If you’re preparing for your child’s debut in a U.S. Kids Golf tournament, congratulations! It’s an exciting first step in their golfing journey, packed with challenges, fun, and valuable lessons. Here’s what you can expect from the experience, especially as you take on the role of their caddie, and how you can make the day smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

1. Tournament Atmosphere: A Mix of Camaraderie and Competition

U.S. Kids Golf tournaments are designed to be friendly, encouraging environments where young golfers can learn the game. Expect a lively and supportive atmosphere at check-in, where you’ll get information on your child’s tee time, starting hole, and pairing details. This time is also a great opportunity for kids to introduce themselves to their playing partners and get comfortable with the course.

As a parent-caddie, you’ll be by their side, helping them focus on the fun and sportsmanship aspects of the day, which are key values in junior golf.

2. Your Role as Parent-Caddie: Balancing Support and Independence

As the caddie, you’ll play an active role in supporting your child, from carrying the bag to offering guidance on club selection, yardage, and basic course strategy. However, it’s important to find the right balance between helping and allowing them to learn independently. The goal is to guide them, not to play for them—encouraging them to make their own decisions and trust their instincts.

To help you become a better caddie, U.S. Kids has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance. PCA’s mission is to build character-driven athletes and will help you stay positive on the course as well as further develop your relationship with your son or daughter. Please review U.S. Kids Policies for more information on this special part of all their competitions.

Here are some quick tips for a being a successful caddie:

• Encourage Confidence: Let them take ownership of their decisions, even if it means trying shots that might not work out perfectly.
• Stay Positive: Focus on encouragement and positive reinforcement, especially if things don’t go as planned.
• Mind the Rules: Familiarize yourself with basic tournament rules and etiquette to set a good example.

3. Course Setup: Kid-Friendly Tees and Distances

One great feature of U.S. Kids Golf tournaments is that the courses are adapted for junior golfers. Each age group has its own tee markers, creating shorter distances that match their skill level. This setup allows young players to succeed without facing overly challenging shots. As a parent-caddie, this helps you focus more on encouraging their best swing, rather than managing the tougher aspects of a full-length course.

4. Rules and Etiquette: A Learning Opportunity

U.S. Kids Golf tournaments prioritize learning the rules and etiquette that make golf such a respectful and honorable game. As the caddie, you’ll play a part in reinforcing these lessons. Before the tournament, review a few basics with your child, such as:

• Where to stand while others are hitting.
• Maintaining a good pace of play.
• Respecting the course, such as fixing divots and raking bunkers.

Understanding these essentials makes the experience more enjoyable and will help your child feel confident and prepared.

5. Scoring and Honesty: Teaching Responsibility

After the round, each player will review their scores with their partners and report them accurately. This process teaches responsibility and honesty—core values in golf. While you can support your child during the scoring process, encourage them to take the lead in tracking and verifying their own scores.

6. Post-Round Reflections: Celebrating Wins and Lessons Learned

Once you finish the round, celebrate your child’s efforts. Whether they played their best or struggled to get it in the hole, each tournament is a chance to learn and grow. Emphasize that every experience is valuable, setting small goals for future tournaments, like hitting more fairways or having less putts, while keeping the focus on enjoyment.

Many U.S. Kids tournaments include an awards ceremony, so stick around to recognize the young players’ accomplishments. This is very important. Seeing others acknowledged can inspire your child to keep working on their game—and no matter the outcome, every child walks away with a better idea of how they stack up and what they need to work on in the future.

Final Tips for the Day:

• Bring the Essentials: Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and an umbrella or rain jacket. Having layers for when its cold, and anything you can do to make the day more enjoyable.
• Encourage Fun Over Performance: Remind your child that the day is about a long journey toward improvement. Focus more on enjoying the game and each other’s company on the course. There will be plenty of time to grind as the young player becomes a competitive golfer.
• Be Ready for Downtime: Tournament days can be long, so bring something to keep yourself occupied when you’re not actively caddying, or while you are awaiting results.
• Keep It Light: Embrace the day as a bonding experience with your child—enjoy the time you get to spend together on the course.

Supporting your child at their first U.S. Kids Golf tournament as a parent-caddie is a memorable and rewarding experience. With the right approach, you’ll help them develop a love for the game, build sportsmanship, and feel excited to take on more tournaments in the future. Here’s to a fantastic first round and the start of a lifelong journey in golf!