Sunday is better than Christmas. As a dad I’m biased, but I love Father’s Day more than any other holiday. My simple reason for saying so has to do with my role at the course over all these years. Birthdays and Christmas are all about presents and parties. Dad’s day as long as I can remember was always about getting together with my family and doing something fun.
Since I have now taken on the role of the dad, I love continuing that tradition. A gift doesn’t hurt, but a BBQ and nine holes make my day. Any dad that golfs knows exactly what I mean. Follow up that golf with a little closing US Open drama and you have the perfect outline for the best day of the year!
In case your Father’s Day doesn’t currently follow that amazing game plan, here’s a PGA Coaching approach on how to build the best day ever. Long before we get to the celebrated Sunday in June, we must get the family playing golf. This is the first step, because it is the most important. Not to mention, it takes the most time to develop. I’m a PGA Coach and the first thing I did to get my kids loving golf was to sign them up for a golf camp at the club.
Gen Z kids love group activities. Modern PGA Professionals are so skilled in programs like Operation 36 to get kids excited and engaged. Get them hooked with their friends. Don’t do it yourself at first. I am a PGA Coach, but their dad first and kids don’t listen to their parents. Get an expert involved. They will instantly hook them on the game.
Once they and your spouse have a background in playing, start some friendly trips to the course or TopGolf. Make golf a part of your family routine. Two or three times a month is all you need to get it on the schedule that June Sunday. When you do play, start with a scramble. Join them at the forward tee and make sure everyone feels like they belong together.
Golf is individual game by nature, so you must take extra care in making sure everyone feels connected. My wife and kids love to team up against me. I have two kids, so a three person scramble against me is a really fun challenge. Base your teams on the skill level or your group. Maybe even all play together and create a reward. “If the family best ball score for nine holes is under 40, let’s get ice cream.”
Take your time over a couple months getting ready for the big day. Don’t mention it too often either. Golfers have a particularly bad habit of placing expectations on their future golf. Get it on the calendar for that day and relax. Those quick keys will get you to the point where everyone will enjoy the excursion.
If you build a little love for golf in plenty of time before the big day, you’ll be the envy of all dads around the neighborhood. If golf is the goal that day, do yourself a favor and consult your local PGA Coach. Many of them are dads and moms too! They get where you’re going with this plan. Explain your family goal and they will be happy to help. I know I would, after all any win for a dad on Father’s Day is a win for all!
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