About this episode
In this episode of Links for Life , Tommy sits down with golf professional Justin Beard , Director of Golf at The Greenbrier Sporting Club, to talk about raising a junior golfer and keeping the game fun along the way. Justin shares his journey in golf, his experience parenting a talented junior player, and the lessons he’s learned about confidence, humility, and perspective. Together, they explore how parents can create a healthy, pressure-free environment that helps kids enjoy the game for life. From balancing competition and fun to knowing when to step back as a parent, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt stories for anyone navigating youth sports or simply looking to make golf a more meaningful family experience. Key Topics Golf should be a fun experience for kids, not a source of pressure Parents serve best as “guardrails,” not drill sergeants Winning doesn’t define a young golfer’s worth Confidence and humility can coexist Encouragement is more effective than criticism Patience and perspective are essential in youth sports The journey is about experiences, not just results Golf can strengthen family relationships and create lifelong memories Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 4:05 The Ryder Cup Experience with His Son 8:55 Justin’s Journey in Golf 14:34 The Importance of Humility and Confidence 17:49 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf 22:44 Coaching, Confidence, and Character 28:15 Parenting as Guardrails 31:26 Encouragement Over Pressure 35:20 Lessons from a Summer of Competition 38:44 The ROI of Golf and Family Time 43:44 Introducing Kids to Golf the Right Way 50:10 Keeping Golf Fun and Creative for Kids 54:00 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!