The Golf Parent

Ryan Addams
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  • GOLF
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

The #1 Golf Podcast for Parents Empowering parents to raise future champions, The Golf Parent is the ultimate guide to junior golf. Each episode offers in-depth insights into the mental game, course strategy, biomechanics, full swing, short game, and more, with a focus on building success both on and off the course. Powerhouse Guests include PGA Master Professionals, top Div1 coaches, best-selling authors, mental and performance experts, current PGA and LPGA players, and parents of pros—offering expert insights, proven strategies, and inspiration for parents supporting their junior golfers.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Play Better Instantly With These Mental Reset Tricks - Will Kelly

    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

    55 min

  2. 22 APR

    The Truth About Success in Junior Golf - Jon Tattersall

    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

    53 min

  3. 1 APR

    He Started Golf at 19... Now He’s Coaching the Next Generation - Harrison Kovelman

    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

    45 min

  4. 24 MAR

    The Putting Secret Pros Trust (AimPoint Explained) - Mark Sweeney

    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

    53 min

  5. 11 MAR

    The Truth About Speed Training for Junior Golfers - Dr. Sasho MacKenzie

    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

    1hr 6min

  6. 14 FEB

    How MMA Training Transforms Junior Golf Performance - Patrick Sebastien

    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

    52 min

  7. 14 JAN

    The Truth About Junior Golf Development - Jonathan Yarwood

    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

    1hr 1min

  8. 7 JAN

    From Junior Golf to College Success & What Parents Miss - Chris Parra

    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

    52 min
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About

The #1 Golf Podcast for Parents Empowering parents to raise future champions, The Golf Parent is the ultimate guide to junior golf. Each episode offers in-depth insights into the mental game, course strategy, biomechanics, full swing, short game, and more, with a focus on building success both on and off the course. Powerhouse Guests include PGA Master Professionals, top Div1 coaches, best-selling authors, mental and performance experts, current PGA and LPGA players, and parents of pros—offering expert insights, proven strategies, and inspiration for parents supporting their junior golfers.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Addams
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Addams
  • Show Website
    The Golf Parent

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