Lesson 6 - Playing a Round of Golf
Golf Skills & Ball Control
•Year 1
•Golf
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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
Stored in bucket at each tee area
Alternative: Foam balls for safety, tennis balls if limited golf balls
Mixed clubs available at each station
Alternative: Hockey sticks can substitute in emergency
Positioned for activity station 2
Alternative: Large hoops or chalk circles on wall
White for boundaries, yellow for bunkers, blue for water
Alternative: Rope or chalk lines for boundaries
Large for greens, coloured for hazards
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Positioned at chipping station
Alternative: Large hoop or marked circle area
Placed 5m from putting practice area
Alternative: Football or large foam ball
Distributed with pencils to group leaders
Alternative: Paper and pencils for recording
Available at each tee area
Alternative: Small cones or markers
Key Vocabulary
Playing all the holes on a golf course from start to finish
A card where we write down how many shots we take on each hole
Areas where you're not allowed to play from, marked by white lines or cones
The main playing area between tee and green where you want your ball to land
The area around the hole where you use your putter
Difficult areas like bunkers (sand) or water that add penalty shots
An extra shot added to your score for breaking rules or hitting into hazards
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
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