Why Golf Course Communities in Georgia are Great Places to Raise Kids

There’s no question that playing sports is not only fun for kids, but good for them. In fact, research shows that participation in youth sports is associated with better mental, physical, and social health, as well as educational and career success.  

Any activity is beneficial, of course. And most Georgia gated golf communities enable kids to take part in a wide variety of fun and healthy physical activities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness centers, and more.  

But there’s something special about golf.  

The lessons learned and friendships formed growing up in golf communities in Georgia tend to do much more than lead to a happy and healthy childhood. Those lessons build the foundation for a happy and healthy adulthood, too. Here are five: 

5 ways golf benefits kids as they grow

1. Decision-making and personal accountability  

Golf can be played as part of a team but at its core, golf is an individual sport. Because of this, golf teaches kids how to make decisions and hold themselves accountable. Personal accountability means taking responsibility for one’s actions and not blaming others or external circumstances when things go wrong.  

In golf, there are many things that could affect a shot, from wind gusts to divots to distractions. But in the end, it’s the golfer who chooses the club, hits the ball, and bears the responsibility for where it lands. 

As summed up by golf mental coach Jon Stabler: “You and your caddy or coach, but primarily you, must consider all the variables and then choose the shot. No team…no handing off responsibility that is possible in team sports. No relief from this choosing. And it is easy to choose wrong.” 

2. Honesty and integrity 

Most sports have referees to make the calls, such as balls and strikes, whether a ball is in, out, or on the line, or if a hand touches a net. Golfers, however, must become their own referee, keeping track of their own points and violations, counting the number of strokes for each hole, and drawing penalties when they lose a ball or hit it out of bounds or in the water. This scorekeeping tradition, based on the honor system, is unique, as pointed out by Pundit Arena.  

“Can you name any other sport where each player is his or her own referee with no-fail expectations to call all rule infractions regardless of the outcome on their scorecard?” Pundit Arena writes, emphasizing how “bending the rules, stretching the truth or straight-out cheating is just bad form.” 

The sport helps teach children the importance of doing the right thing even when no one is watching. 

“Golf,” says P.G. Wodehouse, one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th Century, “is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.”  

3. Self-control and respect 

Golf is notoriously challenging (which is part of the fun), so players, from beginners to seasoned pros, can sometimes get frustrated. But golf has a long tradition of etiquette built on sportsmanship, good manners and self-control. 

Unlike some other sports where taunting other players or emotional outbursts are more common, golfers learn early to control their emotions and to treat each other, and the game itself, with respect.  

Children who learn these behaviors on the course often carry them into other aspects of their lives, giving them a sense of maturity and poise beyond their years.  

4. Persistence and confidence 

Just as in life, things don’t always go as planned or as one would like on the golf course. Even the best golfers in the world have bad days and missed shots. But they persevere.  

The challenge of the sport can give young people a positive way to channel and focus their energy, and they may find that as their persistence pays off and their golf game improves, their confidence grows.  

Unlike some physically demanding sports that can lead to injuries, golf is a sport people can start young and continue playing throughout their lives, either just for fun or as part of a lifelong journey of continuous improvement. Take it from Tiger Woods who famously said: “No matter how good you get you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.” 

5. Family ties and friendships 

In addition to the joy of playing the sport itself, golf is a great way for families and friends to spend time together. Unlike sports where players need to be more evenly matched, with golf, players of varying skill levels can play together.  

Players can learn from each other, encourage each other, and there’s ample time between holes to chat and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. It’s a great way for kids to get away from screens and cell phones and interact with others in real life. 

When comparing all the different real estate options and the best environment in which to raise children, a master-planned community with a country club and award-winning golf courses is a truly special place to grow up.  

Kids can form friendships, strengthen family ties, and learn not only a game they can enjoy for years to come, but lessons that will serve them well throughout their life. 

If you’d like to learn more about The Landings Golf & Athletic Club and our six championship golf courses, we’d love to tell you more. Let’s talk!