Family-Friendly Golf Courses
Aug 11th 2017
More children are participating in golf at a young age. This is no surprise, especially when they have parents who are avid golfers. These children could be future Green Jacket winners, so they must have the opportunity to play on a variety of courses to advance and challenge their skills.
Many golf clubs have strict policies against children that are yet to be updated from original club rules, while some others welcome junior golfers. We’ve rounded up a list of some great family-friendly golf courses to help hone the skills of your future champion.
The Ocean Course at Hokuala – Kauai, HI
Who wouldn't be excited to play on the only course on the Hawaiian island of Kauai designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus? Located in one of Kauai's stunning beach areas, Kalapaki Beach, the Ocean Course will turn the head of even the youngest players.
Originally constructed as a 27-hole course, renovations in 2015 shortened it down to an 18-hole course. During the upgrade, the club also changed its name from Kauai Lagoons to Hokuala, which means rising star in Hawaiian.
Like every signature course by Nicklaus, it maintains its unique qualities. The first nine is easy for the beginner, progressively becoming more difficult with advancement to par 3s and forced carries. The back nine offers challenges in the form of trade winds, bunkers, and inland lagoon water hazards.
Along with premium golf carts, Hokuala also offers the newest craze—golf boards.
Hershey Country Club – Hershey, PA
In 1909, the Hershey Golf Club opened its doors with a 9-hole course. Located on a slice of heaven near the Hershey Chocolate Factory, today the club features two 18-hole courses. In 1932, the club opened the longest 9-hole course in the area, the Spring Creek Golf Course, becoming the nation's first to allow players under 17.
Ranked as one of the top 50 golf resorts in the United States by Golf Digest, Spring Creek remains welcoming to golfers of every age group. To encourage the younger golfers, they offer special golf clinics and rates for juniors.
Sunriver Resort– Sunriver, OR
There are four courses on the Sunriver Resort, each designed by a renowned architect. Meadows is an 18-hole course designed by John Fought. Crosswater is an 18-hole course designed by Bob Cupp, and The Woodlands is an 18-hole championship course designed by Bobby Jones, Jr.
The fourth course is Caldera Links, a Bob Cupp design. It is family-friendly for all skill levels, from complete beginner and up. They encourage the kids to play with free green fees for ages 11 and under when accompanied by a paying adult and a mere $10 for those in the 12 to 17 age group.
There are a number of packages available for varying budgets. Each has its own special feature, including unlimited golf cart use, lodging included, and specials specifically for locals.
Holes are between 60 and 185 yards—a perfect introduction for youngsters new to the links. Caldera Links also offers bluegrass tees and bent grass greens.
One of the most popular events for golfers is Monday Family Fun Day, where 15-inch cups are used!
La Cantera Hill Country Resort – San Antonio, TX
There are two 18-hole championship courses on the resort. They offer a family golfing program with free club rentals, which allows juniors to play free after 3 p.m. daily when they are with a paying adult. Additionally, La Cantera also provides the option for kids to receive a free lesson when accompanied by a paying adult.
Along with the fabulous scenery, La Cantera has the distinction of being a former PGA tour stop. The second 18-hole course, built in 2001, had Arnold Palmer as a designer. A masterpiece of architecture, even expert players find their abilities challenged on this 6,926-yard par 71.
They have frequent specials on golf packages, so check for current promotions before heading out.
Pinehurst Golf Resort – Pinehurst, NC
2024 will see Pinehurst play host to the U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Open Championships for the fourth time since their inception in 1898. This gives them the prestigious title of hosting more championship games than any other club in the United States has.
They cater to kids in a big way at Pinehurst. In addition to both junior and family tee times, numerous kid's activities, and suites just made for families, children under 12 eat, stay, and play free for each paying adult.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – Scottsdale, AZ
Voted as one of "America's 9 Most Cheerful Golf Courses" by Golf Digest, there is a lot to love at Kierland. They offer an extensive list of programs for kids, including half-day sports camps. The on-site pros work diligently to encourage kids to play golf, often incorporating items such as baseball bats and Frisbees as beginner learning tools.
There are three courses located on the resort to cater to all skill levels. The Kierland also lays claim to innovative experiences and amenities like Scottish-themed golf, Segway transportation, climate-controlled golfing, and Fore-MAX golf training.