by Bob
I have run into similar problems when taking my young son tio the golf course on vacation. My son just turned 5 years old in August 2004. He's been playing for 3 years, he understand basic etiquette (better than most adults I encounter) , plays the ball down (unlike most adults), rakes his sand traps, repairs ball marks om the green, repairs his divots and plays 9-holes in under 90 minutes (all unlike most older players). It is my responsibiity to keep him safe and to teach him about reasonable on-course behavior, while making sure it's fun. He doesn't play from the "grown up's tees", we mix up yardages by playing from between 100-200 yard markers. Luckily we play at a course in North Carolins, that is open to the public, that welcomes children with a staff that rivals the most prestigious clubs I have played at across North America. By the way we usually play on the weekends at 7 am, prime time for weekend golfers.
Unfotunately in other states when we vacation it is a challenge to find a course that welcomes him. We havebeen fortunate at times to find courses tht recognize that a child can play and keep the pace with adults. Most adults can't break 90 playing by the rules, so they are playing pretty slow. If a course opwner or professional is of the opinion that all children should not be on the golf course, then they are in the wrong business. A golf profesional's number one obective should be to enrich and grow the game. If they do that they will realize both financial rewards and a high degree of satisfaction from their jobs. At the same time they will be promoting their future, which is something we all need to think about.

by Dominic House
Courses should not be allowed to discriminate against junior golfers, regardles of their age, as long as they pay their fair price. If a dad wants to take a child out there, it is dad's responsibility to teach the child proper etiquette and pace of play. What better opportunity for dad to teach his child than in the real situation. Some would advocate building a course for kids so they could send their kids off alone without any guidance rather than taking on their parental responsibilities. Golf is becoming a family event and dads and moms should take the opportunity to properly train their children. Those stiff upper lip conservatives need to get a life.

by Mac Thayer
ARRRRGH!!. Having been involved with competitive junior golf for ten years with a son who played and now the Junior Golf Scoreboard, I continue to grow weary of the GOM's who control golf. GOM's = grumpy old men. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a parent and a child under 10 playing a few holes late afternoon on a Saturday or Sunday. By that time the GOM's are into their third beer in the clubhouse. These are the same guys who have nothing better to do than serve on the golf committee and stop as much junior golf as they can. Much more of this and every club in America is in serious trouble 10-15 years from now.
Mac Thayer
888-549-4653

by J Streckert
I know your son he is a mediocre player. who is jealous of Luke Donald. But he did catch a break and went low at Kinloch

by C Thayer
I am his son. And it was a 62. Holla!!! That streckert kid is out to get me since I wrote a song about his mom. It is called "Streckert's Mom" Search Kazaa for it.

by victor meyer
I have a 10yr.old daughter. I sign her up for a golf clinic sponsored by the PGA. the night before we had a hail storm and the clinic was called off. She was so disappointed I told her I would take her to a big boy course. I told the starter it was her first time on a regulation course. Turns out you had to be 10 to play the course. We were put out by ourselves and we took a drive cart. We were behind a foursome and I was very aware of pace. She shot a 61 for the 9 hole course and we had a great time. Seems to me the PGA holds these clinics to get kids involved in golf so why keep them off the course. I really dislike slow play but it's up to us parents to be mindfull of it and if we are slowing the game for someone we should pick up and keep pace. The last thing I want to hear is some guys yelling at my daughter.Kodos to any guy that takes his child out to play golf.