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Lesson 1 - Golf Grip and Putting Fundamentals

Precision Striking and Strategic Golf Skills

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Year 4

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Golf

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1h 1min

Big Question

How can we develop control and precision when striking a golf ball?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate correct golf grip and stance techniques
Execute controlled putting strokes towards a target with increasing accuracy
Apply golf etiquette and safety rules consistently during practice

Key Outcomes

All students will be able to grip a golf club correctly and adopt a basic golf stance
Most students will be able to putt with control towards a target 3-5 metres away
Some students will demonstrate consistent accuracy and help others improve their technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Golf Putters

11 (1 per group of 2-3)

Check all putters are appropriate length for Year 4 students

Alternative: Hockey sticks with tape over the blade

Golf Balls

30 (1 per student)

Use softer balls indoors or in confined spaces

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Hoops

11 (various sizes)

Place at varying distances 3-8 metres from starting mats

Alternative: Chalk circles, bucket targets, cones in circles

Mats

10-12

Position as tees with red cones 2 metres behind each

Alternative: Carpet squares, chalk marks, masking tape rectangles

Coloured Cones

40-50 (10-12 of each colour)

Green (fairway), Blue (water), White (tee), Yellow (bunker), Red (safety line)

Alternative: Coloured spots, bean bags, coloured paper

Score Sheets

11 (1 per group)

Simple format with hole numbers and space for scores

Alternative: Mini whiteboards, mental scoring

Key Vocabulary

Putter

A golf club designed specifically for rolling the ball along the ground towards the hole

Stance

The position of your feet and body when preparing to hit the golf ball

Grip

How you hold the golf club with both hands

Fairway

The main playing area of a golf hole between tee and green

Tee

The starting area where you begin each hole

Bunker

A sand-filled hazard that makes hitting the ball more difficult

Water Hazard

Ponds, streams or lakes on a golf course that create obstacles

Etiquette

The polite behaviour and respect shown to other golfers

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic striking skills with bats and balls
Understanding of aiming and target games
Experience following safety rules in PE

Current Skills

Golf grip technique
Basic putting stance and swing
Golf course vocabulary and etiquette

Next Steps

Developing longer putting distances
Introduction to chipping techniques
Understanding golf scoring systems

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain correct grip throughout putting motion

Demonstrates consistent ball contact

Shows respect for golf etiquette rules

Key Teaching Points

Dominant hand below non-dominant hand for correct golf grip
Feet shoulder-width apart with ball positioned inside left heel
Keep head perfectly still throughout entire putting stroke
Golf etiquette requires silence and stillness when others are playing
Smooth, controlled putting motion rather than hitting hard
Safety first - always stay behind red cone safety lines
Focus on technique improvement rather than just getting ball in target

Common Misconceptions

Golf grip is the same as tennis or cricket grip - correct by emphasising hand position difference
Hitting harder will always improve accuracy - teach controlled power application
Only hole-in-ones are successful - celebrate all target contact and improvement
Golf is individual only - emphasise teamwork and supporting others
Perfect technique is required immediately - focus on gradual improvement
Golf etiquette is optional - stress importance of respect and sportsmanship

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter rotation times, clear boundaries and rules, immediate feedback on technique

dyspraxia

Larger targets and shorter distances, additional practice time, simplified grip techniques

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, consistent routines, quiet practice space available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured hoops and balls, provide audio descriptions of technique, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written technique cards, visual signals for safety

physical disability

Seated putting variations, adapted grips with larger handles, shorter distances to targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting shots and calculating scores, measuring distances to targets, understanding angles of putting direction

Science

Forces and motion in golf ball movement, friction between ball and ground, simple physics of putting power

Geography

Understanding golf course layout and navigation, directions and spatial awareness around mini course

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when missing targets, respect and patience during others' turns

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, position near red safety lines during hitting activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip technique, stance quality, safety compliance, and golf etiquette

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety violations, provide technique corrections before bad habits form

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from side angle for clear visibility, exaggerate key technique points like head position and grip

Verbal Cues

•'Dominant hand below!'
•'Keep that head still!'
•'Remember our safety line!'
•'Smooth and controlled!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or uneven areas that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all putters for damage, cracks, or loose grips
•Ensure golf balls are appropriate weight and not damaged
•Verify hoops are stable and won't move during play

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Being struck by golf clubs during backswing or follow-through
•Slipping on golf balls left on floor
•Collisions between students moving around course

Risk Mitigation

•Strict red cone safety line enforcement - no one in front during hitting
•Clear pathways between holes with designated walking routes
•One person hitting at each station, others behind safety line
•Controlled turn-taking system with clear club passing procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all hitting areas
•Continuously monitor safety line compliance
•Watch for unsafe club handling or ball retrieval

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with clear whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed