Golf isn’t just a game; it’s an art, a science, and a lifelong journey of seeking improvement. Lessons can be helpful at any stage of the game, and for any age or skill level! Beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals, all the way to seasoned players aiming to refine technique have a plethora of top-notch facilities and instructors in Kansas City ready to help. There’s no need for a country club membership or a fancy set of clubs. Check out one or more of these fantastic places around the metro where your junior golfer can learn or deepen your love of the game with golf lessons.
Where to Take Junior Golf Lessons in Kansas City
City and Parks Department Courses
Johnson County Parks Department Junior Golf
Johnson County operates two golf courses, Heritage Park and Tomahawk Hills. Both provide extensive and introductory youth camps and clinics. Students will be instructed on putting, chipping, full swing, etiquette, history, rules, and technique. Heritage Park also offers a Performance Golf Academy for those who know the basics of the game but want to take it to the next level.
Kansas City Parks Department Golf Instruction and Practice Facilities
The city of Kansas City manages five courses under their Parks Department, all of which provide affordable play options and opportunities for instruction in different areas around the metro. The two most difficult courses are Swope Memorial and Shoal Creek. Hodge Park in the Northland and Minor Park in South KC each offer fun, affordable golf for players of any skill level. Their layouts pose a challenge, but overall cater to recreational players. A relaxing atmosphere make it easy to walk and fun to play. At all of these locations, you’ll find junior academies, individual lessons, camps, group lessons and personalized instruction at an affordable rate compared to private courses.
Heart of America Golf Academy
For learning to play the game, the Heart of America Golf Academy (HOA) is the quintessential spot for beginners. It offers 3 great options for play. ‘The River’ is a modern and undulating 9-hole course and ‘The Rock’ is a challenging and fun Par three 9-Hole Course. The ‘Watson course’, a 4-hole short course perfect for juniors (ages 5 & older). The clubhouse at HOA is home to the The First Tee of Greater Kansas City, an organization that promotes the game to youth in urban areas throughout the country.
Fred Arbanas
Fred Arbanas is owned and operated by the Jackson County Parks Department, and is another affordable option, located in Lee’s Summit. It offers a popular junior summer camp, and any of the employees are happy to provide individual and group lessons!
St. Andrews Golf Club
St. Andrews Golf Club is owned by the city of Overland Park and is proud to give steep discounts for children who want to golf with an adult or purchase their own yearly membership. Pick from a huge list of camps and lesson options to find one that suits your needs.
Sykes/Lady Overland Park Golf Club
Sykes/Lady Overland Park Golf Club is also owned by Overland Park and provides an enormous amount of opportunities for beginners and youth players. They are the only ones in the area offering “Pee Wee” lessons for those four to six years of age. For the largest selection of times, dates and offerings, hit this course up in the spring and summer!
Non-Profit Organizations
First Tee
First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character while integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. They aim to teach the game but also build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. Six golf courses around the metro take part in the program, making it easy to find one close to your home. Spring, summer and fall leagues are open for those interested.
Watson Links
There’s also a chance to participate in Watson Links, a FREE program, introduced by Kansas City’s famous golfer Tom Watson. It is designed to pair kids with mentors to give them more opportunities to play out on the golf course. This program is meant for kids ages 10-18.
Local Businesses Providing Lessons
GolfTEC
Utilizing advanced technology, GolfTEC offers data-driven lessons to help improve swing and technique. An indoor facility, located in Overland Park, Lee’s Summit and KCK, it provides swing analysis, club fittings and helpful tips before a golfer hits the actual course. Coaches will provide precise feedback to refine technique. They prefer students to start at age 7 at the earliest.
Topgolf
Topgolf is not just a fun family-oriented destination, it also can provide helpful instructions and camps for those wanting to learn in an interactive environment. They provide individual and group lessons, as well as a Summer Academy, which is a 5-day, half day camp that provides lunch for kids ages 6-12. It runs every week from July to August. Personal Anecdote: this camp has been highly related by my two boys because of the games, fun instructors and great lunch provided!
Club Courses
Drumm Farm Golf Club
Drumm Farm Golf Club in Independence offers personalized instruction and two junior camps. These two-day camps take place in June and July. Individual lessons start at $125.
Falcon Ridge Golf Club
Falcon Ridge Golf Club in Lenexa hosts a Nike sponsored camp that sells out every year! Half and full day options are available, and take place in June and July. Campers will need their own clubs to participate and receive Nike swag bags and a completion certificate.
Ironhorse Golf Club
Ironhorse Golf Club is known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, it’s also a prime location for golf instruction. Their PGA-certified instructors utilize innovative teaching methods to teach a myriad of different camps, leagues and champion programs. There is something here to fit anyone’s needs or schedule. This is also a prime spot for individual lessons.
Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate
Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate is a premier golf destination in Overland Park features a Jack Nicklaus-designed course and a team of PGA professionals. Junior golfers are able to take party in their “Crush It” program where basics are taught as well as all the lessons that accompany the game of golf.
Shoal Creek Driving Range
Shoal Creek Driving Range is the perfect place to learn the fundamentals of swing from professional, Secah Shahib. Get the basics down first before attempting the first round on a course.
Sunflower Hills Junior Golf Program
The junior golf program at Sunflower Hills Junior Golf Program is one of largest in the Midwest. It offers lessons, leagues, and tournaments throughout the golfing season for all ages and skill levels of golfers. These programs are held at the Sunflower Hills Junior Golf Course Located in the Wyandotte County Park adjacent to Sunflower Hills. Classes are limited to the first 10 entries. Leagues are limited to the first 16 entries.
Stone Canyon Golf Club – Blue Springs
Stone Canyon Golf Club in Blue Springs offers some of the most affordable junior clinics in the Kansas City area. Kids can start as young as five-years-old. It’s a great public course where anyone can feel at home, especially those who are newcomers to the sport.
The Golf School at Tiffany Greens
The Golf School at Tiffany Greens offers a more extensive golf academy for children of all skill levels, ages 7-13. Program includes six weeks of practices and play days with practice on Wednesday evenings and play days on weekend evenings. It offers a range of lesson options, including clinics and private instruction, to suit your needs. A separate academy is available for those ages 14-17, again open to all skill levels.
WinterStone Golf Course
WinterStone Golf Course is a picturesque course in Independence offering camps throughout the year, as well as individual instruction options. Prices start at $75 per hour and increase from there for those wanting one-on-one time.
Things to Consider Before Booking a Lesson
- Before booking expensive, individual lessons on one of the premier courses in KC, consider enrolling your curious kid in an interactive summer camp or clinic first.
- First Tee is a fantastic place to start that also offers reduced or free rates for those who cannot afford the full price.
- Topgolf is also a great first introduction to the sport and the fundamentals. They will be surrounded by other children their age and paired with similar abilities.
- Once they show a true interest, then consider short camps provided by public courses in the area.
- The last step should be one-on-one lessons.
- Understand the needs and personality of your child before booking private, one-on-one lessons. The child should be able to concentrate and listen for a full hour, otherwise the time and money could be wasted.
- Most places do not require a set of clubs to take part in lessons. Make sure to ask before arriving at the first lesson.
- An affordable set of clubs can be purchased at U.S. Kids Golf. They only need the basics when they begin! A set comes with four clubs and a bag!
Whether you’re looking to lower your child’s handicap or simply enjoy the game more, these courses, businesses and organizations offer excellent opportunities to hone skills and learn to appreciate the complicated game of golf.
