As the 2010-2011 school year draws to a close, many parents are beginning to discuss this summer's plans and activities for their children. With so many options out there like youth summer camps and all the different sports available, it can be a daunting task to choose what is going to occupy their child's summer activity. Let us offer this suggestion. Start your child playing golf. There are great life lessons to be learned while playing this sport. The game of golf can be a perfect example of sportsmanship, which every child should learn at an early age. But golf is more than just a game. It's a way of life. There is an understood respect among its players and it promotes honesty. Every parent wants their child to be extraordinary in whatever they choose to do in life. It's important to instill positive characteristics in them at a young age.

This summer is an ideal time to introduce golf to your child. One of the great things about golf is that you and your child can play this sport together. Here are a few keys to keep in mind while trying to introduce golf to your child....

1. Start with basic equipment: a golf club starter set, and golf balls is all you really need - they are not professionals yet, so they don't need a full set of clubs 2. Remember to "Have Patience" with your child - Golf is a mind game and if you are not patient with them they will not want to focus. 3. Most importantly "Have Fun"! - Golf can be an extremely fun and challenging sport to play 4. You will both make mistakes but it is a learning experience. Try and try again!

If you don't want to tackle teaching your youngster the game on your own, there are many teaching resources for today's younger generation of golfers. For example, The First Tee is a World Golf initiative dedicated to providing young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education. It creates opportunities for young people to learn essential skills for success on the green and later in life. The program fills kids with a sense of what's possible. The instructors of The First Tee instill nine core values into their teaching: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgment. If you want to get your child involved in The First Tee program, you can download the parent's guide or find a location near you. Or you may watch this video about The First Tee life skills experience to help instill good ethics and decision-making in our youth's generation.

In addition, check out our starter golf equipment section to help outfit your child in everything they will need to get started playing today. Also take a look at our large selection of junior golf apparel to get them looking like a golf pro in no time! Dressing in specific golf apparel will help performance on the course as today's golf clothing lines are designed in a manner that won't restrict your swing so you can have full range of motion. Actual golfing shoes are highly recommended to help keep balance and stability as well but not necessary, wearing other suitable athletic shoes would be OK. Want a place to start? Check out the Cleveland Juniors Series Set as a perfect value starter set with standard equipment suitable for various ages. Available in Large (11-14 years), Medium (7-10 years) or even Small (3-6 years). It's never too early to get 'em started! So start your child playing golf today. Who knows, if they stay with it, maybe one day they will be playing on Sundays.