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Free Golf for Kids in Indianapolis: The 2027 Junior Program Guide

A boy chips from a practice mat at an indoor practice space near Indianapolis.

Kids First Golf Foundation

Indianapolis families can start a child in golf for free through the Indianapolis Junior Golf Foundation's lessons for ages 6 to 11 and the free Drive, Chip and Putt qualifiers for ages 7 to 15, or for a modest fee through First Tee Indiana, whose published classes run about $40 to $65 for six weeks with financial aid available. Once a kid is hooked, scholarships, $5 rounds and caddie programs keep the cost down.

This guide lists the free and low-cost junior golf options serving Central Indiana, what each one costs and who it fits, with links so you can confirm current dates and fees.

Why cost should not decide whether your kid plays

Youth sports are not cheap. The Aspen Institute's Project Play survey found families spend an average of $1,016 a year on a child's primary sport, and about $1,500 per child across all sports. Golf has a reputation for costing more than most.

The reputation is out of date. Junior golf is at a 20-year high, with just under 4 million U.S. juniors on course in 2025, up 58% since 2019 (National Golf Foundation), and much of that growth runs through programs built to be affordable.

Free and low-cost junior golf programs in Central Indiana

Program Ages Published cost What kids get Source
Indianapolis Junior Golf Foundation 6 to 11 Free Lessons at Indianapolis city courses Indianapolis Junior Golf Foundation
First Tee Indiana Youth About $40 to $65 per 6-week class; full scholarships through financial aid Coaching, life skills, chapter events First Tee Indiana
Drive, Chip and Putt 7 to 15 Free Skills competition; 353 local qualifier sites for 2026-27, finals at Augusta National Drive, Chip and Putt
PGA Jr. League Youth Site fees vary (examples $160 to $420); 4,323 scholarships in 2025 Team golf with a PGA coach PGA REACH
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Girls Low cost Girls-only clinics at 700+ sites American Golf Journal
Youth on Course Youth members Rounds at $5 or less at participating courses Affordable rounds after membership Youth on Course
Indiana Junior Golf (Indiana Golf) Juniors Varies by event Tournaments and junior programs statewide Indiana Golf
Evans Scholars Foundation Caddies Scholarship program Full college scholarships (22 Indiana caddies in 2026) Western Golf Association

Fees and schedules change by season. Always confirm on the program's site before you register.

How to choose by age and stage

Ages 6 to 8: just starting. Free lessons through the Indianapolis Junior Golf Foundation (ages 6 to 11) or a First Tee Indiana class are ideal first steps. Keep sessions short and fun.

Ages 7 to 12: getting competitive. Drive, Chip and Putt is free and gives kids a clear goal. PGA Jr. League adds a team, a jersey and friends, which helps keep kids coming back.

Girls of any age. LPGA*USGA Girls Golf runs girls-only sites built for girls who are starting out. 35% of junior golfers are now girls, up from 15% in 2000 (NGF).

Teens with momentum. Youth on Course makes rounds affordable. Indiana Golf junior tournaments add competition. Caddying can lead to the Evans Scholarship, and the Indiana Golf Foundation offers scholarships as well.

The gap every program leaves: practice between sessions

Here is what free lessons cannot do on their own. A weekly class is one hour. Skill is built in the days between, and that is where many families run out of options: no practice space, no clubs that fit, no way to keep swinging when Central Indiana courses close from roughly December to March.

That gap is why Kids First Golf Foundation exists. Our mission is to get more kids into golf without the cost of private training, and the most direct way to do that is to help with what happens at home: gear in hands, a practice game that kids actually want to play and access to full-swing practice in winter.

Two tools from the companies that support Kids First:

  • A chipping game at home. The DDSports WedgeMaster turns wedge practice into a scored game for the backyard or living room. A portion of every WedgeMaster sale supports Kids First Golf Foundation.
  • Simulator sessions in winter. Magic Fairway brings mobile simulator bays to homes in the Indianapolis area for junior sessions and birthday parties.

New to all of this? Start with our step-by-step guide on how to get your kid into golf without private lessons.

Frequently asked questions

Is there free golf for kids in Indianapolis?

Yes. The Indianapolis Junior Golf Foundation offers free lessons for ages 6 to 11 at city courses, and Drive, Chip and Putt local qualifiers are free for ages 7 to 15.

How much does First Tee Indiana cost?

First Tee Indiana's published examples run about $40 to $65 per six-week class, and full scholarships are available through financial aid. Check the chapter site for current fees.

Are there junior golf programs just for girls near Indianapolis?

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf runs girls-only programs at more than 700 sites nationally. Check the Girls Golf site locator for Central Indiana locations.

Can junior golf lead to a college scholarship?

It can. The Evans Scholars Foundation awarded full college scholarships to 22 Indiana caddies in 2026, and the Indiana Golf Foundation offers scholarships too.

How can my kid keep practicing when courses close for winter?

Use short practice games at home, like a chipping target, and add simulator sessions for the full swing. Magic Fairway brings mobile simulators to homes in the Indianapolis area.

Tell us about your golfer

Kids First Golf Foundation is building its first programs for Central Indiana families now. Tell us about your junior golfer and we will keep you posted on gear, practice and program openings.

Sources

Have a young golfer at home?

Kids First helps families get started without the cost of private training.

Apply for a kidSee the Wedge Master

A portion of every WedgeMaster sale supports Kids First Golf Foundation.