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Help Center
Upcoming: 12th of July Parent & Child Competition
Simple Solutions to Common Questions
Need assistance? This help hub is designed to provide parents and players with immediate answers regarding academy operations. Whether you are looking for clarity on bad weather protocols, need to review our equipment return policies, or want to know how to log a missed session, you will find the official guidelines below. If your query requires direct staff assistance, our academy administration team is always on hand to help.
Where do I pay the Annual Academy Registration Fee?
The Annual Academy Registration & Resource Fee is paid directly on our website. You must complete this payment to unlock your child's full access to the academy, their learning materials, and their free membership at The Grove Golf Club.
Where do I buy the 4, 8, or 12-session training packages?
Training session packages must be purchased securely through the official U.S. Kids Parent Portal. Once you have paid your registration fee on our website, you will log into the U.S. Kids portal to buy your preferred session package and book your child into their weekly classes.
How do I book a Free Trial session?
We love welcoming new junior golfers! While the trial session is completely free, you still need to register and book it in advance through the U.S. Kids Parent Portal so we can secure your child’s spot and ensure our coaches have equipment ready for them.
Does my child need their own golf clubs to start?
No, absolutely not! If your child doesn't own a set of clubs, they can borrow ours completely free of charge during any of their training sessions. We have a full range of US Kids golf clubs ready for them to use.
Can my child bring their own clubs?
Yes! If your child already has their own golf clubs, they are more than welcome to bring them along to use during the session.
Where can we buy the right equipment when they are ready?
When your child outgrows their borrowed clubs or is ready for their own set, head over to the Pro Shop at Birdie Golf Porthcawl. We are fully stocked with the official U.S. Kids Golf range. We also offer professional custom fitting sessions for families and elite junior players to ensure they get the perfect club length and weight.
What is the dress code for the academy sessions?
We keep things casual, comfortable, and athletic. There is no need for traditional, strict golf attire. Perfect options include:
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Tops: Polo shirts, t-shirts, sports tops, or hoodies/sweatshirts.
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Bottoms: Joggers, tracksuits, or shorts/skorts in warmer weather.
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Footwear: A sturdy, comfortable pair of trainers. Please avoid sandals, flip-flops, or heavy boots.
What happens if it rains? Do sessions get canceled?
We train rain or shine! Our driving range facilities feature excellent covered bays, meaning the kids stay sheltered and dry even during heavy downpours. Unless there is severe, unsafe weather (such as lightning or extreme gales), sessions will always go ahead as scheduled.
What should my child wear on bad weather days?
Because the range bays are open-air, it can still get chilly or windy. Please ensure your child comes packed with a windproof or waterproof jacket during the winter months. Conversely, on hot summer days, please pack a hat, a water bottle, and apply sunscreen before they arrive.
What is the cut-off time to book or cancel a session?
Our daily deadline is strictly 2:00 PM on the day of the session.
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To Book: You must log into the U.S. Kids Parent Portal and book your slot before 2:00 PM so our coaches can plan the class sizes. We cannot accept walk-ins.
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To Cancel: If you cannot make it, you must cancel through the portal before 2:00 PM.
What happens if my child is sick or we miss a session last minute?
We understand that plans change and kids get sick! However, because coach ratios are set based on bookings, if you miss a session or cancel after the 2:00 PM daily deadline, we can not guarantee that your session will be credited to your account.
Can we change our weekly session day if our schedule changes?
Yes, absolutely. Because our 4, 8, and 12-session packages operate on a flexible non-consecutive system, you aren't strictly locked into one specific day forever. As long as there is space available in the correct level group, you can use the U.S. Kids Parent Portal to book into whichever weekly slot fits your schedule best that week.
Are there academy tournaments for the kids?
Yes! We regularly host fun, low-pressure junior tournaments and seasonal events (like our End of Summer Party Event). These are designed to introduce the kids to friendly competition, teach them how to handle nerves, and build a great community spirit among the Hensol Hawks families.
How do we sign up for a tournament or special academy event?
Just like our weekly training packages, all official tournaments and special academy events must be registered and paid for through the U.S. Kids Parent Portal. We will send out email alerts and post details in the academy when registration windows open.
Can friends or non-members join our special events?
Our official tournaments are reserved for registered Hensol Hawks Academy members. However, we do occasionally host open days, bring-a-friend sessions, and holiday camps. Keep an eye on our newsletter, socials, events page or ask Candice or Josh about upcoming open events!
What exactly does the Annual Academy Registration Fee cover?
Paid directly on our website, this annual fee activates your child’s academy membership. It covers all their physical learning materials (the U.S. Kids Player Pathway booklet), progress tracking, and the custom milestone pins and graduation medals they earn. Crucially, it also unlocks unlimited free green fees for your child to play and practice at The Grove Golf Club outside of class times.
How do I pay for the weekly training sessions?
Training sessions are purchased in flexible blocks of 4, 8, or 12 credits through the official U.S. Kids Parent Portal. We do not take payments for session packages on our main website or in person at the range.
Do session packages expire?
Yes. To ensure steady skill progression while still offering ultimate flexibility for family life, all training session credits (whether you buy a 4, 8, or 12-session package) are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This gives you plenty of buffer room to navigate school holidays, winter breaks, or unexpected illnesses without losing your credits. You can view your exact package details at any time inside the Parent Portal.
Can I get a financial refund on unused session credits?
Session packages purchased through the U.S. Kids Parent Portal are non-refundable. However, because our redemption system is entirely flexible, those credits can be used for any available session day or time that fits your child's age group before the package expires.
What happens if I miss the 2:00 PM cancellation deadline?
Because our coaching staff ratios are finalised and locked in at 2:00 PM based strictly on the booking numbers, any cancellations or no-shows after this time will result in the session redemption being deducted from your package.
What are the behavioral expectations for academy players?
We want every child to have fun, but safety and respect are our top priorities. All players are expected to follow the Hensol Hawks Code of Conduct:
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Listen to Coaches: Pay full attention when a coach is speaking or demonstrating a skill.
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Respect Peers: Encourage fellow academy members. Bullying, foul language, or teasing will not be tolerated.
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Respect the Facility: Take care of the driving range, the training gear, and the course at The Grove (e.g., raking bunkers, replacing divots, and not throwing clubs).
What happens if a child is disruptive during a session?
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of the entire group, we use a simple, fair three-step approach for disruptive behaviour:
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Verbal Warning: The coach will gently remind the player of the rules and redirect their focus.
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Cool-Down Time: If the behaviour continues, the player will step out of the activity for a few minutes to sit quietly and reset.
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Parent Discussion: If the disruption persists or poses a safety risk, the player will be removed from the session, and the coaches will speak directly with the parents to find a positive solution moving forward.
What conduct is required when playing at The Grove?
When players take advantage of their free green fees or participate in tournament at The Grove Golf Club, they are representing the Hensol Hawks. They must practice good golf etiquette, which includes:
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Pace of Play: Playing "Ready Golf" to ensure they don't hold up other golfers on the course.
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Course Care: Repairing their pitch marks on the greens, raking the sand after escaping a bunker, and replacing turf divots.
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Sportsmanship: Shaking hands or giving a high-five to their playing partners at the end of the 9th or 18th hole, regardless of their score.
How does the academy communicate updates to parents?
Our primary way of reaching you is via email or our new Whatsapp community group for major updates, term schedules, and tournament announcements. For day-to-day announcements or weather alerts, we use our official academy notice board at the range and Whatsapp. Please ensure the email addresses and phone numbers linked to your main website account and your U.S. Kids Parent Portal is kept up to date.
Who do I contact if I have a quick question about today's session?
If you have a quick question regarding a session that day, you can chat with Candice, Josh, or any of our coaching team right on the range before or immediately after the class. For non-urgent questions, sending a Whatsapp direct message is the best way to get a detailed response. For all urgent issues or questions, call Candice directly at 07415 961935.
Can I get a formal update or feedback from the coach?
Absolutely. While coaches focus 100% of their attention on the kids during the active session window, they are always happy to chat for a few minutes once the session wraps up. If you would like a deeper discussion about your child's long-term development or elite pathways, please email us to arrange a dedicated time to speak.
What should I do if my child is experiencing an issue at the academy?
We take the well-being and happiness of our junior hawks very seriously. If your child is unhappy, experiencing issues with a peer, coach, or struggling with a specific aspect of training, please let us know immediately. You can speak to Candice or Josh privately over the phone, or email us directly so we can schedule a confidential chat.
How do I inform the academy about my child’s medical conditions or allergies?
If your child has any medical conditions, asthma, severe allergies (such as nut allergies or bee stings), or requires learning adjustments, please speak directly to Josh or Candice before or during their first session. Because we do not use an online form for medical data, a direct conversation ensures our head coaches are personally aware of your child's specific needs and can plan the sessions safely. Please also keep us updated in person or via email if their health status changes at any point during their time at Hensol Hawks Junior Academy.
Can coaches administer medication (like inhalers or EpiPens) during a session?
Our coaches are trained in emergency first aid, but they cannot legally administer routine daily medications.
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Inhalers/EpiPens: If your child requires an inhaler or an EpiPen, they must bring it to every session. It must be clearly labeled with their name.
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Self-Administration: The child should be able to self-administer their medication if required, or a parent/guardian must remain on-site to assist them. Please notify the coach at the start of the session where the medication is kept (e.g., in the front pocket of their golf bag).
What happens if my child is injured during a session?
Safety is our absolute priority, but minor bumps or scrapes can occasionally happen. All Hensol Hawks coaches hold up-to-date, certified First Aid qualifications.
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Minor Injuries: For minor cuts, scrapes, or bruises, coaches will administer basic first aid (cleansing wipes, plasters, ice packs) and inform you immediately at pick-up.
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Major Emergencies: In the highly unlikely event of a serious injury, coaches will immediately contact emergency services and then call the primary emergency contact listed on the child’s profile.
How do you prevent fatigue or heat-related illnesses during summer?
Golf sessions involve continuous physical movement. On hot days, coaches structure the sessions to include mandatory shade breaks and hydration stops. We ask that parents always send their children to the academy with a refillable water bottle, a hat, and sunscreen already applied.
What should I do if my child feels unwell during a session?
If a child feels dizzy, nauseous, or generally unwell during training, our coaches will immediately have them sit down in a shaded, safe area away from the hitting bays. A coach or assistant will monitor them, and we will contact you to pick them up early if they do not feel better after a brief rest and some water. Please do not bring your child to a session if they have had a fever, vomiting, or have been generally unwell within the last 48 hours.
Why does the academy use and recommend U.S. Kids Golf clubs?
Traditional junior clubs are often just cut-down adult clubs, which are far too heavy and stiff for a child. U.S. Kids Golf clubs are specifically engineered for juniors. They feature lighter clubheads, flexible shafts, and proper grip sizes tailored to a child's height and strength. This allows kids to swing faster, launch the ball easily into the air, and develop correct swing habits without compensating for heavy equipment.
How does the U.S. Kids sizing system work?
U.S. Kids does not size clubs by age; instead, they size strictly by player height (in inches). The equipment is colour-coded into specific height segments (e.g., 39", 42", 45", up to 63"). As a rule of thumb, a child is ready for the next size up once they grow more than 3 inches past their current club size.
What is the "Yard Club" and who is it for?
The Yard Club is U.S. Kids' ultimate beginner training club, usually featuring an oversized, super-lightweight head and a molded training grip that naturally guides your child's hands into the perfect position. It is designed for Stage 1 players (Levels 1-3) to help them build immediate confidence hitting balls in the backyard or on the range.
Where can I purchase U.S. Kids equipment?
Our official pro shop is located at Birdie Golf Porthcawl. The shop is fully stocked with the official U.S. Kids Golf range, clothing, and accessories. You can purchase clubs directly in-store, or you can submit an online gear request through our website to secure specific items for a quick and easy pickup.
Do you offer custom club fitting for kids?
Yes, we do! At Birdie Golf Porthcawl, we offer professional junior custom fitting sessions.
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Family Fits: Parents and kids can come in and get measured for new sets together.
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Elite Performance Fits: For advanced, competitive junior players, we offer precise trackman or launch-monitor fittings to build a high-performance set of clubs tailored exactly to their swing speed.
Can I just buy clubs that are a little too big so my child "grows into them"?
We strongly advise against this! Playing with clubs that are even two inches too long forces a child to alter their posture, flatten their swing, and drop their hands. This leads to poor contact, frustration, and ingrained bad habits that are very difficult to fix later on. It is always better to have them playing with perfectly fit clubs.
Need Help To Join?
We’d love to welcome you to the family. Fill out the quick form below, and our team will reach out to answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you book your very first session.