The Golf Parent

Ryan Addams

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. 2日前

    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 分鐘
  2. 3月11日

    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

    1 小時 6 分鐘
  3. 2月14日

    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 分鐘
  4. 1月14日

    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

    1 小時 1 分鐘
  5. 1月7日

    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 分鐘
  6. 30/12/2025

    What Tour Coaches Really Look For in Junior Golfers - Jeff Leishman

    In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, tour coach Jeff Leishman shares what truly separates elite junior golfers from everyone else and what parents need to understand if they want real long term development. Drawing on more than two decades on tour, Jeff explains how the modern role of a coach has evolved from basic swing instruction into full performanceguidance that includes preparation, support teams, and the mental and emotional side of competition. Ryan and Jeff dig into what great coaching actually looks like, including the difference between a teacher who only gives information and a coach who develops the whole athlete. Jeff explains how he evaluates swings through power, predictability, and injury risk, why resilience and adaptability matter as much as mechanics, and how smart use of stats helps juniors focus onthe areas that truly move the needle, especially from greenside and from forty to one hundred forty yards. Throughout the conversation Jeff shares stories from working with top players like Daniel Berger and Luke Clanton, insights on speed training and multi sport backgrounds, and honest advice on scheduling tournaments, avoiding burnout, and keeping perspective when college coaches are watching. If you are a golf parent, junior golfer, or coach, this is a clear and practical roadmap for helping young players grow in skill, mindset, and love for the game. 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Coaching is development, not just information • Fit and communication matter more than reputation • Power and predictability beat “perfect” swings • Resilience and adversity skills are trainable • Intentional discomfort builds competitive grit • Greenside proximity + 8–10 ft putting = scoring • Forty to 140 yards is the most important performance zone • Set process goals, not pressure-packed outcome goals • Parent reactions shape how juniors feel about competing • Support consistency over perfection or highlight moments ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Sri Lanka Golf Story 05:00 Life on Tour What a Modern Touring Coach Really Does 12:00 How Players Choose Coaches and Why Style Matters 20:00 Swing Philosophy Power Predictability and Injury Risk 28:00 What Truly Separates Elite Players from the Rest 36:00 Teaching Grit Introducing Adversity and Real Consequences 46:00 The Stats That Actually Matter for Junior Golfers 56:00 Daniel Berger Luke Clanton and Long Term Development 01:05:00 Speed Training Multi Sport Backgrounds and Burnout Risk 01:15:00 Tournament Scheduling College Coaches and Being Watched 01:22:00 Final Advice for Golf Parents Around the World 🔗 Connect with Jeff Leishman: 📸 Instagram: @jeff_leishmangolf 🌐 Email: /jeffleishman@aol.com 🌐 Website: https://www.jeffleishmangolf.com 🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent: 🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/ 📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    1 小時 6 分鐘
  7. 18/12/2025

    The Practice Secrets Elite Juniors Follow - Mark Govier

    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

    54 分鐘
  8. 18/12/2025

    Why Your Parenting Approach Matters in Junior Golf - Josh Zander

    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

    50 分鐘

關於

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.

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