Shorties: Share the Love of the Game

Troy GiljohannJuly 19, 2024November 22nd, 2024

My favorite childhood memories centered around sharing a jumbo bucket of balls at the local driving range with my Dad, learning to love and appreciate the game the same as him. Ever since my first son was born nearly 6 years ago I patiently waited for the chance to create those same special moments.

I built the first set of clubs for my son by scrapping together old clubs from neighbors, cutting down some Goodwill finds and salvaging a mini golf putter. I crossed my fingers and hoped they would hold together when the balls started flying.

As trips to the driving range became a regular occurrence and his first golf lesson appeared on the calendar I knew I had to find a real set of clubs for him. I came across Shorties when researching options for kids equipment and wanted to share my experience with the brand.

Benefits of “The Right” Clubs

Selecting the right kids’ golf clubs involves considering several factors to ensure they are suitable for your child’s age, height, skill level, and future growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose:

Design and Construction:
- Length: Junior clubs are notably shorter than standard clubs, catering to kids.
- Materials: Clubs should be comprised of lightweight materials like graphite for the shafts and composite heads to keep overall weight down and promote swing consistency.
- Set Composition: Juniors don’t need 14 clubs but rather should learn to play with 5 or 6 clubs to help them manage different course scenarios.
Performance:
- Lofts: Ensure the clubs you purchase have enough differentiation in lofts. A junior golfer needs to see that a 7 iron will it differently then a pitching wedge.
- Look & Feel: The overall appeal to play for a junior will correlate to their excitement about their clubs. Make sure they have input when choosing clubs and listen to their reactions to feel in their hands. Don’t underestimate the power that color has in their choice.
Cost and Value:
- Affordability: You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a set of clubs but a kid will know and appreciate a set that is just for them.
- Longevity: Your junior is going to keep growing so try and find a set that will last them for at least 2 seasons so they build some confidence and familiarity.

Picking a Shorties Set

Shorties features 4 ranges of club sizes with measurements on their site helping you to clearly pick the right set. The brand caters from ages 2-8 which means your child can grow with shorties and learn to play with a familiar look and feel. Shorties golf sets include a driver, hybrid, 7 iron, pitching wedge and putter. As an added bonus Shorties even offers a trade in program called “Club Up” to help save some money and recycle your clubs.

Kids are all about color and the three options offered by Shorties will help get them excited about a new set. My son was instantly drawn to the blue set and I was really impressed with their look when they arrived.

A special touch that Shorties encourages is to have the clubs addressed to your child. There is nothing more exciting then watching their eyes light up when you tell them they have a package. Just watch the club opening video below!

Out On The Course

We picked the perfect summer evening to head to the local course to give the new set their first swings. I could tell my son was so proud to walk up to the first tee with his brand new clubs. He figured out how to set the stand bag up and rummaged around for a ball and tee. The bag has plenty of storage and I made sure he was loaded up with the essentials; balls, tees, juice boxes and snacks. He piped his first drive right down the middle over a small creek and he was off and going.

I could tell his swing became much more natural over the next few holes now that he had the right clubs for his height. He quickly established his favorite club as the 5 hybrid and wanted to hit that for almost every shot. He made his way around the course like a seasoned pro utilizing every club in the set to finish the 9 holes.

They may not touch the bottom but they ride just fine on a cart.

Studio Shots

I wanted to showcase pictures of the clubs after about 2 months of use. My son has been hard on these clubs going to the range or course about 3-4 times a week. I have been really impressed with how the grips, shafts and heads have held up under the punishment of a junior golfer.

The most notable club that shows wear is the putter. I would attribute this to bag chatter and the irons rubbing against it. Although the putter looks a little rough there have been no complaints from my little one and he even drained his first birdie putt last week! The rest of the clubs have been performing great with minimal wear and just some scuffs on the shafts.

Each of the 5 clubs has enough loft differentiation helping to teach the right club for the shot. The sound and feedback from the clubs has helped him be able to distinguish when he hits a good shot. Forgiveness on the other hand is a hard thing to judge with such a new and wildly varying swing at times.

He definitely has a favorite club which continues to be the 5 hybrid. He feels confident when he swings it and can hit from almost any lie. I think it is important for a junior to establish a club that they have as a safety blanket of sorts and can help calm nerves over a shot.

Share the Love

Summer Nights have new purpose for me and the kids. Every chance we get we are heading to the course to take advantage of their new found love of the game.

Shorties has definitely helped instill a passion for the game in my oldest and I attribute that to having the right equipment. By providing the right equipment for your junior your are investing in their passion and interest for the game. I can’t recommend this brand enough and plan on getting the next size when he is ready.