I will try to answer and discuss these questions to the parent out there reading this. Between the ages of four and ten should be an appropriate age to introduce the game to your child. All kids should be entered into a structured junior clinic, program or camp and not be taken to the driving range to hit balls. All golfers whether young or old must learn about the game, some rules, etiquette and most importantly that it is a game of honor, respect and it requires the utmost sportsmanship. The junior golfers that excel quickly are those who have learned the game and have not been taught.
Most children learn through mimicking or watching others.
They do however need to be in a fulfilling environment that has some proper rules and structure. Whether your child excels at the game or not is not important and should not be important to you because golf can and will always continue to be enjoyed by all levels and all ages. Okay, you have decided to enter your child into a golf program, clinic or junior camp. Most programs supply equipment and if they don't suggest that a 7 iron and a putter should be sufficient. A little research will result in your child having an enjoyable first experience in the game of golf and perhaps result in a lifelong enjoyment for the greatest game on earth.