⛳

Lesson 6 - Playing a Round of Golf

Golf Skills & Ball Control

•

Year 1

•

Golf

•

Big Question

How can we play golf safely whilst showing good sportsmanship and keeping score?

Learning Objectives

Play a round of golf safely whilst keeping score
Demonstrate patience when waiting and sharing equipment effectively
Show awareness of golf course boundaries and basic rules

Key Outcomes

Students will complete a mini golf course following rules and keeping score
Students will demonstrate school games values throughout their play
Students will use correct golf terminology appropriately

Equipment & Resources Required

Golf Balls

1 per student (30)

Stored in bucket at each tee area

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, tennis balls if limited golf balls

Plastic Golf Equipment

15 irons, 15 putters

Mixed clubs available at each station

Alternative: Hockey sticks can substitute in emergency

Targets

2 sets

Positioned for activity station 2

Alternative: Large hoops or chalk circles on wall

Coloured Cones

60 mixed colours

White for boundaries, yellow for bunkers, blue for water

Alternative: Rope or chalk lines for boundaries

Hoops

10 large, 5 yellow, 5 blue

Large for greens, coloured for hazards

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Paddling Pool

Positioned at chipping station

Alternative: Large hoop or marked circle area

Medium-Sized Balls

Placed 5m from putting practice area

Alternative: Football or large foam ball

Scorecards

10 (one per group of 3)

Distributed with pencils to group leaders

Alternative: Paper and pencils for recording

Tees

Available at each tee area

Alternative: Small cones or markers

Key Vocabulary

Round

Playing all the holes on a golf course from start to finish

Scorecard

A card where we write down how many shots we take on each hole

Out of bounds

Areas where you're not allowed to play from, marked by white lines or cones

Fairway

The main playing area between tee and green where you want your ball to land

Green

The area around the hole where you use your putter

Hazard

Difficult areas like bunkers (sand) or water that add penalty shots

Penalty stroke

An extra shot added to your score for breaking rules or hitting into hazards

Ryder Cup

Famous golf competition between Great Britain & Ireland vs America

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic golf swing technique with irons and putters
Understanding of different golf shots (chip, putt, drive)
Knowledge of golf equipment and safety procedures

Current Skills

Playing a complete round following golf course rules
Keeping accurate score throughout play
Demonstrating sportsmanship and golf etiquette

Next Steps

Developing course management strategies
Understanding handicap systems
Learning advanced golf techniques and club selection

Milestone Indicators

Completes full round without rule violations

Maintains accurate scorecard throughout

Shows improvement from first to second round

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise golf etiquette and sportsmanship throughout the round
Connect course play to real golf experiences and terminology
Focus on improvement rather than just low scores
Ensure all students understand and follow safety procedures
Celebrate both achievement and effort in equal measure
Use scorekeeping as authentic maths learning opportunity
Build confidence through successful completion of a full round

Common Misconceptions

Thinking golf is just about hitting the ball hard rather than accurate placement
Not understanding that penalty strokes count towards final score
Believing faster play is always better rather than careful, strategic play
Confusion about when to use different clubs during course play
Not realising that good sportsmanship is as important as good scores

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter holes to maintain attention, clear turn-taking systems, specific roles within groups

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified scoring system, extra time for shot preparation

autism spectrum

Clear routine for each hole, visual schedule of course progression, quiet areas available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of course layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all rules, hand signals for important communications, written scorecard instructions

physical disability

Adapted clubs or tees for different mobility levels, shorter course distances, seated swing options where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Keeping score accurately, adding penalty strokes, comparing scores between rounds, counting shots per hole

Science

Forces and motion in golf swings, trajectory and arc of ball flight, friction effects on different surfaces

Geography

Course mapping and hole layouts, understanding boundaries and spatial relationships, compass directions for shot placement

PSHE

Honesty in scorekeeping, patience while waiting turns, perseverance when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate around course during play, position for maximum visibility of all groups

Observation Focus

Watch for rule following, safety compliance, and skill application in course context

Intervention Points

Step in for rule clarifications, safety issues, or to help with scoring disputes

Demonstration Notes

Show proper golf etiquette, demonstrate rule applications as they arise during play

Verbal Cues

•'Wait for clear swing zone!'
•'Remember to count every shot!'
•'Great course management!'
•'Excellent golf etiquette!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for multiple holes, or indoor hall adapted with soft equipment

Surface Check

Level ground free from holes, debris, or trip hazards, adequate grip for safe swinging

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all clubs for cracks or loose heads before use
•Ensure golf balls are appropriate weight for age group
•Verify cones and hoops are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Golf club injuries from swinging near others
•Ball strikes from errant shots
•Trips and falls on course hazards

Risk Mitigation

•Clear swing zones established at each hole
•Wait signals enforced before anyone swings
•Adequate spacing between groups playing
•Soft golf balls used where possible

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all active groups
•Monitor swing safety particularly during course play
•Ensure students follow course etiquette and turn-taking

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed