How to Set Goals in Junior Golf
Quick answer: Effort-based goals (“practise three times this week”) motivate more reliably than outcome-based ones (“lower your score by five”) — they’re within a child’s control, easier to feel good about achieving, and they build the habits that eventually lead to better scores anyway.
Effort Goals vs Outcome Goals
- “Practise putting three times this week”
- “Try one new drill this month”
- “Warm up properly before every round”
- Fully within your child’s control
- “Break 50 for nine holes”
- “Finish in the top group”
- Influenced by factors beyond effort
- Can feel discouraging if missed
How to Set One Together
The best goals come from your child, not for them — ask what they’d like to get better at, and help shape it into something specific and effort-based. “I want to get better at chipping” becomes “I’ll practise chipping twice this week.” One goal at a time, tied to one of the eight growth areas, works far better than a long list your child didn’t choose.
Go Deeper
Frequently Asked Questions
Should goals ever include a score target?
Occasionally, for older or more competitive juniors, but pair it with effort-based goals rather than relying on score targets alone.
What if my child doesn’t meet a goal?
Treat it as information, not failure — adjust the goal to be more achievable, or use it as a conversation starter rather than a disappointment.
How often should goals change?
Every few weeks is reasonable for most juniors — frequent enough to stay relevant, not so often that nothing gets real follow-through.
Small goals, genuinely recognised.
FamilyGolf Club recognises effort and progress from every round and session logged — goals met or not.
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