What do you think about those cheap, plastic golf sets you can buy at Walmart or similar stores? Do you think they are good for kids to start learning about golf? Or do you think they are deceptive and kids should start with more realistic clubs?

To me, once the kids reach the age of 3 or 4, I think it's best to have real clubs. I think the plastic clubs are ok as toys to get the interest of young kids, say 2 maybe 3yrs old. But once theyre old enough I'd move them to real clubs.

Ask yourself if it is a toy for play, or sports equipment.
I can't imagine giving steel clubs to a kid under the age of 6.

You see, I think that my daughter would be ok with steel clubs, and she's 4. But many 4-year-olds would thwack things with them. It's not that she's particularly physically adept, but she just doesn't think about pounding things with clubs.

Do you think that the plastic might alter the way they balance, changing the way they hold the clubs later on?

Kids are far more adaptable than adults. Giving them toy versions of golf clubs isn't likely to ruin their chances of turning pro at 20. I think we're falling into the trap of overthinking this. That's like saying that having them ride a "big wheel" means they'll never become adept at riding a bicycle. It's all part of play/fun before learning.

I bought my daughter these plastic clubs from walmart and they break pretty easy. She still plays with them when I'm in the back chipping but they are good 5 dollar investment to see if they would even want the more expensive club.s

Aimee, you're exactly right. Toys and sports equipment are complete opposites. I hadn't thought about it that way but it makes sense.

For most kids I think the idea of hitting a ball around the yard is pure joy. I guess starting them off with plastic clubs is better than nothing at all right?

I think they'd enjoy the plastic toys more...less chance of injury from conking themselves with a metal club!