Youth Golf on Long Island
Junior Programs & Getting Started Guide

Long Island — One of the Best Places in America to Grow Up Golfing

Long Island has the highest concentration of golf courses per capita of any major metropolitan area in the country. World-famous courses like Bethpage Black (two-time US Open host), Shinnecock Hills (US Open host), and National Golf Links share the island with hundreds of accessible public and municipal courses. For junior golfers, this means extraordinary access to quality courses and instruction.

Where to Start: Junior Golf Programs by Age

Ages 5–10: TGA Golf and First Tee

TGA Golf brings golf instruction directly to schools and community centers across Nassau and Suffolk County. Their curriculum blends golf fundamentals with life skills — integrity, respect, confidence — in a low-pressure environment. No clubs needed to start.

First Tee Long Island uses golf to teach nine core values to youth ages 7–17. Their nine-hole playing experience at participating courses is often the first time a junior golfer sets foot on a real course. Scholarship programs make First Tee accessible to families of all income levels.

Ages 10–14: County and Municipal Programs

Nassau County parks and Town of Oyster Bay offer junior golf programs at municipal courses. Bethpage State Park, home of the legendary Black Course, offers junior programs through New York State Parks at accessible pricing. These programs give young golfers real course experience in a supervised environment.

Ages 12–18: SPORTIME and Academy Training

SPORTIME Port Washington offers two golf simulators with junior instruction year-round. For serious junior competitors, working with a PGA-certified instructor at one of Long Island's private clubs or Hamlet Wind Watch in Hauppauge is the path toward tournament play and college recruiting.

Junior Golf Equipment Reality Check

Don't buy a full set of clubs for a 6-year-old. Start with a 3-piece junior set (driver, iron, putter) sized for your child's height. Most programs provide equipment for beginners. As your child grows and their swing develops, a fitted set from a PGA professional becomes worthwhile — usually around ages 10–12.