Access may be the single most important factor in getting people into golf. Thatâs why Harold Varner III has teamed up with Youth on Course and become their first national ambassador.
The motivation behind this partnership stems from Varnerâs own childhood when he was able to play unlimited rounds at his local muni each summer for just $100. He hopes this partnership will give kids similar access to what he enjoyed as a kid.
âI just wanted to be a part of something that gets kids on the golf course,â Varner told GOLF.com.
As a part of this announcement, GOLF.com chatted with Varner and got his tips on how to get into golf. Hereâs what he had to say.
1. Get into a program
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Golf can be intimidating sport to try for the first time. With all of the rules â written and unwritten â and expectations on the course, there are lots of ways to mess up and feel embarrassed. Youth programs can help ease those feelings and open doors to the game.
âJust find a program where you get to go play,â Varner said. âFind somewhere where you get to go be awesome.â
If youâre interested in getting into the game but donât know where to start, look for a program like Youth on Course or the First Tee. They can help you get over the barriers to entry and get you out on the course.
2. Find someone to do it with you
If you donât have access to a program, try finding someone who will take on golf with you. Having a go-to playing partner makes golf more fun and makes you more likely to keep coming back because of the social aspect.
âItâs way easier if you can find someone who just wants to go play golf,â Varner said. âWith basketball, you can go shoot by yourself. Or baseball itâs cheap to just go play catch. Just find someone who wants to go play golf with you.â
3. Have a chance to mess up
Donât be afraid to mess up. And if you do, keep coming back. Donât let setbacks be discouraging.
âYou want to know why successful people are well off?â Varner said. âItâs because they have a chance to mess up. They decide, âThis is what Iâm going to do.â And when you can just focus on what you want to do and go do it, good things happen.â
