The best age to start a child in golf is the time he or she becomes interested in the game.
I feel that parents should not force the game on their children if they would prefer to be doing something else.
Don't worry too much about their grip etc, just give them a club with some loft and then leave it to their natural ability.
Make sure you give them a club that is light enough, as a small child will learn a bad grip by trying to swing a club that is too heavy.
When you take a youngster to his or her first lesson, don't say that it is a lesson.
Instead, you should say that we are going for some help as the word "lesson" sounds too much like school.
Golf should be fun, so never say "teach" or "lessons."
Stay away from any instruction that is over complicated as this might interfere with a child's natural ability.
Especially be aware of the instructor who can't play themselves and who has read every golf instruction book ever printed.
Also, keep your distance from the coach who is trying to teach your child to imitate the stance and swing of Ben Hogan, as the way Hogan swung was special and unique.
Your child is special in his or her own way.
Practising is an individual matter as some kids like to be constantly on the range hitting ball after ball, whilst others you can't get off the course.
Whatever your child wishes to do is fine.
Worst of all is the father or mother always nagging at their child about this or that. This may be fun for them but it is hurting the child's development.
Out of Bounds: Moving the club backwards and forwards at the start of your swing (waggle) may help to turn on the juice and to get the adrenaline flowing. This small practice swing is a way to ease tension but be careful not to exaggerate this habit, as it might turn into a nervous twitch.