The Golf Parent

1d ago

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

1d ago

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

Dec 3

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

Nov 26

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

Nov 21

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

Nov 13

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

Nov 5

Welcome to The Golf Parent, where golf’s top minds share the secrets and systems that help your junior golfer win—on and off the course. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew Summers, the founder and visionary behind the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA). From its private golf course to its 100-student cap, IJGA redefines what quality training and holistic development look like. Andrew shares how theacademy blends world-class coaching, fitness training, and academic excellence within a culturally diverse environment that helps young athletes mature into disciplined, confident, and globally aware individuals. Parents will hear what questions to ask when choosing a boarding-school-style golf academy, how independence and character shape long-term success, and why “golf heaven” isn’t just about perfect fairways—it’s about preparing kids for life beyond the game. 🔑 Key Takeaways: - IJGA delivers elite training with a private golf course and world-class coaches - Capping enrollment at 100 ensures individual attention and quality development - Independence and character are central to the IJGA philosophy - Cultural diversity creates empathy, perspective, and maturity - Fitness is essential for both performance and injury prevention - Academic partnerships support balanced student-athlete growth - Parents should do their due diligence when evaluating golf academies - Summer and winter camps introduce younger golfers to academy life ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IJGA 03:03 – Building “Golf Heaven” in Florida 05:54 – Why Capping Enrollment at 100 Matters 08:53 – Year-Round Golf and Growth Opportunities 11:54 – The Boarding-School Advantage 14:48 – Developing Independence & Character 17:41 – Cultural Diversity and Peer Influence 21:02 – Life, Food, and Community at IJGA 27:00 – The Role of Fitness in Junior Golf 34:55 – Academic Excellence & School Partnerships 49:56 – Choosing the Right Academy for Your Child 55:40 – Summer and Winter Camp Pathways 01:02:56 – Final Thoughts on Golf, Growth, and Character 💥 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 Andrew Summers: 🌐 Email: / Andrew.summers@IJGA.com 🔗 Connect with IJGA: 🌐 Website: https://ijga.com/ 📸 Instagram: ijga_bishopsgate 🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent: 🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/ 📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Oct 29

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Christina Lecuyer, former professional golfer turned confidence coach, to explore what real confidence means in sports and life. Christina’s story — from picking up golf at 18 to competing professionally — is proof that mindset, not mechanics, often determines success. Christina shares powerful lessons on detaching self-worth from performance, finding joy in the process, and helping young athletes build internal confidence instead of chasing external validation. Whether your junior golfer is struggling with confidence, pressure, or perfectionism, this conversation offers practical tools and emotional insight to help them (and you) redefine what winning really looks like. 🔑 Key Takeaways: - Confidence built on results fades — confidence built within lasts - Playing with better competition sharpens performance and resilience - Hard work and belief can overcome a late start - External validation leads to burnout; internal validation builds peace - Failure and discomfort are necessary for growth - Affirmations and positive self-talk shape mindset - Success means joy, not just achievement - Detach your self-worth from your scorecard ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Christina’s Journey from Late Start to Pro 09:52 – What Confidence Really Is (and Isn’t) 20:06 – The Trap of External Validation 29:48 – How to Separate Self-Worth from Performance 37:10 – The Power of Affirmations & Mindset Work 41:33 – Helping the Next Generation Build True Confidence 48:22 – Redefining Success in Golf and Life 🔗 Connect with Christina Lecuyer: 📸 Instagram: @Bechristina 🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent: 🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/ 📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube