Coaches and clubs
Junior golf coaching resources: a 20-minute rules session
Run a short junior rules session with a free quiz, a practical activity, discussion prompts and a parent handout. Print or share with your club.
By RuleReady · Updated · 5 minute read
This short session is designed for a junior organiser, coach or teacher who wants children to talk through practical decisions. It uses the free RuleReady worksheet and a simple demonstration. Adapt the pace, language and group size to your learners.
What you need
- One copy of the ten-question quiz per pair, with the answer key kept separate.
- A few marked balls and ball markers.
- A safe space for a tabletop demonstration. No swinging is needed.
- A way to consult the linked official rules when a question needs clarification.
Minutes 0 to 3: ask a question
Put two similar balls on a table. Ask: “How would you know which one is yours?” Let learners describe what they would check. Invite more than one answer before explaining the next step. Set the expectation that uncertainty is welcome.
Minutes 3 to 9: work in pairs
Choose four questions from the worksheet. One learner reads the situation; the other explains their choice. Then swap roles. Ask each pair to mark one question they would like to discuss, rather than announcing a leaderboard.
Minutes 9 to 15: demonstrate one action
Use a ball and marker to rehearse a putting-green marking example. Ask the learner to explain each step to their partner. Return to the answer key and official reference if the group disagrees. Keep the demonstration on a table or designated practice space; do not interfere with anyone's ball in play.
Minutes 15 to 18: change the example
Change a detail and ask whether it matters. For example, does a shared brand name establish that a ball is yours? Where can you check the procedure if you need to lift a ball to identify it? The objective is to transfer the idea to another situation, not remember a quiz letter.
Minutes 18 to 20: choose the next learning step
Ask each learner to finish “Next time I'm unsure, I can…” Record the topics that need another demonstration. Share the junior rules guide with parents and explain which topic you covered.
A message you can share with parents
Today we practised recognising our own ball and talking through a rules decision. You can try the free RuleReady junior rules quiz together at home. Ask your child to explain one answer; there is no need to complete everything in one sitting. The page includes explanations and official references, and does not require an account.
Keep the session useful
For younger learners, read questions aloud and use the demonstration first. For experienced juniors, ask them to locate the official reference and explain the conditions that matter. Avoid inventing a rule to make an activity easier; distinguish a practice game from competition play.
The R&A offers rules education and further learning. RuleReady's resources supplement that material. They do not certify a coach, authorise a competition ruling or replace a club's safeguarding arrangements.