About this episode
What happens when you mix child psychology, creative play, and golf instruction? You get a revolutionary approach to junior golf that's changing how young players connect with the game. Meet Lisi Mueller, an assistant golf professional who left a high-paying corporate job to pursue her passion for teaching golf to children and women. Drawing from her educational background in child psychology and development, Lisey brings a refreshingly innovative toolkit to the driving range—complete with stuffed animals, ribbons, and hopscotch patterns that translate complex golf movements into age-appropriate learning experiences. Throughout our conversation, Lisi shares the beautiful simplicity of her teaching philosophy: meet children where they are, not where traditional golf instruction expects them to be. Her monkey named Rory teaches body rotation, her octopus Shelly demonstrates grip pressure, and her creative hopscotch patterns help four-year-olds understand weight transfer without ever using those technical terms. The results? Children who hit "a million balls" while having fun, develop critical self-awareness, and keep coming back to the course with excitement rather than obligation. Beyond teaching methods, we explore deeper questions about golf's accessibility, particularly for young girls who rarely see themselves represented in the game. Lisi's courage to be visible in predominantly male spaces creates pathways for future generations of female golfers. Her reminder that "no one owns golf" and "golf can look like whatever you want it to look like" offers a powerful counterpoint to an industry increasingly focused on professional competition over recreational enjoyment. Whether you're a parent hoping to introduce your child to golf, a coach looking for fresh teaching approaches, or simply someone who believes golf should be more inclusive and joy-centered, Lisi's insights will inspire you to see the game through new eyes. Connect with her on social media @lisilea_tothetee to learn more about her innovative teaching methods.