The challenging, but kid-friendly game of golf teaches players a number of personal skills, including integrity, honesty and courtesy.

In York Region, young golfers can benefit from some of the best golf academies in Ontario, including Eagle’s Nest, Copper Creek, Angus Glen, Westview and Cardinal Golf Club, which offers several programs for juniors to get them on the golf course says Rob Brandon, director of golf at the club.

“We have our kids play free in the after six program,” which Brandon explains offers kids the chance to play free after six on any night of the week when accompanied by a paying adult. And on Sundays, “it’s parents and kids play free, so it just takes away that cost barrier for young families.”

Cardinal Golf Club also offers junior camps that run for the full nine weeks of summer in July and August for kids aged 8 to 14, as well as one week at the end of the summer that’s dedicated to the younger kids, aged five to seven. “We also have junior clinics run all through May and June,” Brandon adds, “for ages five to seven as well as ages 8 to 14.”

Brandon encourages parents to introduce their children to the game of golf, explaining that it teaches the great life skills of sportsmanship and honesty, plus it’s a great way for them to play with other children.

The golf programs offered in York Region are designed around age and ability and are offered in full day, half day, evening and weeklong day camps where kids are able to improve their skills by enjoying golf instruction, supervised on-course play and practice drills.

Whether your child is a budding beginner, an aspiring golfer or preparing to compete in junior golf tournaments, you’re sure to find a suitable program that will inspire and entertain them in York Region.

Consisting of nine municipalities: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Vaughan, York Region boasts a great selection of public golf courses from executive to pro.

Aside from golf, kids will find a wide variety of other fun things to do in York Region, such as Mini Putt at Timbercreek, swimming at the Wave Pool and the rides at Canada’s Wonderland.

If you’re ready to tee off, visit YorkTourism.com for a full list of golf courses in the area.

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