Golf Buddy Systems: Pairing Kids for Better Practice

Practice sticks better with a mate alongside - here's how to set up an informal golf buddy system for your junior golfer.

A junior golfer who practises alongside a friend, even informally, tends to show up more consistently than one practising solo - shared accountability and a bit of friendly competition go a long way toward making practice feel like fun rather than a chore.

Find a Compatible Practice Partner

The best golf buddy isn't necessarily the strongest player - it's someone at a roughly similar stage who enjoys practising in a similar way. A mismatch in skill level or motivation (one child wants to drill technique, the other just wants to hit balls) can make sessions frustrating rather than fun.

Set a Simple, Regular Schedule

Even a fixed weekly slot - Saturday morning at the range, or an hour after school on a set day - creates the kind of routine that makes practice a habit rather than something that has to be negotiated each time. Buddy systems tend to fall apart without a predictable schedule.

Turn Practice into Friendly Games

Simple competitive games - closest to the pin, putting contests, or counting greens hit in a short-game session - keep two kids engaged far longer than aimless ball-hitting, while still building real skills. Coaches can often suggest age-appropriate games if you ask.

Keep It Low-Pressure for Parents Too

A buddy system works best when the parents involved keep it casual - sharing the driving, not turning every session into a big production, and letting the kids set some of their own pace and games. The goal is consistency and enjoyment, not another structured commitment.

What if my child's usual buddy moves away or loses interest?

It's worth asking the coach or club to help pair your child with someone new rather than letting practice quietly become solo again - most junior programs have other families in a similar situation looking for the same thing.