Your first junior golf competition: a parent checklist

A first junior golf competition is easier when the family knows what to expect. The aim is a comfortable first experience: arriving prepared, understanding the format and knowing who can help. Use this checklist with your child and the event organiser.

Before entering

• Check suitability. Ask about age groups, ability, holes, tees, handicap requirements and whether the event welcomes first-time competitors.
• Read the format. Individual stroke play, Stableford, match play and team scrambles do not all work the same way. Ask how scoring and any maximum score operate.
• Check the adult role. Confirm whether a parent may caddie, where spectators may walk and whether a responsible adult must stay on site.
• Find the contact. Save the organiser's details, the meeting point and the procedure for a delay or cancellation.

For a choice of beginner programmes and tours, use our UK junior golf starting points. For example, the PING Junior Golf Tour's FAQs explain its own arrangements. Always check the specific event rather than applying another tour's conditions.

The evening before

• Pack the clubs your child normally uses, marked golf balls, tees, a ball marker and a pencil.
• Check the forecast and pack suitable clothing, drinking water and a snack.
• Confirm travel, check-in and the starting time. Leave time for an unhurried introduction.
• Read the event information together. Write down one unanswered question to ask at check-in.
• Let your child choose a simple aim, such as introducing themselves to the group or keeping track of each hole.

At check-in

Tell the organiser it is your child's first event. Ask who the marker is, how to contact a referee or official, which tees to use and where to return the scorecard. Check the Local Rules and any weather or suspension instructions. A short explanation here can prevent an anxious conversation later.

What can a parent say during the round?

Encouragement and tactical advice are different. The Rules limit advice during a round, including requests about club selection or how to play a shot. A permitted caddie has a different role from a spectator, and partner formats have their own provisions. Agree your role with the organiser before play; being a parent does not automatically make you the player's caddie. Official reference: Rule 10.2 and 10.3.

Ask your child beforehand what support feels helpful. A quiet “enjoy it” may be more welcome than commentary after every shot. England Golf's parent and carer guidance is a useful starting point for discussing support and welfare.

Scoring without a last-minute panic

In stroke play, check each hole with the marker and resolve questions before the card is returned. Follow the event's instructions for recording and certifying scores. The player's responsibility for the hole scores matters; do not leave a known uncertainty until after submission. Official reference: Rule 3.3b.

Practise with an imaginary three-hole round at home: say the strokes aloud, record a score and check it together. This is a learning exercise, not a substitute for the organiser's scoring instructions.

When something unexpected happens

Help your child get comfortable saying “I'm not sure what to do.” They should tell the group what happened and seek the appropriate official's help before guessing at a procedure. You can practise this sentence as part of the free rules quiz.

After the round

Give them time before analysing the golf. Ask what they enjoyed and who they played with. If they want to discuss a confusing situation, write it down and revisit it with their coach. One useful thing learned is a worthwhile result from a first competition.