How to Prepare Your Junior Golfer for Their First Tournament: Packing & Mindset Tips

August 14, 2025 | Golf Mom Mindset 

Your child’s first golf tournament is an exciting milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming for both player and parent. With the right preparation, a positive mindset, and a well-packed golf bag, you can help your junior golfer approach the course with confidence, focus, and enjoyment.

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What to Bring: A well-packed golf bag ensures your junior golfer has everything they need:

What to Bring

A well-packed golf bag ensures your junior golfer has everything they need:

1. Junior Golf Clubs – Lightweight, age-appropriate sets for kids.
2. Golf Balls for Beginners – Soft compression balls that travel well for young players.
3. Golf Gloves – Junior-sized, breathable, and durable gloves.
4. Golf Hats & Visors – Sun protection while keeping them stylish.
5. Kids’ Golf Shoes – Comfortable, spikeless, or soft-spike shoes.
6. Sunscreen & SPF Lip Balm – Kid-friendly, sweat-resistant formulas.
7. Insulated Water Bottles – Keeps drinks cold during the tournament.
8. Healthy Golf Snacks – Easy-to-pack protein bars or trail mix.
9. Golf Tees - Just when you think you packed enough- pack more! 
10. Sports Sunglasses for Kids – UV protection with a secure fit.

💡 Tip: Pack the night before and use a checklist to avoid last-minute stress.

Preparing the Mindset

-A confident mindset can make all the difference in a junior golfer’s first tournament:

-Focus on fun first: Emphasize enjoyment and learning over winning

-Set achievable goals: Encourage personal bests or specific skills rather than the leaderboard

-Visualization: Picture confident swings and successful shots

-Breathing & patience: Practice simple breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure

-Positive self-talk: Swap thoughts like “I hope I don’t mess up” with “I can do this”

💡 Tip: Encourage your child to repeat a short mantra before each shot, like “Strong swing, steady mind.”

 Pre-Tournament Routine

-A structured routine helps your junior golfer feel comfortable and ready:

-Arrive early: Familiarize with the course layout

-Warm up: Short putts, swings, and stretches to loosen muscles

-Social ease: Friendly interaction with other players to reduce nerves

-Review goals: Go over mindset strategies, goals, and affirmations together

Conclusion

First tournaments are memorable stepping stones in a junior golfer’s journey. With careful preparation, a complete packing checklist, and a confident mindset, your child will be ready to enjoy the experience and perform their best.

💡 Tip: Download our free guide, “7 Ways to Motivate & Inspire Your Junior Golfer” for extra confidence tips before tournament day.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.