Since 1996 when Tiger Woods made his debut on the PGA Pro Circuit, more and more kids wanting to be like their hero have been drawn to golf.  The first step is getting a set of junior golf clubs and the next step is golf lessons.

Effective and fun junior golf lessons requires a unique approach. There are different types of lessons available for kids including personal lessons at your local course, golf camps, golf academies, DVD courses and more.

Rated the “Best Golf Camp in America” by Sports Illustrated Kids Magazine, Maine Golf & Tennis Academy has golf camps in Belgrade, Maine, and Orlando, Florida.

During camp, boys and girls ages 8-17 received daily golf lessons from PGA Class A and LPGA professionals. Each of the lead instructors have been professional junior golf directors, owners or clinicians for top golf schools in the United States.

Information on the certified camp is available online at www.golfcamp.com.

The David Leadbetter Golf Academy (DLGA) is located within IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida. Golfers of all ages and abilities can attend three-day sessions or attend full-time while staying at housing on campus.

All students receive performance training on the golf swing as well as training in course management, tournament prep and practice techniques.

DVD-based lessons are available to introduce golf basics to junior golfers. The videos typically include etiquette, rules, putting, pitching, chipping, woods and irons. Demonstrations include drills and games to show kids they can have fun while still developing their skills.

Not surprisingly YouTube has its share of free instructional videos for kids.

Young children are shown demonstrating various techniques and tips are provided for all age groups.

Be sure to thoroughly vet the videos prior to your children watching them.

Instructional booklets are available from the U.S. Kids Golf Junior Program to provide kids and teens a road map to learning to play golf.

There is also a list of their top 50 kids’ teachers in the U.S. and Canada, their PGA classification, the facility type, city and state.

The references provided in this article are a tiny sample of what is available for your junior golfer.

If you’re still uncertain, call your local golf courses and ask for information about local junior golf lessons. If there are no teachers who specialize in teaching junior golfers, ask the adult teachers if they can recommend the closest program.

Once you’ve decided on a program or instructor, you should accompany your child for the first couple of lessons. Make sure he/she is comfortable with the instructor and that the lessons are appropriate for his/her skill level.

Junior golf lessons should begin with technique and lots of positive reinforcement. Lessons should be fun in order to keep them interested.