They say golf is a game of focus. But try lining up a putt while your toddler is yelling, running, or asking for another snack - and you’ll quickly discover a whole new level of distraction.

It’s loud, unpredictable, and chaotic — and somehow, that makes the game even better.

Beyond just getting outside, there are a few reasons I’ve been trying to get our daughter into golf early. For one, it’s a perfect way for her to run, explore, and burn off some energy — and for me, it’s a great excuse to sneak in a few swings while I’m on duty or doing something fun with her and my wife. It’s also become a great way for her to see us doing something together as a family, sharing laughs and cart rides instead of another weekend of errands and routines. And maybe the biggest lesson of all — golf is teaching her patience, even if we’re still a little ways off from fully mastering that one.

A New Kind of Caddy

When you golf with a toddler, your priorities shift fast. Forget about chasing a low score — now you’re chasing snacks, sippy cups, or trying to beat your toddler to the ball after a long putt (her newfound obsession is making sure she’s the one to put it in the hole).

Lately, we’ve been spending a lot of time at the Par 3 course in Bridgewater — Sandy Bottoms, which is the perfect setup for little ones. It’s short, relaxed, and if you need to pack it up and head back to the car, you don’t feel guilty for not finishing a full round. It’s also the perfect way for our daughter to run, explore, and burn off some of that endless energy.

And when we have more time — and my wife can join — we’ll head to Lakeview Golf Course. Playing nine holes in the morning before nap time makes for a fun family outing, and it’s great to watch our daughter enjoy something we both love.

She’s not ready to swing yet — but she’s already claiming the driver’s seat.

She absolutely loves riding in the cart, waving at everyone, and (of course) snacking her way through the round.

Seriously, the snacks are the most important part. Apples, fruit snacks, crackers, yogurt bites, granola bars — you can never have too many. In fact, I’ve learned the quality of the round directly depends on how well-stocked the snack supply is.

The Mental Challenge

Here’s the truth: golfing with a toddler might be the hardest round you’ll ever play — mentally.

On every backswing, you can hear your toddler laughing, crying, giggling, or — the scariest one — running toward you. This is where it’s crucial to go with a friend or your partner. You need someone nearby to watch for toddler sprints — especially when clubs are swinging and golf balls are flying.

At first, the distractions were brutal. Every sound, every movement in my peripheral vision pulled my focus. The first few rounds were full of mis-hits, duffs, and chunked wedges. It was easy to get frustrated — I wanted to play well, but my attention was split between the next shot and making sure my daughter was safe and happy.

Over time, though — and after multiple experimental rounds — I have learned to shift my mindset. When you’re golfing with your family, it’s not about the score — it’s about the experience. Once I accepted that, everything got easier. A few bad swings do not matter when your daughter’s laughing in the cart or giggling while chasing your putt.

The Best Part

And honestly, those imperfect moments make it even better. If you hit a bad shot, no pressure — drop another ball. Your toddler’s going to have fun running to help find it. And if you miss a putt, you can count on your little one to scoop it up and proudly drop it in the cup for you.

Every outing is unpredictable, messy, loud, and full of joy. It’s chaos, sure — but it’s the best kind.

Golfing with a toddler reminds you to slow down, laugh at the bad shots, and soak up the moments that matter. Because someday, that little caddy who’s currently living on apple slices and shredded cheese will be the one asking you to tag along for a round.

The Toddler Caddy

Facing the White Stakes