Recommendations for trip w/ 6 year old

[MongoSmash]

Good afternoon. Looking to take a trip this July with my 6 year old son. 
He is an avid golfer as well. He has walked par 3 courses with me. He can hit the ball 100+ yards. He has been out for 9 holes (in a cart) with me to play on full size courses. When we play together, we just play the forward most tees and play when it’s less crowded. 
 

My initial thoughts are somewhere up north, that has carts. Recommendations? I know some properties allow kids to play free with an adult in the afternoon. 

 

Other option, we might bring grandma to help babysit so I could sneak out for a morning 18 alone, then play a par 3 or executive course with him in the afternoon. 

[ArtMBgolf]

Hard to recommend without you saying where you live now, plus any other criteria.   

[MongoSmash]

My mistake. Currently live in Georgia, USA. 

 

Current front runner in my brain is Bandon (if I can get a tee time).

I could play 18 in the morning, and take my son to the par 3 in the afternoon. 
 

grandma could do spa time, and hikes. And we’d really make it up to her with a trip through Oregon wine country

[Abh159]

47 minutes ago, MongoSmash said:

My mistake. Currently live in Georgia, USA. 

 

Current front runner in my brain is Bandon (if I can get a tee time).

I could play 18 in the morning, and take my son to the par 3 in the afternoon. 
 

grandma could do spa time, and hikes. And we’d really make it up to her with a trip through Oregon wine country

 

I'm going to be brutally honest here... This makes it sound like the trip is more so for you and less so for your son...

 

It sort of seems like you're considering dragging your 6 year old and your mom (or MIL) across the entire country just so you can play Bandon Dunes. 

[BirdieRoll]

You're thinking July so I'll throw out the idea of Wisconsin Dells, WI - assuming your son would love a waterpark.

 

Nearby you've got Wild Rock golf course and Trappers Turn (27 holes plus a par 3 short course plus a lit putting course).

 

And an hour to the north you've got Sand Valley which has a 17 hole short course in addition to the regular courses.

[vallygolf]

I have golfed with young kids for years (youngest is a teenager now).  Resort type trips arent ideal.  You need to be paired with the right group if you want to play a morning round.  As you imply, having a 6 year old play a full length course paired with other resort/vacation guests may not be a great option.  Often I would book the entire foursome no matter how many of the kids I was bringing.  I would pay for all four and  they could ride in the cart and hit as many balls as they wanted.  Putt and chip and I could play my ball as usual.  We were careful to keep pace and not be too loud.  This was always the easiest route for me.  The other option was to book an afternoon round when the course was empty and just take our time.  Rarely did my kids under 8 have any desire to play 18 holes.  At a certain point they just wanted to look for frogs or balls in the trees.  All of this to say, pick an area you want to visit and then find the least busy/cheapest courses around and buy out the foursome.  Play your own bucketlist courses on other trips.

[Hawkeye77]

Take a trip with your 6 year old based around things a 6 year old would enjoy.  If playing something like Brandon is your first thought leave the kid at home with grandma and just fly out and have your own golf trip. Our kids played golf/tennis, my wife and I play golf  - neither featured on any part of a trip we took as a family until HS/college ages. Not saying that’s what everyone else should do but he’s 6 - if you want to play a memorable course do it when you both can enjoy it if it’s part of a vacation for the two of you. 

[MongoSmash]

Well, that went downhill. 
 

For the record, my son LOVES golf. There are days he drags me to the course. 
 

appreciate those who gave helpful advice. 

[DoughBack18]

How long are you looking to travel for and how many rounds of golf total would you like to play? There are literally hundreds of places that could be a good fit. Is playing a really top notch course like Bandon the priority, or are you just trying to play some decent golf? 
 

Quick though if you’re looking at the Northeast is my area in Cental PA. Hersheypark give you a solid day or 2 for the kiddo, plus if you stay at the Hotel Hershey you can get on Hershey CC which hosted a PGA Championship back in the 1940’s and has 2 excellent courses. There are also some great public options nearby, plus they have Spring Creek which is a super well conditioned shorter, 9 hole course that is awesome for families.

[Drwoods2017]

I would say pinehurst but july is pretty miserable.  I would check out myrtle beach. Tons of activities for kids and good golf as well.  It's a lot more laid back when it comes to golf and there are a ton of executive and par 3 courses.  

[ruascott]

Bandon is a terrible idea.

 

I would look at options in Michigan or Wisconsin for the summer. I played 18 with my (at the time) 7 year old in Michigan a couple years ago at a nice/moderate public course. He is an avid player and had no issue keeping up. I will say forward tees are usually not short enough for players of this age. At that age I usually teed him up at roughly 150 marker in the FW. Maybe the front tees on a par 3 depending upon the hole. I played my normal tees. 

 

Get a place on one of the many lakes to stay. I wouldn't do a high end resort.  Find an area with some decent moderate priced courses. The course in Michigan was very supportive of juniors playing and I think only charged me $20 for him for 18 with cart. Don't make it stressful. 

 

 

Edited April 18, 2024 by ruascott

[ArtMBgolf]

I didn't think you would want to travel across the country, which is why I asked. 
Since you would travel from Georgia to Bandon with your son, I thought you would 
go anywhere.  
 
I agree with the Myrtle Beach idea.   At a lot of courses off season, Kids play free with adult. 
Then you have Topgolf, PopStroke mini golf and the beach.     

[Wesley-B96]

If you make it up to VA, near Richmond there is a fantastic short course called Independence Golf Club. I use to play there a ton when I was younger. Very well maintained course designed by Tom Fazio. 

[Santiago Golf]

Junior play free at Sand Valley and Bandon Dunes with a paying adult ... they have tees at 4000 yards plus firm and fast ... he could get to every hole in regulation. 

 

Sand Valley has the dells 45 minutes to the south with Water parks and such ... would have to book for next year since they are sold out ...  but could do the following

 

Day 1: fly to Milwaukee, drive to Wisconsin Dells

Day 2: Water Park 

Day 3: Drive to Sand Valley, play a twilight 9 holes with your son

Day 4: Go off first thing in the morning without your son (maybe son joins on the back 9, to give your wife a nice breakfast break)

            Family Lunch

Day 5: Fly home 

 

I don't ... I'm not married nor do I have kids, but just going off what I have seen people do before

[jrg75]

On 4/17/2024 at 1:27 PM, MongoSmash said:

My mistake. Currently live in Georgia, USA. 

 

Current front runner in my brain is Bandon (if I can get a tee time).

I could play 18 in the morning, and take my son to the par 3 in the afternoon. 
 

grandma could do spa time, and hikes. And we’d really make it up to her with a trip through Oregon wine country

Took my son on his first golf trip last fall, he's 11 and I felt like he was finally ready.  We drove about 3 hours out of town, found a nice public course and got an afternoon time by ourselves, it was awesome.  We are headed to Hilton Head this summer on a family vacation and he is going to play an afternoon round with me at Heron Point, kids under 17 are half priced at some of the Sea Pines courses.

 

I will say, I think Bandon would be rough for a 6 year old. I love the place but it is rugged, walking only with unpredictable weather.  Also, it's not really a spa, more of a building where they offer massages and a few other spa services.

 

 

[jrg75]

2 hours ago, Santiago Golf said:

Junior play free at Sand Valley and Bandon Dunes with a paying adult ... they have tees at 4000 yards plus firm and fast ... he could get to every hole in regulation. 

 

Sand Valley has the dells 45 minutes to the south with Water parks and such ... would have to book for next year since they are sold out ...  but could do the following

 

Day 1: fly to Milwaukee, drive to Wisconsin Dells

Day 2: Water Park 

Day 3: Drive to Sand Valley, play a twilight 9 holes with your son

Day 4: Go off first thing in the morning without your son (maybe son joins on the back 9, to give your wife a nice breakfast break)

            Family Lunch

Day 5: Fly home 

 

I don't ... I'm not married nor do I have kids, but just going off what I have seen people do before

If a 6 year old can get on in regulation on every hole from 4000 yds at Bandon, sign him up for drive, chip and putt, then punch your ticket to Augusta.

Edited April 19, 2024 by jrg75

[sheppick.dan]

On 4/17/2024 at 8:57 PM, MongoSmash said:

Well, that went downhill. 
 

For the record, my son LOVES golf. There are days he drags me to the course. 
 

appreciate those who gave helpful advice. 

Bandon is walking only. You could do that and then take him to preserve and the putting course. You could also sneak down the road to bandon trails which is a nice course and has carts. I played bandon for my VERY FIRST father son trip when I was 13. We have gone everytime they open a new course or every 5 years whichever comes first. 
 

I think they are going to be opening another short course soon as well. They also have a short course by the range that’s fun as well as a huge putting course next to pacific dunes clubhouse. 
 

if he is up to walking 18 holes take him with you to walk. I did that when I was 10 with my dad at pebble beach and that really got me hooked (surprised him for his retirement present and we went back there to play it together!)
 

You are about to start a lifetime of memories! My dad and I are doing Scotland this year for our 26th year in a row golf trip. We both circle the dates on the calendar and look forward to the trip every year. As I’m now older I don’t know who it means more to, me or my dad. 
 

just a heads up about the short courses and putting courses. It can get rowdy and a lot of language. If that type of thing will bother you or your son I’d suggest doing those earlier in the day while everyone is playing the courses and you sneak out in the afternoon onto the big courses. 
 

if you come up to wine country let me know, I’ll host you and your son at our course while your mom enjoys a wine tour! I’m in the heart of wine country. 
 

if you have any questions about Bandon or options in Oregon/Washington let me know!

[Philfil]

Disney 

[takito24]

19 hours ago, Santiago Golf said:

Junior play free at Sand Valley and Bandon Dunes with a paying adult ... they have tees at 4000 yards plus firm and fast ... he could get to every hole in regulation. 

 

Sand Valley has the dells 45 minutes to the south with Water parks and such ... would have to book for next year since they are sold out ...  but could do the following

 

Day 1: fly to Milwaukee, drive to Wisconsin Dells

Day 2: Water Park 

Day 3: Drive to Sand Valley, play a twilight 9 holes with your son

Day 4: Go off first thing in the morning without your son (maybe son joins on the back 9, to give your wife a nice breakfast break)

            Family Lunch

Day 5: Fly home 

 

I don't ... I'm not married nor do I have kids, but just going off what I have seen people do before

Sand Valley is walking only. Might not be the best option even tho kids do play free after 2pm

[Santiago Golf]

2 hours ago, takito24 said:

Sand Valley is walking only. Might not be the best option even tho kids do play free after 2pm

 

junior golfer shouldn't being riding in carts ... unless its a legit mountain course 

 

just my two cents

 

golf is a walking sport

 

[jrg75]

35 minutes ago, Santiago Golf said:

 

junior golfer shouldn't being riding in carts ... unless its a legit mountain course 

 

just my two cents

 

golf is a walking sport

 

I agree but remember, the OP was asking about a trip with a 6 year old.  I think the walks of the full size courses at Sand Valley and Bandon would be a tall order for a child that age.

[hammergolf]

Except for the heat I would say Orlando. Crazy amount of things for your son to do, plenty of great golf, and many other shorter 9 hole options.

[sabram]

18 hours ago, Philfil said:

Disney 

Delight in this family-friendly retreat that’s home to an enjoyable 9-hole, par-36 walking course.

Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is a beautiful 9-hole course with rolling greens and exciting challenges. Certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course lets you test your skills with holes ranging from 132 to 517 yards from the white tees; holes 5, 6 and 7 are routed around a deep canal and a picturesque pond. Operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management and featuring junior tees for younger golfers, this walking course is fun for the whole family.

We do not allow golf carts on the course. Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is walking only. Pull carts can be rented, and are available for $9+tax per person per round

[Lithovt]

Lots of good suggestions.  Another I’ll throw out is Traverse City, MI area.  One of my favorite places to be in July/August.  Plenty of non golf activities going on to entertain the three of you when you are off the course.  Bay Meadows Family Golf Course is a good option for you and your son.  And a couple of bucket list courses not too far away.

[Hawkeye77]

On 4/20/2024 at 11:33 AM, Santiago Golf said:

 

junior golfer shouldn't being riding in carts ... unless its a legit mountain course 

 

just my two cents

 

golf is a walking sport

 

6 year olds shouldn’t be walking Sand Valley. 

[AC168]

We go to Disney World (though in April) and my son is a little older and can play 18 holes more easily.  I usually do one non golf fun day per golf day.

[bonvivantva]

On 4/17/2024 at 7:16 PM, vallygolf said:

I have golfed with young kids for years (youngest is a teenager now).  Resort type trips arent ideal.  You need to be paired with the right group if you want to play a morning round.  As you imply, having a 6 year old play a full length course paired with other resort/vacation guests may not be a great option.  Often I would book the entire foursome no matter how many of the kids I was bringing.  I would pay for all four and  they could ride in the cart and hit as many balls as they wanted.  Putt and chip and I could play my ball as usual.  We were careful to keep pace and not be too loud.  This was always the easiest route for me.  The other option was to book an afternoon round when the course was empty and just take our time.  Rarely did my kids under 8 have any desire to play 18 holes.  At a certain point they just wanted to look for frogs or balls in the trees.  All of this to say, pick an area you want to visit and then find the least busy/cheapest courses around and buy out the foursome.  Play your own bucketlist courses on other trips.

 

I appreciate that this is an old thread and that the trip has already occurred.  I'd love to know how it went and where you ended up.

 

First, the quoted response is exactly right.  I've only played with my daughter (6-9), at nice courses when I've fully booked out a foursome.  Sometimes we play with my parents, other times, my wife and son ride with us and just chip and putt, and sometimes I pay for 4, but it's just the two of us.  The bottom line is that a 6 year old will bother strangers full stop.  They don't notice other people's lines, etc.  I don't yet know how old and mature kids need to be to play with strangers on very nice/bucket list courses, but for me, it's older than 9.

 

So that said, I've had some great experiences playing on vacation with my kids.  I played Kapalua with my daughter and parents and we all had a great time.  My 9 year old daughter played from 40ish yards out on average, maybe a max of 60-80, and just pitched, chipped, putted, and kept up.  May have walked on my dad's line a few more times than he preferred, but no big deal.  We kept pace of play and she stayed interested the whole time.  Snacks help.  We were not alone either.  I saw a bunch of kids under 12 out on Kapalua that day.

 

The Greenbrier lets kids play for free and adults for only like $50 on a 9 hole course they have there after 3pm.  I had a blast doing that with my family.  I bet other places have similar offers.  Just look around and ask.

Edited May 15, 2024 by bonvivantva

[MongoSmash]

Trip is in July. Will post results. 😁

[notgreatnotterrible]

I play golf with my 7yo son regularly and sometimes join a friend and his son--my son enjoys it because we make it fun and full of traditions (he gets a ginger ale in the golf cart, he picks the music, and we usually sprinkle in a few small competitions--putting, chipping, etc.--on a few random holes). My view is that if he enjoys it, he may stick with it and I've got a golf buddy.  If he doesn't, no biggie--but at least he'll have been around enough golf courses to know etiquette/what it's like if he gets dragged out on a course later in life.

We always go out in the afternoon when it's less busy even though we keep a pretty good pace.  I've noticed that kids' enjoyment falls off a cliff when the course is too hard or weather is terrible.  Whatever you choose, maybe index to not an overly challenging course in a moderate climate.

 

My one suggestion: come to Michigan.  On a single trip, you could hit two of the best par 3 courses in the state (Threetops and Forest Dunes' Bootlegger; 40 miles apart), both of which have notable full courses you could play, too.

[Gdane]

Resurrecting this thread, my 6 year old son loves golf and has a number of 18 hole riding rounds with me under his belt from last year.  I generally target late afternoons with him at courses that look to have open tee sheets so that we can cruise around.  He takes a ton of strokes but the key is that we play fast.  He hits and runs to his ball, but I am keenly aware that others on the course don't want to be paired with a 6 year old so I don't ever attempt to go somewhere with him that may be busy.  My biggest suggestions for golf with very young kids is to make sure you're not somewhere that you're going to be waiting a lot to hit shots.  Keeping a kid engaged for 18 holes at a 2:30 pace is a lot easier than a 4:30 slog.

 

We just took our first vacation where he also brought his clubs and I would highly recommend where we went to people who have young children that love to golf. 

 

Palm Beach.  We hit the Palm Beach Par 3 which is an 18 hole par 3 with holes on the ocean and the intercoastal waterway, yet is relatively easy to get a tee time at.  We also went to The Park West Palm to play their Lit 9 course.  From my experience there you can just show up and get out on your own at the Lit 9 par 3, and the entire facility is extremely welcoming to families.  The other great thing about these 2 courses is that they are easy walks for kids.   These facilities had been on my personal bucket list for a while, and I was elated to find that vibes at these courses were relatively laid back despite their zip code.