junior Golf Programs & Kids Golf Lessons
Michigan has over 650 golf courses! And considering the weather prevents us from playing year round in Michigan, having that many golf courses is pretty significant.
So how do you get your kid involved in golf?
Sign them up for junior golf lessons at area courses, aimed at kids 18 and under.
These include golf programs, kids golf lessons, and golf camps and even junior golf leagues. They’re some of the popular lessons & sports for kids in West Michigan.
We’ve compiled a list of the best junior golf programs in Grand Rapids and have the lowdown on how golf for kids works.
in this article
Best Kids Golf Lessons in West Michigan
Maple Hill Golf in Grandville
Maple Hill Golf Course is the #1 independent golf retailer in Michigan and a local favorite for customers looking to demo the latest golf equipment or enjoy a round on their 18-hole executive length course.
Specializing in Junior Golf development as well as being a year-round facility, Maple Hill Golf is Michigan's most family friendly golf facility.
Beginner or intermediate, Maple Hill Golf has an award-winning Junior Golf Program in the summer geared towards your kid learning the game of golf. Sessions start for children as young as 4 and go up to 14.
Plus, all Junior Program golfers this summer receive a FREE "Bucket-A-Day" pass for the driving range and a VIP Junior Golf Membership for the golf course ($600+ value).
Specializing in Junior Golf development as well as being a year-round facility, Maple Hill Golf is Michigan's most family friendly golf facility.
Beginner or intermediate, Maple Hill Golf has an award-winning Junior Golf Program in the summer geared towards your kid learning the game of golf. Sessions start for children as young as 4 and go up to 14.
Plus, all Junior Program golfers this summer receive a FREE "Bucket-A-Day" pass for the driving range and a VIP Junior Golf Membership for the golf course ($600+ value).
616 Junior Golf Tour at Maple Hill Golf in Grandville
Welcoming all junior golfers, regardless of their skill level. Our core principle is: "Ensuring Every Junior Golfer Participates!"
All new 616 Junior Golf Tour powered by Maple Hill established as the first of its kind in the Junior Golf space. The tour offers 7 events in the West Michigan (Grand Rapids) area played in a 2-person fun scramble format. Offering both boys and girls division based on age and played by the appropriate tees.
This tour was designed as a great way to get Junior Golfers out on the course having fun in a team atmosphere. Doesn’t matter if you are serious about the game or just wanting to hang out and have fun while getting in some reps, this tour is the right one for you!
This tour was designed as a great way to get Junior Golfers out on the course having fun in a team atmosphere. Doesn’t matter if you are serious about the game or just wanting to hang out and have fun while getting in some reps, this tour is the right one for you!
All About Junior Golf Lessons for Kids
At What Age Do Kids Golf Lessons Start?
Kids can start learning golf as young as age four, but most kids are a little older when starting official junior golf programs.
The Junior Golf Pee Wee Program at Maple Hill Golf is a 3-day program designed for kids ages 7 and under.
Blythefield Country Club’s junior golf program welcomes all ages, with kids 6 and under needing a parent present for instruction.
How Much Does it Cost to Learn to Golf?
Junior Golf programs can vary in length, duration, and cost. Junior Golf fees usually include the cost of instruction and range balls.
Tournament fees are typically in addition to the Junior Golf program fees.
Instruction fees and program fees can range from $5 for a scholarship program through the First Tee up, to several hundred dollars.
Golf equipment can also vary greatly in price. Currently, a set of junior clubs (with bag) from Maple Hill Golf ranges from $150-$350.
What Equipment is Needed to Play Golf?
Junior golfers will need their own golf clubs and golf bag. Some pee wee programs (golf lessons for kids) provide equipment for the little kids in their programs. Check with your facility to see if this is an option.
If you do decide to purchase golf clubs, go to a reputable place that can help you find the right length club. Also, know that golf clubs are right-handed or left-handed. Be sure to get the clubs that will match your player’s handedness.
Golf shoes are not a requirement but can be helpful as your child advances in the sport. Metal cleats are no longer in use. If you do get cleated golf shoes, be sure to get the type with plastic cleats on the bottom. Beginners wearing athletic shoes will do just fine.
Golf is a sport that is played in all weather conditions unless it is hazardous to be outside. (For example, thunderstorms will result in a play delay.) Sunglasses, hats, and rain gear are commonly used by golfers. You’ll also want to send along a water bottle and snacks.
Golf gloves are another item that will help your golfers as they progress in the game. When your player advances to shooting on the golf course, they will also need a ball marker and golf tees.
You can find affordable clubs at stores and golf courses around Grand Rapids.
What are Junior Golf Leagues Like?
Most local Junior Golf programs are held at a single golf course. If your player progresses to a higher level of play, he or she will travel between local golf courses for league play.
If your child earns a spot on a school sports team, they will travel between cities to play other school teams, just like a basketball or football team would travel.
Players looking for a summer travel golf team or junior golf league play would be served well by a visit to the PGA Jr League website.
In these cases, players have a home golf course, practice together, and travel to other courses for competition. Registration for many of these teams close in May or early June.
First Tee Golf Lessons for Kids
The First Tee of West Michigan is a program designed to make golf accessible to kids of any background. First Tee provides more than just golf lessons for kids, though.
First Tee teaches character development using the game of golf. Values like honesty and responsibility are taught through the game, helping kids to learn how to navigate the highs and lows of the game and ultimately, life.
First Tee programs in Grand Rapids are held at five golf course locations. Scholarships are available for anyone who may be interested.
For more information about the First Tee West Michigan, call 616-208-1177 or Email info@thefirstteewestmichigan.org.
Directory: Kids Golf Lessons in Grand Rapids
Maple Hill Golf in Grandville
5555 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville MI 49418
• Junior Golf Lessons, First Tee Program
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
616 Junior Golf Tour at Maple Hill Golf in Grandville
5555 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville MI 49418
• Junior Golf League
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Arrowhead Golf Course in Lowell
2170 Alden Nash Ave NE, Lowell MI 49331
• Junior Golf League
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Blythefield Country Club in Belmont
5801 Northland Dr NE, Belmont MI 49306
• Junior Golf Lessons, Junior Golf League
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Cascade Hills Country Club in Cascade
3725 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Junior Golf Lessons
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Cedar Chase Golf Club in Cedar Springs
7551 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Spring MI 49319
• First Tee Program
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Kaufman Golf Course in Wyoming
4807 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming MI 49509
• First Tee Program
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Mines Golf Course in Grand Rapids - SW
330 Covell Ave SW, Grand Rapids MI 49534
• Junior Golf Lessons, First Tee Program
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Quail Ridge Golf Club in Cascade
8375 36th St SE, Ada MI 49301
• Junior Golf Lessons
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Railside Golf Club in Byron Center
2500 76th St SW, Byron Center MI 49315
• Junior Golf Lessons, Junior Golf League
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Saskatoon Golf Club in Alto
9038 92nd St SE, Alto MI 49302
• Junior Golf League
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park
911 Hayes Rd NE, Comstock Park MI 49321
• Junior Golf League, First Tee Program
• Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
StoneWater Country Club in Caledonia
7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE Suite A, Caledonia MI 49316
• Junior Golf League
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe in Cascade
7211 48th St SE, Grand Rapids MI 49512
• Junior Golf Lessons
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Thousand Oaks Golf Club in Grand Rapids - NE
4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525
• Junior Golf Lessons, Junior Golf League
• Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Tyler Wong Golf in Grand Rapids - SE
2776 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49507
• Junior Golf Lessons, First Tee Program
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
X-Golf Grand Rapids in Cascade
5761 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Junior Golf Lessons, Junior Golf League
• Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Something to add next year –
https://gam.org/juniors/youth-on-course/
Youth on Course – several area golf courses are participating.