🌞 It's almost summer! Let's talk camps.
One thing we've learned over the years is that not all golf camps are created equal. Some can be incredibly valuable for junior golfers, while others are little more than expensive babysitting
with a bucket of range balls mixed in. So before signing up for every camp you see advertised this summer, it's worth taking a closer look at what your junior golfer actually needs right now.
We learned with our son early on that camps can serve different purposes depending on the age and skill level. For younger kids
or beginners, camps are often less about technical swing instruction and more about building comfort around the game. Learning golf etiquette, understanding how to move around a course, making friends, and simply having fun can be hugely important in those early years.
For more experienced junior golfers,
though, you want to look a little deeper before investing the money. One of the biggest things I would encourage parents to ask is: How much actual coaching and feedback will my child receive? Some camps may advertise elite instruction, but if there are 25 kids and one instructor, individual attention can be pretty limited.
Another thing you may want to consider is whether the camp includes on-course instruction or if it's entirely range-based. There is certainly value in working on mechanics, but so much is learned on the golf course. Camps that incorporate course management, decision-making, scoring strategy, and competitive games tend to provide more long-term value than simply hitting balls for hours.
You may also consider the environment of the camp itself. Is it highly competitive? More relaxed and developmental? Is it geared toward tournament players or recreational golfers? The best camps usually strike a balance between instruction, structure, competition, and fun. You can get a feel for this by looking at the daily itenerary, talking to the camp coordinator, and/or asking past
attendees.
What about college camps?
College camps are another category entirely. In my opinion, families sometimes overestimate the recruiting side of college camps, especially at the younger ages. Most college coaches are not making scholarship decisions based on one camp appearance.
However, camps can still be worthwhile for older players because they provide exposure to college coaches, allow juniors to experience campus life, and help players see how a program operates day-to-day. Even if recruiting doesn't immediately come from it, the experience itself can still be valuable.
Our personal experience with the University of Georgia golf camp did help our son form his opinion of the staff and facilities, but it was a very small piece of the entire puzzle when it came to actually receiving a spot on the UGA golf team.
