Scott’s first lessons are on Thursday 5 November. Book a 30-minute junior lesson →
Booking your child’s first golf lesson can feel like a step into the unknown. You don’t know what happens in the session, what they need to bring, or whether they’ll want to go back.
So we asked Scott Gillies, our Head of Junior Development, to answer the questions parents ask most.
What happens in the first 30 minutes
“The first 30-minute session together is all about building a rapport and getting to know your child, so they feel comfortable and relaxed and want to come back again. We’ll hit a few shots, play some fun games and start seeing how they move, learn and react. By the end of the session I’ll have a very good idea of our starting point and what our biggest wins will be.”
When to start, and what to bring
“I started learning the game myself at 5 years old, with just 2 old clubs on a 6-hole golf course. There is no perfect age, but I think true enjoyment can come from around that age. No equipment or experience is required. Just a comfortable outfit and a willingness to have a go. We provide equipment at the sessions and can sort the rest further down the line.”
The studio is covered, so lessons go ahead whatever the weather. You don’t need to be a club member. You’ll find us at Swanston Golf Academy, 111 Swanston Road, EH10 7DS, with free parking.
Keeping it fun when progress is slow
“I always try to emphasise that golf isn’t just measured by the score on a hole or after a round. We’ll always set simple, achievable goals that let us celebrate the small wins more often. The environment we create will always be fun, with plenty of skill-based challenges. Every junior progresses at a different pace, so enjoyment always comes before performance.”
One thing you can do at home
“The biggest thing I ask from parents is to simply keep golf a fun and positive topic. Your child will leave every session with a couple of brief, simple takeaways. All I’d hope for is that you check they understand them, help reinforce them positively and sometimes simply remind them.”
Scott’s first lessons at Swanston are on Thursday 5 November.
Junior coaching for 2027 is on the way. Join the waiting list.
