April 28, 2025
How to Raise a Junior Golf Star: with 2-time LPGA National Teacher of the Year Cheryl Anderson
The Golf ParentAbout this episode
In this insightful and engaging episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I chat with Cheryl Anderson—a two-time LPGA National Teacher of the Year, Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor, and former Director of Instruction at the Mike Bender Golf Academy. Cheryl brings decades of experience coaching junior golfers and shares invaluable insights into developing successful young athletes. We dive into the essentials of creating a structured long-term athletic development plan and discuss the critical role grit and mental toughness play in achieving success on the golf course. Cheryl provides practical guidance for parents on balancing competitive ambition with enjoyment of the game, emphasizing the importance of a supportive, non-results-driven environment. Cheryl highlights key physical attributes that can enhance a young golfer’s potential, including height, hand-eye coordination, and overall athleticism. She stresses the benefits of exposing juniors to various sports, aiding their holistic athletic development. Additionally, Cheryl offers powerful advice on managing disappointment, understanding golf’s inherent randomness, and fostering resilience. She encourages open parent-child communication and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from professional coaches and available resources. Listen in to equip yourself with the tools and mindset needed to support your junior golfer's journey toward lasting success and enjoyment of the game. Takeaways: The long-term athletic development plan is crucial for junior golfers. Grit is a key factor in a golfer's success. Parents should support their child's journey without being overly results-driven. Physical attributes like height and hand-eye coordination can influence success in golf. It's important to balance competition with fun in youth sports. Understanding the randomness of golf can help manage expectations. Creating a supportive environment fosters resilience in young athletes. Parents should encourage open communication and self-autonomy in their children. Exposure to various sports can enhance overall athleticism. Seeking help from coaches and resources can benefit both parents and young golfers. Sound Bites: "Greatness requires inner toughness." "It's a long term mastery game." "Golf is very random." Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Junior Golf Development 02:55 Understanding Grit and Mindset in Golf 05:55 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf 09:02 Physical Attributes for Success in Golf 12:03 Balancing Competition and Fun 15:10 Dealing with Disappointment in Golf 17:59 Creating a Supportive Environment for Young Golfers 20:51 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents Cheryl Anderson Links: Website - https://www.cherylgolf.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cherylgolf/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064032852317 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-anderson-937593227/ The Golf Parent Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent X - https://x.com/thegolfparent Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent