The Monkey Tree

Golf - the game of a lifetime...As long as you can walk you can play golf. Tiger Woods and Essex boy Oliver Fisher both started before they were four years old, however you or your children don't have to be world-beaters to experience the significant social, professional and physical benefits playing golf has to offer.

The game adapts itself to your requirements, no matter how uncoordinated you think you are. If you practise enough you can be a county player. However as a county player you will need to be fit and focussed. If you just want to experience the unique fun that mixes people of all ages and backgrounds, provided you have a patient and experienced friend to guide you and you can walk straight on the course then golf may be a sport for you and your children. If this is you the game will quickly make you fit (without all the sweat and grunting) and leave you keen to take some lessons to improve.

Apart from making you fit and introducing you to the widest range of friends you’ll ever have - golf has its business advantages. Regardless of my qualifications it was golf that bought me success at every job interview I ever had. As they say "teach your child golf, sailing or bridge and they will never be out of work". Because of the nature of golf (a quick whack followed by five minutes of walk and chat) much business is concluded on the course. Join a golf club and you will have every trade and profession as your friend and eager to help you.

Worried about the expense? You don’t have to be. It can cost many thousands to get into a golf club, and once you have the bug and start to improve you may well seek the high level of competition (and social status) this often brings. However you can play at a short course or a pitch and putt for as little as £4. To start you can borrow a friends old clubs or even buy second hand at a charity shop for as little as £1 each. When you start anything will do, when you know what you want you can make a wiser purchase.

Every golf club has a professional who for a reasonable sum will give you lessons and kit you out. If you just want to try first without too much commitment in time or money there are less formal routes.

For children at school golf is becoming a curriculum sport and many primary schools have their own starter packs of Tri golf equipment. Older children may be introduced through the new Golf Extreme equipment. If the school sports staff can't help phone Golf Foundation (01920 484 044) and ask for your nearest Starter Centre or Tri Golf Scheme. The Essex Golf Union (01376 500 998) will tell you of clubs near your home with starter courses.

The Epping Golf Course (01992 572 282 Near Epping Tube station) has an 18-hole course with a club attached. The club has a waiting list but anyone can play on the course for £12 in the week and £17 at weekends. There is a Golf Foundation starter centre every Saturday with 5 classes of 12 youngsters for £2.50 an hour taken by PGA professional Warren Sargeant. For adults there are free coaching sessions every Saturday from 9-10 and every Monday from 9.30.

If all that isn’t enough on Thursday 5th April from 10 am Epping hosts its annual free golf day for novice children and their parents. Free golf, lunch, prizes and tuition, supported by the Essex community fund, Epping Forest District Council, Daniel Robinson and Essex Golf Union.
Call Epping Course to register (01992 572 282).       

Neil Sjoberg Epping Golf Club

Other local clubs offering golf for children & juniors

High Beech Golf Course
Wellington Hill
Loughton
Essex IG10 4AH
Golf for All the Family
Red course Pitch & Putt                                          
Hire clubs available (no charge for under 12’s hire equipment)                                                                   
Price per round £3.50  
Yellow Course Par 3 that will challenge all levels of golfers
All players must have their own bag and clubs
Price per round from £5.00
Phone No: 0208 508 7323

Abridge Golf & Country Club
Epping Lane, Stapleford Tawney
RM4 1ST
Personal Lessons reduced rate for children £12.50 per 30mins.
Easter Holiday weeklong course Mon-Fri.
Includes 2-hour golf lesson per day, lunch and prizes.
£55.00 per child. Booking essential, limited spaces.
Contact Steve Tyson, Head Teaching Professional
Phone No: 01708 688 333 / 07900 823 246

Stapleford Abbotts Golf Club
Horsemans Side, Tysea Hill
Stapleford Abbotts
RM6 1JU
Children’s group coaching (from age 6yrs +)
Sunday mornings 9.00am-10.00am £7.50 per hour.
Contact James Walpole
Phone No: 01708 381 278

Theydon Bois Golf Club
The Pro Shop
Theydon Rd
Epping CM16 4EH
Junior lessons Sundays and school holidays (from age 8yrs)
Course of 6 x 1 hour lessons £30.00
All equipment provided
Contact Richard Hall Head Professional
Phone No: 01992 812 460

North Weald Village Golf Course,
Epping Road,
North Weald,
CM16 6AJ.
Golf for All the Family 9 Hole par 3
Hire clubs available (no charge for under 14’s hire equipment)                                                                   
Price per round £3.50                                                                              
Phone No: 01992 524 142