How To Teach Children to Drive Golf Carts

Many people see trips to the golf course as a man's getaway--no women, no children, just macho fun!  However golf is becoming more of a family game day by day. Children can enjoy their time on the course, not necessarily by playing, but rather by driving the golf cart for the rest of the family.  Something as simple as driving a golf cart can both entertain and teach kids many lessons while on the course, while also spending precious time as a family unit.  Of course, you'll need to check your golf course's rules and regulations.  Some courses allow children 14 and over to drive, while others require that a child be 16.  Only allow a child who is legally able to drive a golf cart behind the wheel! 

When children operate a golf cart, they are also training their hand eye coordination.  Driving a golf cart requires children to see what is going on in front of them, such as noticing people walking or hitting, or looking for that pesky golf ball.  After noticing their environment, the information must then be channeled to their brain, where a quick decision must be made whether to continue driving, brake, or turn.  Something as simple as family fun on the course can help youngsters develop observation skills, heightening their motor skills, and hand eye coordination.

Though much simpler than a motor vehicle, golf carts can give younger children a head start on their primary motor vehicle skills.  They must turn, accelerate, or brake according to the observations they note around them, much like a motor vehicle.  Operating a golf cart is also a huge responsibility, and allowing younger children to tackle this job heightens their maturity, helping to instill a sense of duty.  Allowing children to develop responsibility and trustworthiness early helps build them into mature young adults, a trait which sometimes seems to be lacking in our society today.

The best thing gained on the course is family time spent together.  Many families do not spend much time with one another, which often has huge psychological effects on the children.  Most children with little parental influence are often not as healthy, both mentally and physically.  In just eighteen holes on the golf course, each member of the family from young to old can have fun either playing or operating the golf cart, developing a skill will enjoying time with the family.

This summer instead of spending time watching television, or allowing the kids to sneak off every day with their friends, try taking a family trip to the local links, and have fun developing skills as a family.  Let something as simple as operating a golf cart help you to build a stronger family unit.