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Big Question

How can we play golf safely whilst demonstrating the school games values and keeping accurate scores?

Learning Objectives

  • To play a complete round of golf safely whilst keeping accurate scores
  • To demonstrate school games values throughout the game
  • To show awareness of golf boundaries, rules and etiquette

Key Outcomes

  • Students will complete a full round of golf maintaining safety awareness
  • Students will accurately record their scores using proper golf terminology
  • Students will demonstrate respect, patience and support for others

Equipment & Resources Required

Golf Clubs
1 per pair (15 total)

Place at designated starting stations

Alternative: Large plastic clubs, hockey sticks

Golf Putters
1 per pair (15 total)

Available at putting areas and starting stations

Alternative: Smaller clubs, modified hockey sticks

Golf Balls
2 per pair (60 total)

Extra balls available for lost shots

Alternative: Large foam balls, tennis balls

Hoops (various colours)
20 (green targets, blue water hazards, yellow sand hazards)

Green hoops as holes, blue/yellow as hazards

Alternative: Cones, marker spots, rope circles

Cones
40 for course boundaries and distance markers

Mark 5-metre intervals and course boundaries

Alternative: Marker spots, rope

Scorecards
1 per student (30 total)

Include hole numbers, par, score columns

Alternative: Paper and clipboards, mini whiteboards

Pencils
1 per pair (15 total)

Attached to scorecards with string

Alternative: Whiteboard pens for reusable cards

Key Vocabulary

Par

The expected number of shots to complete a hole

Under par

Completing a hole in fewer shots than par (eagle, birdie)

Over par

Taking more shots than par to complete a hole (bogey, double bogey)

Hazard

Obstacles on golf course like water or sand that add penalty shots

Etiquette

Proper behaviour and manners expected on a golf course

Scorecard

Record sheet for tracking shots taken on each hole

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic golf swing technique with iron and putter
  • Understanding of golf safety and etiquette
  • Recognition of different golf equipment and their uses

Current Skills

  • Playing complete rounds whilst maintaining scores
  • Applying all golf skills in game situations
  • Demonstrating school games values during competition

Next Steps

  • Advanced course design and strategy
  • Teaching and coaching others
  • Exploring golf opportunities in the local community

Milestone Indicators

1
Completes full round with accurate scoring
2
Shows consistent etiquette and respect
3
Applies appropriate club selection throughout

Key Teaching Points

  • Safety first - always check area is clear before swinging golf club
  • Honesty in scoring builds character and makes golf enjoyable for everyone
  • Choose the right club for each shot - iron for distance, putter for accuracy
  • Golf etiquette creates respectful environment - quiet, still, and supportive
  • School games values apply especially during competition - maintain integrity
  • Course management involves strategy and decision-making, not just hitting hard
  • Self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement and celebrates progress

Common Misconceptions

  • Golf is just about hitting the ball as hard as possible - emphasise accuracy and control
  • Scoring doesn't matter in PE - explain how honest scoring builds character
  • Golf etiquette is unnecessary - demonstrate how it shows respect for others
  • Only skilled students can enjoy golf - celebrate effort and improvement over ability
  • Golf is an individual sport - highlight teamwork elements and peer support
  • Par is just a suggestion - explain how par provides fair challenge measurement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter holes to maintain focus, clear role definitions in pairs, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
  • Larger golf balls for easier contact, simplified club selection, extra practice time, step-by-step written instructions
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual course map, predictable routine for each hole, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
  • Large, bright coloured hoops for targets, verbal descriptions of course layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Visual signals for course rules, written scorecard instructions, clear visual demonstrations of technique
physical disability
  • Shorter golf clubs or adapted equipment, seated putting options, modified scoring system for different abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting shots and calculating scores, understanding par system and over/under calculations, measuring distances on course

Science

Forces and angles in golf swing mechanics, trajectory and momentum of golf balls, friction between club and ball

Geography

Designing course layouts and understanding spatial relationships, mapping hole positions and strategies

PSHE

Honesty and integrity in self-scoring, patience and resilience during challenging holes, teamwork and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all course holes, able to move quickly to any group needing support

Observation Focus

Watch for proper club handling, honest scoring, demonstration of school games values, and skill progression

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, support struggling partnerships, clarify rules when needed

Demonstration Notes

Model ideal golf behaviour: proper stance, club selection reasoning, honest scoring, and encouraging support for others

Verbal Cues
  • 'Safety check first - look around before you swing!'
  • 'Great golf etiquette - staying perfectly still!'
  • 'Honest scoring shows excellent integrity!'
  • 'Choose your club wisely for this shot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m for 10-hole course plus driving range

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or hazards, adequate grip for golf movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Golf clubs checked for secure heads and appropriate length
  • Balls inspected for cracks or damage
  • Scorecards and pencils have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Golf club strikes to people or property
  • Trips and falls over course equipment
  • Ball strikes to other students
  • Overexertion during competitive play
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear shooting directions established away from other groups
  • Mandatory safety check before every swing
  • Adequate spacing between holes and groups
  • Progressive skill building before competitive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for visibility of all holes simultaneously
  • Monitor driving range area particularly closely
  • Intervene immediately for unsafe club handling
Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school procedures