The golf landscape has seen an unprecedented shift in recent years, as evidenced by the latest National Golf Foundation (NGF) statistics. Over the past four years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of kids picking up golf, injecting fresh enthusiasm and diversity into a game once dominated by older generations.

According to the NGF’s 2024 report, the total number of golfers in the United States has reached nearly 45 million, with a significant chunk of this growth attributed to younger players. This remarkable growth trend is not just a fleeting pandemic-induced phenomenon; it represents a sustained and growing interest among the youth, driven by several factors, including increased accessibility, innovative youth programs, and the surprising resurgence of going outside and getting some old-fashioned physical activity in each day, something surely inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. When Americans could not participate in many activities in 2020 and 2021, golf was deemed a safe outdoor activity, contributing to its rise in popularity, kids included. The total number of junior golfers in the U.S. has experienced an incredible 40-percent upswing over the past four years, reflecting a trend toward a younger and trendier golfing demographic.

Golf on social media and YouTube has also played a big part in the rise of the game among our youth. For more on that part of the equation, check out my article on RG.org from last month, “YouTube Golf: Transforming the Game, One Click and View at a Time, And Mainstream Golf Has Now Officially Taken Notice,”

This surge in youth engagement heralds a bright future for golf, ensuring that the greens will be vibrant with young talent for decades to come. The NGF’s findings clearly indicate that the game is successfully bridging generational gaps and expanding its reach, ensuring that the love for golf continues to grow.

As the founder of my Little Linksters program, academy, and nonprofit organization back in 2008, I have long contended that golf is the perfect lifetime sport and that getting a club in kids’ hands at the youngest age possible is important.

Why is it important?

It is not at all about getting kids into the game young so you can train them to be the next Scottie Scheffler or Nelly Korda. If that happens, then fantastic, but that is not why introducing kids to the game is essential. Golf teaches numerous life lessons and is an incredible conduit for creating friendships that last a lifetime. That is the spirit of this great game.

One of the many initiatives I have started through Little Linksters celebrates golf among the youngest of our global population. I am immensely proud to celebrate the 13th year of our Little Linksters Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest this year. This contest has become a cherished tradition in the world of junior golf, providing a unique platform for young golfers, ages 2 to 12, to showcase their swings and grow their love for the game.

From its humble beginnings in 2011, the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest was designed with a clear vision: to highlight the prodigious talent of our youngest golfers and foster a spirit of enthusiasm and sportsmanship from an early age. Over the years, it has become a global phenomenon, drawing entries from around the world and producing some truly unforgettable moments.

One of the unique aspects of our contest is the panel of distinguished judges we’ve had the honor of including. Notable golf figures such as Annika Sörenstam, Jordan Spieth, Lydia Ko, In-Bee Park, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooke Henderson, Andrew “Beef” Johnston, Tony Jacklin, Hank Haney, Lexi Thompson, Jim McLean, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Keegan Bradley, David Leadbetter, Michelle Wie, Lauren Thompson, Sam Ryder, Stacy Lewis, Alexa Pano, and many others have lent their insights and expertise, providing invaluable feedback to our young stars. Their participation elevates the contest’s prestige and inspires these young golfers to dream big as they hone their skills.

The contest is straightforward yet impactful. In ages groups of Under 3, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12, Parents and guardians are invited to submit a short video of their child’s golf swing, captured in a fun and positive environment. Over the years, we’ve seen swings on pristine courses, backyards, and even living rooms—each video brimming with the unique charm and promise of our participants. Our esteemed panel of judges then evaluates the entries, selecting the best swings based on form, technique, and overall potential.

But this contest is about more than just finding the next youthful phenom. It’s about celebrating the journey of learning golf, from those first swings to the more refined techniques that come with practice and dedication. It’s about building confidence, instilling the values of discipline and perseverance, and nurturing a lifelong passion for the game.

Little Linksters has always been about more than just teaching golf; it’s about creating a supportive and engaging environment for young golfers to thrive. Our programs are rooted in developing not just physical skills but also social and emotional growth. We believe that the lessons learned on the course—patience, integrity, and respect—are invaluable in life beyond golf.

Reflecting on our 13-year journey, I am filled with gratitude for the community that has supported us. From the parents and guardians who submit those cherished video entries to the professional golfers and instructors who give their time to judge to the sponsors who help make it all possible — each has played a vital role in the contest’s success.

This Year’s Contest…

As we look to the 2024 contest, our commitment remains steadfast: to shine a spotlight on the incredible young talents in our sport, to encourage their development, and to continue spreading the joy and values of golf to the next generation.

For full details, including rules, or to enter your child, go to: https://littlelinksters.com/2023-little-linksters-best-pee-wee-golf-swing-contest/

The entry deadline is Monday, September 30th, at 11:59 p.m.

Here’s to another fantastic year of celebrating the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World!

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.