The Golf Parent

A private equity deal moved Jeff Isler and his family from Los Angeles to Dallas. It fell apart 6 months later. He did not want to go back, so he converted a garage and started a junior golf academy in a business he knew almost nothing about. That academy turned 20 last October. It is now an 8,500 square foot facility in Southlake, and Golf Digest named Jeff a Best Teacher in Texas for 2026-27.

In this episode I sit down with Jeff to ask what 2 decades of watching junior golf actually taught him. His son grew up playing alongside Jordan Spieth, Will Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler, and Jeff says what separated those 3 at 13 and 14 had nothing to do with their golf swings. We also get into the mistakes he made as a golf parent himself, which he says he has apologized for more than once.

🎯 Key Takeaways

- What Jeff saw watching Jordan Spieth play a practice round at 15, and why a missed 45 foot putt in a round that did not count told him everything

- "Only 6 percent of junior golfers play college golf." Why Jeff says the entire job is separating from the group

- Technique and skill are not the same thing: "if my technique looks beautiful and you chip it closer, you win"

- The performance gap: why juniors get technically better and stop scoring better

- The tournament counts behind a district title: one team had about 100 competitive rounds, the other about 300

- "If the tournament were today, what would you shoot?" The question he asks before a round, and the harder version after it

- The 5 words Jeff suggests parents say after a round, and the one thing you do not get to do until your kid brings it up

- The 3 mistakes he made as a golf parent, and the family who fired him a month after their son broke 2 course records

⏱ Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Golf Parent

00:25 From a collapsed private equity deal to a garage golf academy

03:12 Why Texas keeps producing great golfers

05:27 Watching Jordan Spieth at 12 and at 15

08:15 Meeting Will Zalatoris at a US Junior qualifier

09:50 Only 6 percent play college golf

11:16 Technique and skill are not the same thing

13:00 The performance gap: better technique, same scores

15:30 100 tournaments against 300

17:22 How much competition is too much?

18:13 Jeff's rule: are they excited to play?

21:29 Compete, evaluate, rest

23:35 Tournament morning: what most juniors get wrong

26:40 "If the tournament were today, what would you shoot?"

29:22 The car ride home and the 5 words Jeff suggests

31:14 The 3 mistakes Jeff made as a golf parent

33:53 The family who fired him

37:45 The question parents almost never ask their coach

40:18 Building the mental game

44:42 Coaching a state champion from 2,000 miles away

46:57 Jeff's closing advice for golf parents

📖 My Book

I wrote a children's book called The Adventures of Chase & Bella: Magic Golf Ball. Chase meets a magic golf ball named Dimply and thinks he has found the secret to playing better. What he finds instead is this: magic flows where your focus goes.

It is a picture book for ages 4 to 8 about growth mindset, handling frustration, and confidence built through effort rather than results. I wrote it over 4 years and finished it before ChatGPT existed. Every word is mine.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1069647101

🙏 Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Craftsman Golf. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off at www.craftsmangolf.com.

🔗 Resources

Jeff Isler Golf - https://www.jeffislergolf.com

Mental Training, Dr. Neff - https://www.mentaltrainingla.com

Trackman - https://www.trackman.com

📲 Connect with Jeff Isler

Instagram: @jeffislergolf

Website: jeffislergolf.com

📲 Connect with The Golf Parent

Instagram: @golf.parent

Website: thegolfparent.com

Shaun Diachkoff is the founder of Fairway Performance is TPI certified in both fitness and power.

In this episode I sit down with Shaun to work out what golf parents should actually be doing, for their kids and for themselves. He is a golf dad too. His 5 year old just hit a 93 yard drive on a launch monitor. And Shaun says the most important thing you can do for your child's training has almost nothing to do with your child.

🎯 Key Takeaways

- Why your lower back is where golfers feel pain but almost never where the problem actually is

- The 10 to 20 minute daily mobility routine Shaun gives most clients, and the 3 areas it targets: hips, thoracic spine, shoulders

- The rep range mistake: 8 to 12 reps builds size, 4 to 6 builds the strength golfers actually want, and most of us have been doing the wrong one since university

- Core bracing is not pulling your stomach in. Shaun's Coke can explanation reframes it completely

- Why he calls the deadlift the most underrated exercise in golf, plus the Pendlay position 1, 2, 3 method for learning it without wrecking your back

- When to introduce weights to a junior golfer, why "swing as hard as you can" is the instruction before that point, and what puberty has to do with the timing

- Squat, hinge, push, pull: what each one gives a golf swing, from holding posture to keeping the face square at impact

- The Bulgarian split squat standard that separates most people from tour level lower body strength

- Shaun's advice for parents: look in the mirror first, because kids copy what you do, not what you tell them

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Golf Parent

01:36 The fitness mistake almost every golf dad makes

03:31 Three movements to master if you only have 20 minutes

04:39 What the thoracic spine is and why your swing depends on it

05:04 Undoing the modern hunch: posture, desks, and daily habits

08:38 What actually goes first as golfers age

09:20 Why your lower back hurts when your lower back is not the culprit

10:29 Building your bomber's blueprint: assess before you build

13:19 The rep range mistake: 8 to 12 builds size, 4 to 6 builds strength

16:29 What Rory does, and what is actually worth copying

19:52 Training kids by age: what comes before weights

21:01 Look in the mirror: your kids copy what you do

21:51 Cooper's first 93 yard drive and the case for many sports

22:30 When to introduce weights, and what puberty changes

23:20 Squat, hinge, push, pull: what each one gives your swing

29:17 Why coaching is an investment, not an expense

32:57 The most underrated exercise for golfers: the deadlift

35:35 The Pendlay method: learning the deadlift in three positions

39:54 Core bracing is not what you think: the Coke can explanation

43:02 How to breathe through a heavy lift, and whether it belongs in your swing

46:46 The Bulgarian split squat and the TPI strength standard

50:18 Shaun's advice for golf parents: make it frictionless

⛳ The Adventures of Chase & Bella

Get the #1 Golf Kids Book which teaches young golfers that "Magic Flows Where Your Focus Goes...and Where Your Focus Goes the Golf Ball Goes!"

https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/dp/1069647101

SAVE 5% TODAY

🔗 Resources

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) - https://www.mytpi.com ETPI, the European Tour Performance Institute - https://www.instagram.com/etpi_performanceunit

Glenn Pendlay on the deadlift - https://www.setantacollege.com/glenn-pendlay-deadlift-blog

The Fairway Performance App and coaching - https://www.fairwayperformance.com

📲 Connect with Shaun Diachkoff

Instagram: @shaun.diachkoff

Website: fairwayperformance.com

Email: shaun@fairwayperformance.com

Podcast: Fairway Performance Podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@fairwayperformance

📲 Connect with The Golf Parent

Instagram: @golf.parent

Tik Tok: @thegolfparent

Website: www.thegolfparent.com

At 17, Megan Khang turned down a full ride to Wake Forest, skipped college entirely, and turned pro the week before the final stage of LPGA Q-school. She earned her full tour card on the first try. Now in her 11th season, she is an LPGA Tour winner, a US Solheim Cup player, and the first golfer of Hmong descent to compete on the LPGA Tour.

In this episode I sit down with Megan to unpack the family behind that decision. Her dad left his job as an auto mechanic to learn golf. Her mom taught kindergarten and never let the grades slip. And instead of hiding the family finances, her parents put them on the table. Megan says that honesty is exactly what taught her to perform under pressure.

🎯 Key Takeaways

- Why financial honesty at home built Megan's ability to handle tour-level pressure

- Her dad's rule: if you try your best and lose, that's fine. Not trying your best is the problem

- The after-school system that got her through AP classes while missing 12 to 14 school days a year for tournaments

- Why Megan refuses to be "Megan Khang the golfer" and how separating identity from results protects her game

- Swing at 80 percent, Annika's think box and play box, and the putting question that changed everything: how would you putt if you knew it was going in?

- A full week in the life on the LPGA Tour, from coffee crawls on Mondays to her exact 60-minute warm-up

- The PXG story and her dad's motto: the worst they can say is no

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Golf Parent

01:03 Skipping college: the Wake Forest visit that changed everything

03:52 Turning pro at 17 with no safety net

04:27 The Bahamas, a 5 grand hotel bill, and a tied 11th finish

07:46 Where her pressure tolerance came from

10:32 Why her dad chose golf: the scholarship plan that became a career13:53 An only child's perfect sport

16:20 Balancing school and elite junior golf

21:06 Raising kids with grit: tough love, honesty, and no sugarcoating

28:36 Gratitude as a performance tool

30:48 "I don't view myself as the golfer": identity and pressure

36:38 Best swing advice she ever got: swing at 80 percent

38:39 The mental game: turning bad lies into highlight reels

40:50 Putting free: what if you knew it was going in?

43:19 A week in the life of an LPGA pro

48:21 Her exact tournament morning warm-up

55:37 The PXG story: the worst they can say is no

58:32 Megan's advice for junior golfers

🙏 Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Craftsman Golf. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15 percent off at craftsmangolf.com.

📲 Connect with Megan Khang

Instagram: @megan_khang

📲 Connect with The Golf Parent

Instagram: @golf.parent

Website: thegolfparent.com

What separates junior golfers who thrive under pressure from those who fall apart when things go wrong? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Bob Winters, also known as “The Confidence Doctor,” to explore the mental skills that shape confidence, resilience, and long term success in junior golf.

Drawing from more than 50 years of experience working with athletes, coaches, and performers, Dr. Bob explains why confidence is not something golfers are born with, but something they build through habits, perspective, and learning how to stay fully present one shot at a time. He breaks down the emotional traps young golfers fall into, including fear of mistakes, perfectionism, frustration, and the pressure to constantly perform.

Parents will gain practical tools to help junior golfers compete with more freedom, confidence, and emotional control. From creating a safe environment at home to helping players recover after bad shots and difficult rounds, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on mindset, character, and performance. Dr. Bob also shares why great putters think differently, how elite athletes respond to adversity, and why the best competitors understand that they are always either winning or learning.

If your junior golfer struggles with confidence, nerves, frustration, or bouncing back after mistakes, this is an essential conversation on how to build the mental foundation needed for both golf and life.

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Great junior golfers learn how to stay present one shot at a time
• Confidence is built through habits and perspective, not talent alone
• Fear of mistakes can quietly damage performance and development
• Parents play a major role in shaping emotional resilience
• The best competitors focus on learning instead of perfection
• Great putters believe every putt has a chance to go in
• Young golfers need reassurance, not pressure, after difficult rounds
• Mental toughness is developed through adversity and recovery

⏱️EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bob Winters & Sports Psychology Journey

09:59 Why Junior Golfers Struggle Mentally Under Pressure

17:30 How Parents Can Build Confidence Instead of Fear

27:50 The 3 Mental Skills Every Junior Golfer Needs

31:06 Unlocking Confidence & Competitive Potential

33:55 Why Young Golfers Must Learn to Play Their Own Game

37:09 Creating a Safe Environment for Junior Golfers

42:55 The Psychology Behind Great Putting

49:13 Building Mental Toughness Through Adversity

53:10 Final Advice for Golf Parents & Young Athletes

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...

https://craftsmangolf.com/ or Amazon Store

📚🐕 Discover - The Adventures of Chase and Bella:

A fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike.

Check it out on Amazon:

https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ

🔗 Connect with Dr. Bob Winters:

📸 Instagram: @dr.bobwinters

🌐 Website: www.drbobwinters.com

📚 Books: The Ten Commandments of Mindpower Golf | https://bit.ly/4ffmDxQ

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

What does it really take to develop a successful junior golfer, and what are most parents getting wrong along the way? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Bernie Najar, one of the most respected coaches in the game and the 2026 PGA National Teacher and Coach of the Year, shares the blueprint for long term player development.

What does it really take to develop a successful junior golfer, and what are most parents getting wrong along the way? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Bernie Najar, one of the most respected coaches in the game and the 2026 PGA National Teacher and Coach of the Year, shares the blueprint for long term player development.

Coach Najar pulls back the curtain on what separates elite junior golfers from the rest, starting with the elusive “X factor” and why it has less to do with early results and more to do with curiosity, resilience, and love of the game. He explains why specializing too early can limit a player’s potential, and how multi sport development builds the athletic foundation for long term success in golf.

From navigating growth spurts and speed training windows to choosing the right coach and creating a fun, engaging environment, this conversation is packed with practical insights for parents who want to support their child the right way. Bernie also breaks down how to balance competition with development, why confidence should be built through small wins, and how to avoid the common traps that derail young players.

If you are serious about helping your junior golfer grow, not just perform, this is a must listen episode on patience, perspective, and playing the long game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Love of the game and curiosity are critical for long-term success

- Early specialization can limit athletic development

- Multi-sport backgrounds build better golfers

- Growth spurts impact performance more than most parents realize

- Confidence should be built through small, consistent wins

- Choosing the right coach is more important than chasing results

- Speed and strength training must match development stages

- Competition should support growth, not define it

- Junior golf is a long-term journey, not a quick outcome

- Parents play a key role in shaping mindset and environment

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bernie Najar & His Coaching Impact

01:07 What Is the ‘X Factor’ in Young Golfers?

04:41 Understanding Junior Golfer Mindsets

08:01 Why Multi-Sport Athletes Win Long-Term

11:46 Making Golf Fun Without Losing Development

14:29 Navigating Growth Spurts & Physical Changes

19:18 How Growth Affects Performance & Expectations

23:31 Early Success vs Long-Term Development

29:26 The Role of Competition in Junior Golf

32:25 Building Competitive Foundations the Right Way

34:19 Why Coaching Matters More Than You Think

36:56 How to Find the Right Coach for Your Child

44:36 Speed Training & Athletic Development Windows

52:54 Books & Resources for Golf Parents

57:20 Final Advice for Sports Parents

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/

📚🐕 Discover The Adventures of Chase and Bella:

A fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike. Check it out on Amazon:https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ

🔗 Connect with Bernie Najar:

📸 Instagram: @bernienajargolf

🌐 Website: www.bernienajar.com

📧 Email: bngolf@icloud.com

📚 Books: Speed Power Finesse | https://bit.ly/4dxaV04 The Game: Enjoying Golf On and Off The Course | https://bit.ly/42V5kdN

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

What separates golfers who perform under pressure from those who fall apart when it matters most? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with Will Kelly to uncover the hidden mental habits that shape scoring, confidence, and long-term development.

Will explains why so many golfers obsess over swing mechanics while ignoring the real performance driver: mental state. From overactive brain waves and emotional burnout to poor decision-making and frustration spirals, he reveals why golfers often sabotage themselves before the club even moves.

Parents of junior golfers will gain valuable tools to help kids compete with more calm, confidence, and resilience. Will shares practical strategies like breathwork, resets between shots, smarter routines, and how to avoid the mental snowball effect after mistakes.

If your junior golfer struggles with nerves, inconsistency, anger after bad shots, or pressure on the first tee, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how elite golfers think, recover, and stay composed when the stakes rise. This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on mindset, performance, and helping young golfers unlock their best golf when it matters most.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Your mental state directly impacts swing performance.

- Golfers who stay mentally “on” all round burn out quickly.

- Mental fatigue hurts decision-making and confidence.

- Frustration after mistakes creates snowball rounds.

- Resetting between shots is a trainable skill.

- Breathwork can instantly calm nerves on the course.

- Junior golfers need mindset skills as much as mechanics.

- The best players manage emotions better, not just swings better.

- Consistency comes from systems, not motivation.

- Parents can help kids by teaching calm responses to adversity.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Will Kelly

02:14 Why Golf Is More Than Swing Mechanics

05:08 Winter Practice Mistakes Most Golfers Make

06:36 Mental Coaching for Junior Golfers by Age

10:32 The 3 Ball Drill for Smarter Practice

14:24 Why Most Golfers Misread Bad Shots

17:09 The Performance Cycle Explained

21:57 Reset, Decide, Commit, Execute, Respond

24:20 Breathwork to Calm Nerves on the Course

35:57 How to Commit to Every Shot with Confidence

44:18 The Mulligan Feeling Book & Coaching System

50:13 Realistic Expectations for Parents and Juniors

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag.

Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/

📚🐕 Discover The Adventures of Chase and BellaA fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike.

Check it out on Amazon:https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ

🔗 Connect with Will Kelly:

📸 Instagram: @mentalgolfcoach

🌐 Website: https://www.mentalgolfcoach.co.uk/

📧 Email: will@mentalgolfcoach.co.uk

📚 Mental Golf School: https://coaching.mentalgolfcoach.co.uk/signup

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with Jon Tattersall to challenge some of the biggest myths in junior golf and uncover what actually drives long-term success. From his journey moving from England to becoming a respected coach in the United States, Jonbrings a unique perspective shaped by curiosity, experience, and a willingness to question everything.

This conversation dives deep into the realities of player development, especially for young golfers. Jon explains why many traditional beliefs in golf are holding players back, and how focusing on speed, ground forces, and athletic movement can unlock a completely different level of performance. He also shares why “natural talent” is often misunderstood, and how the bestplayers separate themselves through intentional practice and a relentless desire to improve.

For parents, this episode is packed with powerful insights on how to truly support a junior golfer. From tracking the right stats to handling post-round conversations, Jon emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where kids can learn, fail, and grow without unnecessary pressure. He also introduces a stoic mindset approach to golf, helping players stay groundedthrough the ups and downs of competition.

This episode is a reminder that golf is more than just a game. It’s a powerful teacher of discipline, resilience, and perspective, and when approached the right way, it can shape not just better players, but better people.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Curiosity is one of the most important traits for long term golf development

- Many traditional golf beliefs and myths can actually hold players back

- Speed and ground forces are critical for improving performance

- Natural talent is often overrated compared to effort and intentional practice

- Parents should track meaningful stats like greens in regulation over fairways hit

- Encouraging kids to swing fast can unlock long term development

- Failure is essential for growth and should be embraced, not avoided

- A stoic mindset helps players handle pressure and setbacks

- Golf teaches life lessons far beyond the course

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jon Tattersall

02:46 Journey from England to Coaching in the US

05:59 Key Aha Moments in Swing Mechanics

08:43 Debunking Golf Myths and Misconceptions

11:57 Why Speed and Strength Matter in Golf

14:52 Tracking the Right Stats for Juniors

18:02 The Myth of Natural Talent

26:26 What Sports Build Better Golfers

27:42 Parenting Styles in Youth Sports

29:33 Why Failure Is Essential for Growth

32:48 How to Handle Post Round Conversations

35:35 Golf as Entertainment vs Development

37:23 Building a Stoic Mindset in Golf

40:25 What Great Swings Actually Look Like

43:33 Understanding Ground Forces

46:18 Movement, Balance, and Athleticism

50:29 Navigating Modern Golf Instruction

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/

🔗 Connect with Jon Tattersall:

📸 Instagram: @tattersallgolf

🌐 Website: https://www.tattersallgolf.com/

📧 Email: jon@tattersallgolf.com

📺 YouTube: ⁨@tattersallgolf⁩

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with Harrison Kovelman to explore a non-traditional path into the game and what it reveals about developing junior golfers the right way. Harrison didn’t grow up playing elite junior golf. In fact, he didn’t even pick up the game until age 19. But what started as curiosity quickly turned into passion, and that passion evolved into a career in coaching, content creation, and helping others fall in love with the game.

This conversation challenges many of the assumptions parents have about junior golf development. Harrison emphasizes that fun is not just a bonus, it’s the foundation. When kids enjoy the game, they stay longer, practice more, and develop more naturally. Instead of obsessing over distance or early results, he explains why solid contact, creativity, and a strongshort game should take priority in the early stages.

Ryan and Harrison also dive into how technology is reshaping golf and how parents can use it as a tool without letting it become a crutch. From launch monitors to content creation, the modern game offers more opportunities than ever for young players to grow, improve, and even build a personal brand. Harrison shares why intentional practice matters more than volume and how anyone, regardless of skill level, can document their journey and become a golf influencer.

This episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no single path in golf. Whether your child is just starting out or already competing, the goal is to build a love for the process, not just chase results.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Fun is the foundation for long term development in junior golf

- Starting later in golf does not limit long term success

- Solid contact and short game matter more than distance early on

- Creative and engaging practice keeps kids invested in the game

- Technology can accelerate development when used intentionally

- Intentional practice beats mindless repetition every time

- Anyone can become a golf influencer by sharing their journey

- Enjoying the process is essential for growth and consistency

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Harrison’s Unique Journey Into Golf

07:43 Why Fun Matters When Introducing Kids to Golf

11:38 How to Properly Develop Junior Golfers

17:19 The Role of Technology in Modern Golf

24:34 Intentional Practice vs Mindless Reps

32:18 Becoming a Golf Influencer Today

📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

🔗 Connect with Harrison Kovelman:

📸 Instagram: @swingsimplegolf

🌐 Website: https://swingsimplegolf.kit.com/

📧 Email: Harrisonk@swingsimplegolf.com

📺 YouTube: ⁨@swingsimplegolf

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Putting is often treated like an art form in golf, something mysterious that only the best players seem to understand. But according to AimPoint founder Mark Sweeney, great green reading isn’t magic at all. It’s science.

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with the man who changed the way many of the world’s best players read greens. Mark explains how the AimPoint system works, why slope is the most important factor in predicting break, and how golfers can learn to read putts with surprising accuracy using simple physical feedback.

The conversation breaks down some of the biggest myths in putting, including why golfers often misjudge where a putt actually breaks and why the middle portion of the putt matters far more than the final few feet near the hole. Mark also explains why speed control is the true foundation of great putting, and how players who master distance control dramaticallyimprove their ability to hole more putts.

For junior golfers and their parents, this episode highlights why developing a strong short game early can create a massive competitive advantage. Mark also discusses how data and analytics are transforming golf, and why the next generation of players will rely more on objective information than guesswork.

Whether your junior golfer is struggling to read greens or simply wants to gain an edge on the putting surface, this conversation reveals the science behind one of the most important skills in the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Reading greens is primarily science rather than guesswork or feel

- The middle portion of the putt determines most of the break- Speed control is the foundation of great putting

- AimPoint allows golfers to predict break on nearly any putt

- Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important in golf development

- Young golfers who develop strong short game skills gain a major competitive advantage

- Enjoying the game is still one of the most important factors in long-term success

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 The Science of Reading Greens

05:43 How AimPoint Simplifies Green Reading

11:39 Why Speed Control Is the Key to Great Putting

17:15 Where Golfers Should Focus During a Putt

25:17 Why AimPoint Is Growing on Tour

30:50 Handling Double Break Putts

37:08 Why Short Game Wins Tournaments

45:05 Data and the Future of Golf Performance

49:06 Advice for Junior Golfers

⛳️ For young golfers and families, check out Adventures of Chase and Bella, a children’s book about friendship, golf, and big dreams. Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/dp/1069647101

📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

🔗 Connect with Mark Sweeney & AimPoint:

📸 Instagram: @Aimpointgolf

🌐 Website: https://aimpointgolf.com/

📧 Email: contact@simpoint.com

📺 YouTube: ⁨@aimpointgolf⁩

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

What if your junior golfer could gain real speed without grinding endlessly on the range? In this episode, Dr. Sasho MacKenzie joins Ryan to unpack the science behind speed training, biomechanics, and athletic development in junior golf. As one of the leading minds behind The Stack System, Dr. MacKenzie explains how overload and overspeed training can safely unlockpower while protecting long term development.

The conversation dives into why speed is such a powerful performance driver, how average golfers have gained over 10 mph through structured training, and why developmental windows matter more than chronological age. Dr. MacKenzie also challenges traditional putting instruction with innovative approaches like heads up putting and explains why multi sport participation may be one of the biggest advantages young golfers can have.

For golf parents, this episode is both exciting and grounding. Yes, speed matters. Yes, science works. But expectations must be realistic, training must be balanced, and fun must remain at the center. If you want your junior to build athleticism the right way while avoiding burnout and injury,this is a must listen.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Speed training can produce significant gains when applied correctly

- Overload and overspeed training are foundational for swing speed development

- Biomechanics help optimize performance while reducing injury risk

- Developmental windows depend on maturity, not just age

- Multi sport participation builds better long term golfers

- Innovative putting techniques can improve feel and target awareness

- Balanced training protects motivation and physical health

- Parents should focus on enjoyment and sustainable progress

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sasho MacKenzie

01:46 From Kinesiology to Golf Innovation

03:20 Applying Track and Field Principles to Golf

10:15 The Stack System and Speed Training Explained

13:41 How Golfers Gain 10+ MPH

16:05 The Science of Putting and Target Focus

26:54 Heads Up Putting and Performance Feel

32:20 Rethinking Traditional Putting Methods

36:40 Practice, Expectations, and Parenting Perspective

44:57 Developmental Windows in Youth Sports

53:35 Why The Stack System Is a Game Changer for Juniors

⛳️ For young golfers and families, check out Adventures of Chase and Bella, a children’s book about friendship, golf, and big dreams. Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/

📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Sasho MacKenzie:

📸 Instagram: @Sashomackenzie & @thestacksystem

🌐 Website: https://www.thestacksystem.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

What if the key to unlocking your junior golfer’s confidence, discipline, and composure wasn’t found on the range... but on the mat?

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Patrick Sebastien to explore the powerful crossover between martial arts and golf. From breathing techniques and meditation to visualization and flow states, Patrick explains why the best young athletes are trained as complete performers, not just skilled technicians. Golf and martial arts share more than you think. Both demand technical precision, physical awareness, and emotional control under pressure.

Patrick breaks down how breathing becomes a competitive advantage on the course, how meditation builds an emotional buffer after bad shots, and why flow state is not random but trainable. He also challenges parents to rethink development, focusing on athleticism, discipline, and calm leadership at home. If you want your junior golfer to thrive in pressure moments and build lasting confidence, this conversation will change how you approach training.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Martial arts build discipline, confidence, and emotional control in young athletes

- Golf and martial arts share technical, physical, and mental performance demands

- Flow state is trainable and can elevate competitive performance

- Breathing techniques help junior golfers regulate stress during rounds

- Meditation creates space between emotion and reaction after bad shots

- Training should develop complete athletes, not just technically sound golfers

- Visualization prepares young players for high

-pressure tournament moments

- Parents must model calmness and composure to shape their child’s mindset

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Martial Arts Meets Junior Golf

02:51 Understanding the Flow State

06:08 Breathing Techniques for On-Course Calm

08:56 Mind-Body Connection in Performance

11:59 Movement and Athletic Preparation

14:58 Energy, Focus, and Competitive Readiness

25:03 How to Train Flow States

27:56 Using Pressure as an Advantage

30:19 Meditation and Visualization for Golfers

33:53 Introducing Mindfulness to Young Players

39:51 Training Junior Golfers as Complete Athletes

🔗 Connect with Patrick Sebastien:

📸 Instagram: @movebreathezone

🌐 Email: coachpsebastien@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://www.fgagolf.com/coachpatrick

📺 YouTube:⁨@movebreathezone⁩

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with world renowned coach Jonathan Yarwood to unpack what truly matters in junior golf development and why so many talented kids lose their way along the journey. Jonathan shares decades of experience working with elite juniors and professionals, offering a refreshing perspective on skill acquisition, enjoyment, and long term growth.

The conversation explores why fun is not optional in development, how grit is built through challenge rather than comfort, and what coaches should really be looking for when identifying potential in young players. Jonathan explains why outcomes and rankings often distract from real progress, and how mastering skills under pressure is far more predictive of success than early wins.

Jonathan also speaks directly to golf parents, emphasizing the power of unconditional support, patience, and perspective. From navigating college golf pathways to protecting kids from burnout and social media pressure, this episode delivers practical insight for families who want to help their junior golfer grow not just as a player, but as a person.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Enjoyment is the foundation of long term junior golf success

• Grit and perseverance are built through challenge and discomfort

• Skill development matters more than early results or rankings

• Practice should be harder than competition to support transfer

• Parents play a critical role through unconditional love and support

• There are multiple valid pathways to college golf and beyond

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Jonathan Yarwood’s Coaching Journey

02:07 How Coaches Identify Potential in Young Golfers

06:41 Why Grit and Perseverance Matter More Than Talent

12:38 Using Golf as a Tool for Life Skills

13:06 Why Reward Systems Can Backfire in Junior Golf

21:33 Creating Personalized Skill Development Blueprints

31:04 Skill Acquisition Versus Mastery

31:47 Why Practice Must Transfer to the Course

34:02 The Importance of Evaluation and Rest 3

5:50 A Holistic Approach to Junior Golf Development

39:10 Navigating the College Golf Pathway

42:53 The Role of Unconditional Love in Golf Parenting

44:57 Underrated Skills Every Junior Needs

50:01 Champion Mindset Nature Versus Nurture

54:00 Creating More Equal Opportunities in Golf

College Dream Finder helps junior golfers and parents navigate college golf recruiting with confidence ⛳️🎓

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/college-golf-dreamfinder/id6743325294

🔗 Connect with Jonathan Yarwood:

📸 Instagram: @Jonathanyarwood

🌐 Email: myswingfixer@gmail.com

🌐 Website: https://jonathanyarwood.com

📺 YouTube: ⁨@jonathanyarwoodgolf⁩

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Chris Parra, HeadcCoach at SMU, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in college golf. From his early days playing professional golf in Canada to coaching elite collegiate athletes, Chris shares a rare inside look at the mental, emotional, and cultural factors that shape high performing teams.

Chris explains why resilience is one of the most important traits college coaches look for and how perfectionism can quietly hold talented juniors back. He dives into the mental skills that help players stay calm under pressure, navigate adversity, and give themselves grace during challenging rounds. Parents will gain valuable insight into how mindset and emotional maturity often matter more than raw talent.

The conversation also explores how recruiting has changed in recent years, what coaches are truly evaluating during visits, and how families can better support juniors through the transition to college golf. This episode is a must listen for golf parents who want clarity on development, recruiting, and helping their junior thrive at the next level.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Resilience is a defining trait for success in college golf

- Perfectionism can limit growth and performance

- Mental skills like breathing and self regulation are trainable

- Team culture matters as much as individual talent

- Recruiting now requires more initiative from players

- Parents play a critical role in emotional development

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Journey Through Canadian Golf

02:19 Life as a College Golf Coach

04:20 Coaching Elite Players Bryson and Austin

12:03 Resilience in Golf and Overcoming Adversity

15:32 The Perfectionist Dilemma

22:09 Mental Skills for Golf Success

30:06 Building a Winning Culture in College Golf

35:37 Transitioning to College Life as a Freshman

41:04 Recruiting Insights for Junior Golf Families

🔗 Connect with Chris Parra:

📸 Instagram: @chreisparra

🌐 Email: cjparra@smu.edu

🌐 Website: https://smumustangs.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/chris-parra/6925

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, tour coach Jeff Leishman shares what truly separates elite junior golfers from everyone else and what parents need to understand if they want real long term development. Drawing on more than two decades on tour, Jeff explains how the modern role of a coach has evolved from basic swing instruction into full performanceguidance that includes preparation, support teams, and the mental and emotional side of competition.

Ryan and Jeff dig into what great coaching actually looks like, including the difference between a teacher who only gives information and a coach who develops the whole athlete. Jeff explains how he evaluates swings through power, predictability, and injury risk, why resilience and adaptability matter as much as mechanics, and how smart use of stats helps juniors focus onthe areas that truly move the needle, especially from greenside and from forty to one hundred forty yards.

Throughout the conversation Jeff shares stories from working with top players like Daniel Berger and Luke Clanton, insights on speed training and multi sport backgrounds, and honest advice on scheduling tournaments, avoiding burnout, and keeping perspective when college coaches are watching. If you are a golf parent, junior golfer, or coach, this is a clear and practical roadmap for helping young players grow in skill, mindset, and love for the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Coaching is development, not just information

• Fit and communication matter more than reputation

• Power and predictability beat “perfect” swings

• Resilience and adversity skills are trainable

• Intentional discomfort builds competitive grit

• Greenside proximity + 8–10 ft putting = scoring

• Forty to 140 yards is the most important performance zone

• Set process goals, not pressure-packed outcome goals

• Parent reactions shape how juniors feel about competing

• Support consistency over perfection or highlight moments

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Sri Lanka Golf Story

05:00 Life on Tour What a Modern Touring Coach Really Does

12:00 How Players Choose Coaches and Why Style Matters

20:00 Swing Philosophy Power Predictability and Injury Risk

28:00 What Truly Separates Elite Players from the Rest

36:00 Teaching Grit Introducing Adversity and Real Consequences

46:00 The Stats That Actually Matter for Junior Golfers

56:00 Daniel Berger Luke Clanton and Long Term Development

01:05:00 Speed Training Multi Sport Backgrounds and Burnout Risk

01:15:00 Tournament Scheduling College Coaches and Being Watched

01:22:00 Final Advice for Golf Parents Around the World

🔗 Connect with Jeff Leishman:

📸 Instagram: @jeff_leishmangolf

🌐 Email: /jeffleishman@aol.com

🌐 Website: https://www.jeffleishmangolf.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan sits down with world class coach Mark Govier to unpack what truly separates juniors who rise to the highest levels from those who stall out. Mark explains why real development goes far beyond perfect swings and long practice hours and instead depends on deeper skills like emotional resilience, intelligent practice structure, selfawareness, and long term habits that build complete athletes.

Mark breaks down the ideal developmental path for young golfers, why multi sport backgrounds create stronger and more adaptable juniors, and how parents can support their athletes without adding pressure or creating performance anxiety. He also reveals what elite practice actuallylooks like and why technical work must eventually give way to randomized and skill based training for juniors who want to compete at advanced levels.

This episode gives parents, coaches, and young players a clear roadmap for building golfers who are confident, self sufficient, emotionally steady, and prepared to perform when it matters. If you want to understand the full picture of junior golf development from foundation to performance, this conversation is a must listen.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

● The best players practice with structure and clear purpose

● Emotional stability is a major separator in tournament performance

● Juniors must learn to self coach instead of relying on constant answers

● Multi sport backgrounds help develop stronger overall athletes

● Great practice blends technical form work and randomized skill testing

● Parents must create a safe and enjoyable environment around golf

● Effective routines and breathing calm the mind under pressure

● Juniors improve fastest when they track patterns and journal consistently

● The car ride home is the danger zone and should be handled carefully

● Elite performance comes from knowing your personal formula

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Mark Govier’s Coaching Background

03:20 When Kids Should Start Golf and the Value of Multi Sport Development

08:05 Foundational Skills Parents Can Build at Home Before Formal Coaching

13:40 Teacher Versus Coach and How to Build Self Coaching Juniors

18:10 How Elite Juniors Practice Differently From the Range Crowd

24:30 Developing a Personal Formula for Peak Performance

32:50 Breathing Routines and Handling Pressure on the Course

44:20 The Real Role of Golf Parents and the Car Ride Home

🔗 Connect with Mark Govier:

📸 Instagram: @elitegolfcoach_

🌐 Email: /elitegolfcoachworldwide@gmail.com

📺 YouTube: @elitegolfcoach

🌐 Website: https://www.elitegolfcoach.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with longtimeStanford golf instructor Josh Zander to reveal what truly matters in junior golf development. From grip fundamentals to mental toughness to the role parents play behind the scenes, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how elite environments actually shape great players.

Josh shares why grip is the true gateway to power and consistency, how confidence with the driver separates top juniors, and why every great golfer must embrace their own unique swing. He also explains how modern technology is changing coaching while timeless mindset traits likeresilience, patience, and joy remain the real separators.

For golf parents navigating lessons, pressure, tournaments, and expectations, this episode brings clarity. It reframes what success actually looks like, why safety and enjoyment come first, and how long term growth always beats short term results.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Grip fundamentals shape everything in the golf swing

- Power is now a requirement not a bonus in junior golf

- Mental skills separate competitive golfers from elite golfers

- Every great golfer must own their natural swing DNA

- Parents shape the emotional environment more than any coach

- Resilience matters more than perfect mechanics

- Enjoyment fuels long term development

- College level golf is built on confidence and consistency

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction To Josh Zander And Stanford Golf

03:03 The Evolution Of Stanford Golf Facilities

05:57 Lessons From Playing And Coaching At The Highest Level

08:43 Why Grip Is The Most Underrated Skill In Golf

11:43 Grip Pressure And Club Control

14:52 Finding The Right Grip For Your Game

17:47 Technology In Modern Golf Coaching

20:39 Confidence And Power Off The Tee

22:13 Authenticity In Golf Swings

26:45 The Parent’s Role In Junior Development

31:38 Mental Resilience In Competitive Junior Golf

40:11 How To Identify Future Golf Stars

43:36 Why The Joy Of Golf Matters Most

🔗 Connect with Josh Zander:

📸 Instagram: @zander.josh

🌐 Email: /joshzander@zandergolf.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with elite coach Tim Cooke to reveal how juniors truly learn golf skills that last. With a rare academic background in pedagogy, biomechanics, motor learning, and sports psychology, Tim explains how young athletes develop, how their bodies move, and what actually helps a swing stay healthy over time. He shares why posture and a neutral lower spine matter, how five ball sets speed up learning, and why intention beats volume every time.

Ryan and Tim dive into what separates competitive juniors from elite juniors, how to map practice around tournament schedules, and why age sixteen becomes a defining moment in a young athlete’s commitment. They also explore burnout, multi sport development, and the mindset habits that help juniors repeat their best performances more often.

For golf parents, coaches, and junior players, this episode offers practical clarity and healthy strategies for long term growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Pedagogy reveals how juniors learn and retain skills

- Neutral lower spine protects the body as juniors grow

- Posture and setup guide consistency and power

- Five ball sets accelerate learning more than big buckets

- Skill practice must differ from performance prep

- Elite juniors show clear goals and commitment

- Sixteen is a turning point in motivation and independence

- Time off and multi sport play prevent burnout

- Parents must speak the same technical language as the coach

- Reflection helps juniors create repeatable performance states

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Welcome And Introduction

01:50 Tim’s Path From Division I Golf To Coaching

04:20 What Pedagogy Reveals About Learning Sports

07:10 Biomechanics And Protecting The Junior Golfer’s Back

09:50 Neutral Spine Setup And Practical Cues

12:40 How To Structure Productive Practice

15:30 Five Ball Sets And Why They Work

18:45 Skill Development Days Versus Performance Prep

21:40 Competitive Juniors Versus Elite Juniors

24:55 Mapping The College Golf Pathway

27:40 The Real Role Of Golf Parents

31:00 Burnout, Late Bloomers, And Time Off

34:10 Multi Sport Benefits In Junior Golf

37:20 Mindset And Finding A Flow State

40:15 Journaling And Repeatable Performance

43:00 The Two Phrases Every Junior Should Carry

46:00 Final Advice For Parents And Juniors

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.

🔗 Connect with IJGA:

🌐 Website: https://ijga.com/

📸 Instagram: @ijga_bishopsgate

🔗 Connect with Tim Cooke:

📸 Instagram: @timcookegolf

🌐 Email: /tcooke@seapines.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this eye-opening episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Scott Fawcett — former pro golfer, data-driven strategist, and creator of the DECADE system that has reshaped how elite players think about scoring. Scott breaks down the real math behind great golf and explains why smarter decisions, not prettier swings, separate top performers from everyone else.

Together, Ryan and Scott dig into the biggest myths in golf, from aiming at pins to overvaluing “feel” on the greens. Scott explains why bogey avoidance matters more than hunting birdies, how junior golfers can use data to make better choices, and why mindset and emotional control remain the ultimate separating factors on the course.

For golf parents navigating swing advice overload, this episode offers clarity, simplicity, and actionable wisdom. Scott’s insights will reshape how you coach, support, and think about your junior’s development — and why better decisions always beat harder swings.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Scott Fawcett’s evolution from pro golfer to strategy pioneer

- Course management is the fastest path to lower scores

- Many golf myths hold juniors back from real progress

- Mindset and emotional control matter more than perfect swings

- Golfers must balance mechanics with strategy for long-term success

- Data analysis is changing how modern golf is played

- Bogey avoidance is more valuable than chasing birdies

- Technology will continue to shape golf’s future

- Realistic expectations improve performance and enjoyment

- Systems and structure create better decisions under pressure

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 The Genesis of a Visionary

02:51 Revolutionizing Golf with Data

06:01 Debunking Golf Myths

08:45 The Art of Target Selection

11:42 Teaching Course Management

15:10 Balancing Mechanics and Strategy

18:02 Lessons from a Hothead

20:48 Understanding Expectations in Golf

23:48 The Importance of Putting Strategy

29:12 Optimizing Putting Strategies

31:03 Mindset in Golf: Aggressive vs. Conservative

33:13 Teaching Golf to Young Players

38:54 The Importance of Distance in Golf

40:46 Mindset of Elite Golfers

44:57 Advice for Golf Parents

47:43 The DECADE App: A Game Changer

48:56 AimPoint & Tour Read: The Future of Putting

52:52 Creativity in Golf: Is It Dead?

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by DECADE Golf, the proven strategy platform helping juniors and pros play with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

🔗 Connect with Scott Fawcett & DECADE Golf:

🌐 Website: https://decade.golf/

📸 Instagram: @decade_golf

✉️ Email: scott@playinglesson.com

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scottfawcett3290

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams welcomes back world-renowned coach Kevin Kirk for a deep dive into the realities of youth sports, mastery, and the modern challenges facing golf parents. Kevin shares decades of wisdom from coaching elite players, revealing why intentionality, self-awareness, and personal mastery matter far more than early success or perfect swings.

Together, Ryan and Kevin explore how parents can better understand their child’s individual journey by replacing pressure with purpose, guidance, and reflection. They discuss how to build true mental toughness, why technology can accelerate (but never replace) hard work, and how to foster a “warrior culture” rooted in resilience, curiosity, and personal responsibility.

This episode is a must-listen for golf parents, coaches, and young athletes seeking clarity in a world overwhelmed with noise and expectations. Kevin’s message is a reminder that greatness is not found in shortcuts — it’s earned through intention, introspection, and understanding the path that belongs uniquely to you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Each child’s path is unique and requires individualized parenting

- Mastery begins with intentional practice and clear purpose

- Technology is helpful, but never a replacement for effort

- The unseen work behind success matters more than results

- True toughness comes from building a warrior mindset

- Introspection helps athletes align actions with goals

- Youth sports should focus on developing well-rounded athletes

- Self-awareness is essential for long-term growth

- A strong culture allows excellence to emerge

- The journey matters more than early specialization

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Full Circle — A Return to the Podcast

03:07 Navigating Life Transitions: Parenting to Personal Growth

05:59 Parenting Insights: Universal Truths & Individual Differences

08:39 Education in a Changing World: Teaching Critical Thinking

11:41 Technology’s Role in Golf & Mastery

14:30 Mastery: The Pathway to Success in Golf

17:35 The Mindset of a Golf Warrior

32:30 Building a Warrior Culture

38:20 The Power of Intention

42:54 Understanding Personal Goals

49:46 Navigating Youth Golf Development

01:00:41 Why Multi-Sport Participation Still Matters

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.

🔗 Connect with IJGA:

🌐 Website: https://ijga.com/

📸 Instagram: @ijga_bishopsgate

🔗 Connect with Kevin Kirk:

📸 Instagram: @kevinkirkgolf

🌐 Email: / kkirk@pga.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

The college golf recruiting process can feel like a mystery — for both parents and players. In this episode, Coach Todd Oehrlein pulls back the curtain on how college programs actually evaluate prospective student-athletes, what separates elite recruits from the rest, and how parents can best support their junior golfers through the emotional rollercoaster of commitments, calls, and expectations.

first DM exchanges to analyzing phone calls and understanding academic fit. He explains why patience, passion, and emotional control are just as important as swing mechanics — and how the right mindset can make all the difference when a scholarship offer is on the line.

For golf parents navigating the recruiting maze, this is a must-listen episode that will help you guide your child with confidence, clarity, and perspective.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- The recruitment process starts with real conversations, not just stats

- Academic fit is a major factor for both schools and athletes

- Verbal commitments come before written ones — patience matters

- Coaches value relentlessness, passion, and self-awareness over perfection

- Parents should balance support with realistic expectations

- Debriefing after tournaments builds resilience and growth

- Emotional regulation is a key differentiator in performance

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mike Thomas: The Golf Parent’s Perspective

02:54 The Journey of a Golf Parent: Plans and Intentions

05:53 Recognizing Talent: Moments of Realization

08:46 The Balance of Coaching and Parenting

11:55 Key Personality Traits of Successful Junior Golfers

15:01 Navigating Modern Parenting in Junior Golf

17:39 The Role of Structure and Passion in Development

20:59 Understanding Parent-Child Dynamics in Sports

23:57 Maintaining a Healthy Parent-Coach Relationship

26:36 The Role of Parents in Golf Instruction

27:44 Overrated and Underrated Aspects of Golf Instruction

31:21 Mental Game and Self-Talk in Golf

33:40 Physical Preparation and Training for Golf

36:33 A Week in the Life of a Professional Golfer

42:32 Staying Fit and Flexible as a Golfer

45:35 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Excitement

48:42 Advice for Golf Parents

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Caddy Daddy, trusted by golfers and parents who want durable, innovative gear that protects their equipment and travels as hard as they play.

🔗 Connect with Todd Oehrlein:

🌐 Email: / TSO@athletics.wisc.edu

🔗 Connect with Caddy Daddy:

🌐 Website: https://caddydaddygolf.com/

📸 Instagram: @caddydaddygolf

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube