What age did you take your son/daughter to first PGA tour event?

[lowndes]

With the Shell Houston coming to town next week I have been contemplating taking my son who is slightly over two to his first tournament. He's generally well behaved and if he starts to get a little rowdy there is plenty of spaces away from the holes that I should be able to take him too. Just curious as to what others have done with their kids.

[jons1]

I would say not until 6+, where they understand to stand still and silent. How many kids do you know that stand still and silent? Food for thought. If you take them, start out with a practice rounds and also by the range, where some talking and such may not be that big of a deal.

I see parents with little kids at the tournaments, but they spend the whole time coating them in sun tan lotion, chasing them around, and covering their mouths with embarrassed... not exactly how I would want to spend a golf tournament. Plus the amount of walking is just way too much for kids, so you're pushing a stroller all over the place.

[fowlerscousin]

i was maybe 9 years old when i first saw an event. i remember it being a very exiting experience for me lol. idk why but kids seem to get exited about some of the most mundane stuff lol

[richard t]

Please don't do it. I love my son! I took him to all kinds of sports events. I teach. I love kids. Please don't do it. If he decides he wants to go home, eat, whatever. Remember they can get really cranky at that age. What if he does get testy? What if some other person calls you out? What if he makes noise when it's shhhhhhhh time?
Just saying. Wait a little longer. You'll both enjoy it more.

[Hawkeye77]

He won't get anything out of it golf wise, but you should spend your time with him however you want to. I'd be scared to death of the unintentional noise issue even with the most well behaved two year old. There may be some good spots down a fairway where you get to see a lot of drives land, iron shots played that get you away from the crowds/putting and maybe in some shade. Hanging out near the range would be fun.

[toc]

I'd love to take my kids but my daughter is nearly two and my son is pretty new to the world so it's just not an option, especially for the next tourney in this neck of the woods. I remember nearly every sports event my dad had taken me too so I can't wait to make those memories with my own kids.

[toms1090]

I'm going to get flamed for this one. I took my 6 month old to the disney tourney one year. We stayed about 30 minutes to long. Lesson learned.

[Soloman1]

I think 40-years old is about right. They've usually outgrown the "Mashed Potato!" crap by then.

[lablover]

Little ones and golf courses don't mix in my opinion. We've had many, many opportunities to bring our two kids to tournaments and have only brought them to two. (Our son, at age 6 and again at age 8) Their behavior can be too unpredictable, too much wait and quiet time at tournaments. But, if you choose to, just stay back from the greens in case you need to walk away for a bit. Most players have their own children and probably wouldn't notice a child acting up, but still.

[ricar1610]

Took my daughter at 5 to LPGA here in PHX - not as serious an atmosphere - as far as fans go. She lasted about 2 hours - walked around and got 3 golf balls from golfers while they were playing. The girls on Tour really get it how to make it great for the kids.

Yesterday took her again - she is 10 now - to the Founder's Cup. We walked the front 9 with Korda and Ko - like literally next to them. Could hear their conversations. My daughter was in heaven. Korda is her new favorite because she is "a life size Barbie Doll" - her words - oh and her bag matched her shoes and shorts - very important apparently...

I think being in school is a big deal as they have some social sense. Kindergarten was a good time for her to go. She had been out on the course with me and taken classes at Tiny Tees through First Tee.

I have not taken my 8 year old son yet. He is too unpredictable and would rather play Minecraft. My 4 year old? Not a chance - he would start yelling something like "Hulk Smash" and run out on the fairway...really he would. He will be going when he is 40 - maybe...

They are all different but 2 is a bit young IMO.

[i*windows]

I took my daughter when she was 5, we walked a few holes and then went to the tented village where there was plenty for her to do. But she had no real idea about golf or what was going on.

I will goto the BMW open this year, not sure if I will take the kids or not. If I take them then we will only stay for a couple of hours.