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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Speed, Putting Drills and All Things Junior Golf: Joe Hallet and Maureen ‘Coach Mo’ Farrell
Season 1 · Episode 3
Friday, November 15, 2024 • Duration 01:16:32
In this powerhouse episode of The Golf Parent, I welcome two of golf’s elite coaches: Joe Hallett, 2024 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year, and Maureen “Coach Mo” Farrell, acclaimed Director of Instruction at Oakwood Country Club. Joe, a PGA Master Professional, is a fixture on Golf Digest’s Top 50 and has coached legends like Inbee Park and Stacy Lewis, while Coach Mo has spent over 15 years molding talent and is named one of Golf Digest’s "Best Teachers in State" (2022-25), and "Best Young Teachers" (2021-25).
Together, Joe and Coach Mo dive into the game’s secrets, from maximizing distance and speed with the driver to mastering grip pressure and tempo. They break down the body-swing connection using the TPI model, giving parents and juniors practical tools to elevate their game. Their insights into the mental game emphasize the power of curiosity and creativity, with Joe sharing drills for putting mastery and Coach Mo showing how to balance tech with real-world play.
The episode wraps up with advice every parent needs: fostering resilience, encouraging multi-sport play, and building a positive attitude on and off the course. With wisdom from two of golf’s best, this episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting young golfers in their journey to greatness!
Takeaways:
Swing speed is a crucial factor in golf, and players with higher swing speeds have a competitive advantage.
Equipment, technique, and physical training play significant roles in developing speed and distance.
The TPI model provides valuable resources for parents and coaches to understand the body-swing connection and train juniors effectively.
Firm grip pressure and a three-to-one tempo ratio are recommended for optimal performance.
Having a growth mindset and focusing on the process rather than the outcome can lead to improvement in golf.
Focus on speed control and aim to improve putting performance.
Use drills like the four-foot box and leapfrog to work on speed control.
Read greens by rolling balls towards the hole and observing the break.
Find a balance between technology and on-course performance in golf instruction. Encourage juniors to play multiple sports to develop overall athleticism.
Physical fitness is crucial for junior golfers. On-course play is essential for understanding lies, conditions, and strategy
Simulators are useful for technique training during inclement weather
Foster a positive attitude and focus on enjoyment in the game
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Evolution of Golf
01:08 The Importance of Swing Speed and Distance
03:02 The Role of Instructors and Technology in Golf
06:12 Developing Speed and Distance: Techniques and Training
08:59 Optimizing Performance: Grip Pressure and Tempo
12:29 The TPI Model: Understanding the Body-Swing Connection
19:14 The Role of Mindset and Process-Oriented Approach in Golf
22:26 Embracing a Growth Mindset and Exploration in Golf
24:03 Mastering Speed Control and Aim in Putting
28:27 Drills for Improving Speed Control
29:28 Reading Greens and Understanding Break
43:08 Balancing Technology and On-Course Performance in Golf Instruction
49:45 Introduction
50:17 Developing Well-Rounded Athletes: The Importance of Multiple Sports
53:11 The Role of Physical Fitness in Junior Golf
56:38 The Significance of On-Course Play and Understanding Lies
01:00:28 The Benefits and Limitations of Simulators
01:06:38 Supporting Junior Golfers: Advice for Parents
01:13:37 Fostering a Positive Attitude in Junior Golf
For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com
Taking Pressure off Junior Golfers with 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year: Matt Thurmond (ASU)
Season 1 · Episode 2
Thursday, November 14, 2024 • Duration 52:20
In this episode, I sit down with Matt Thurmond, the 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year and head coach of Arizona State University’s men’s golf team. Since taking the reins in 2016, Matt has transformed ASU into a powerhouse, leading them to 24 tournament wins, back-to-back NCAA Regional titles, and a Pac-12 Championship. Matt’s earned multiple West Region and Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors and coached 11 Sun Devils to 18 All-America honors.
Matt shares his philosophy on balancing success and setbacks, emphasizing mental resilience and the power of a growth mindset. He breaks down the recruiting process, revealing what he looks for in young athletes, and how he customizes his approach for each player’s unique goals and motivations. Matt’s advice goes beyond golf, touching on the importance of supportive relationships and self-forgiveness, offering parents and young players practical ways to thrive under pressure.
With insights into the daily life of a college golfer and the need for mental strength and joy in the game, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, Matt’s perspective on the journey of junior golf is one you don’t want to miss.
Takeaways
Success and failure are part of everyone's journey, and it's important to acknowledge and learn from both.
Individualized coaching is crucial in understanding and meeting the unique needs and motivations of each player.
Belief in oneself and deep understanding of one's abilities are key to achieving success in golf and in life.
Goals should be driven by personal beliefs and serve as directional beacons rather than strict targets.
Enjoying the process and finding passion in what you do is more important than focusing solely on the end result. Having a healthy and supportive relationship outside of the game can have a big impact on a golfer's mental, physical, and emotional state.
Elite-level golfers are driven and hard on themselves, but they also have the ability to forgive themselves and move on from mistakes.
Mastering the Mental Game: Kevin Kirk’s Blueprint for Junior Golf Success
Season 1 · Episode 1
Thursday, November 14, 2024 • Duration 56:52
On this episode of The Golf Parent, I sit down with the original "Golf Sherpa" and one of the most fascinating figures in the world of golf, Kevin Kirk. Kevin isn’t just any coach—he’s a 2019 PGA Coach of the Year, a deep thinker, a culture creator, and an all-around incredible human being whose wisdom has profoundly shaped my approach to coaching and training. We’re even teaming up on some exciting future projects that I can’t wait to share with you.
Kevin’s track record speaks for itself. He’s the driving force behind the success of elite players like Patrick Reed, Lexi Thompson, and many others on tour. But beyond his impressive resume, Kevin is known for his unique perspective on developing talent and the mental game. He believes that success hinges on hyper-intentionality—having a crystal-clear vision of goals and the discipline to achieve them. Kevin explains how he identifies promising junior golfers, what he looks for in an athlete’s mindset, and the traits that make someone truly stand out.
In our conversation, Kevin shares invaluable insights into the mental side of the game. From object meditation and controlled breathing techniques to building resilience and learning from failure, he discusses powerful tools that parents, coaches, and athletes can use to prepare for the national stage and beyond. We dive into navigating difficult personalities, cultivating a winning culture, and understanding the nuances of long-term athlete development. Kevin even shares why he encourages multi-sport engagement to build physical literacy and transferable skills.
Get ready to learn from one of the most interesting men in golf as we explore what it truly means to raise a champion, both on and off the course.
Don’t miss this one—it’s packed with insights that could change the way you think about the journey to greatness.
The Competitive Edge - Building Resilient Golfers: Andrew Rice
Season 1 · Episode 5
Saturday, November 16, 2024 • Duration 42:49
In today’s episode, I sit down with Andrew Rice, the ‘Every Day Golfer’s Coach,’ to discuss the secret sauce behind junior golf development. As the Director of Instruction at The Club at Savannah Harbor, a GolfPass instructor and one of Golf Digest’s Top 50 Teachers in America, Andrew brings nearly 25 years of experience to the table. He’s coached golfers of all levels, and in this conversation, we explore what it takes to foster a winning mindset in young athletes.
We dive deep into the competitive side of golf—Andrew explains why competition is key to developing skills and how frequent tournaments help junior players elevate their game. He shares the unique aspects of South African golf culture and how role models can inspire young players to push harder and dream bigger. Andrew emphasizes the importance of falling in love with the game before anything else and gives us an inside look at how a well-rounded junior program focuses more on playing the game than chasing rankings.
This episode is packed with valuable insights on cultivating a competitive mindset, the role of the driver in modern golf, and how to develop young golfers into champions, both on and off the course. Don't miss this powerful conversation with one of the top golf instructors in the world!
Takeaways
South Africa produces great golfers due to a love for sport and the presence of role models like Gary Player and Ernie Els.
Role models inspire young players and create a desire to emulate their success.
An effective junior golf program should prioritize frequent tournaments, minimal parental involvement, and a focus on playing the game rather than rankings.
Cultivating a love for the game is crucial for long-term success in golf.
The driver is a crucial club in the modern game, and hitting the ball well and far is more important than putting and short game skills.
Competition and a competitive mindset are essential for success in golf.
Technology and Junior Golf - Insights From Global Expert: James Leitz
Season 1 · Episode 4
Saturday, November 16, 2024 • Duration 01:13:40
James Leitz, a renowned golf instructor and club fitter, shares his journey and insights into the impact of technology on the game of golf. He discusses how he discovered golf by accident and became passionate about improving his skills. Leitz emphasizes the importance of measuring and analyzing the golf swing to understand the impact on ball flight. He explains the four laws of golf: speed, path, face, and impact points, and how they determine the outcome of a shot. Leitz also highlights the challenges of changing mechanics and the need for conscious and competent practice to achieve unconscious competence. In this conversation, James Leitz shares his insights on golf and player development.
He emphasizes the importance of having a consistent impact point on the clubface for ball control and playing at a high level. Leitz believes that talent plays a significant role in achieving this consistency, but it can also be developed through practice and hand-eye coordination. He discusses the various talents and skills required to be a competitive golfer, including physical fitness, mental toughness, and strategic thinking. Leitz also offers advice to parents of junior golfers, emphasizing the importance of fun, support, and finding the right balance in their child's development.
Takeaways
Technology has revolutionized the game of golf, allowing for more precise measurement and analysis of the golf swing.
The four laws of golf - speed, path, face, and impact points - determine the outcome of a shot.
Changing mechanics requires conscious and competent practice to achieve unconscious competence.
Precision, lack of variance, and mental state are essential for success in golf. Having a consistent impact point on the clubface is crucial for ball control and playing at a high level in golf.
Talent plays a significant role in achieving a consistent impact point, but it can also be developed through practice and hand-eye coordination.
Being a competitive golfer requires a range of talents and skills, including physical fitness, mental toughness, and strategic thinking.
Making Junior Golf Champions: Tony Ruggiero Reveals the Secrets to Turning Pro
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, November 25, 2024 • Duration 57:14
Unlock the secrets to raising junior golf champions in this exclusive episode with Tony Ruggiero, one of the most trusted and respected voices in golf instruction. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or coach guiding a young golfer—or a parent of a multi-sport athlete with dreams of going pro—this video is packed with invaluable advice to help your child thrive on and off the course.
Tony dives deep into the challenges and rewards of junior golf development.
Key Takeaways:
How to nurture young talent while safeguarding their well-being.
Managing tournament pressure and fostering a winning mindset.
Finding the right golf coach and building a strong support system.
Why golf teaches essential life skills like responsibility, resilience, and self-discipline.
This conversation goes beyond swing mechanics and tournament prep—it’s about helping your child grow into a confident, self-aware individual. Tony offers actionable strategies for parents to support their child’s journey while empowering them to take ownership of their progress.
Whether your child is aiming for a college golf scholarship, junior tournament success, or simply to become their best self, this episode is your roadmap to success.
Subscribe now for more expert tips on raising junior golf champions, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Junior Golf
The Mind-Body Connection in Junior Golf: Insights from Jim Waldron
Season 1 · Episode 8
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 • Duration 01:12:26
In this episode of The Golf Parent, I sit down with renowned golf coach Jim Waldron to uncover the secrets to mastering both the technical and mental sides of the game. Jim shares his holistic approach to golf instruction, emphasizing the vital connection between the mind and body. We explore how cultural conditioning shapes beliefs about performance, self-worth, and resilience—and how to break free from limiting mindsets.
Jim offers invaluable insights for parents, discussing how to support young athletes in building confidence while separating their self-worth from performance outcomes. He shares techniques for taming the mind, enhancing focus, and fostering a positive internal narrative, all of which are essential for success on and off the course.
Whether you're a parent navigating the challenges of junior golf or a player seeking to unlock your full potential, this episode delivers powerful strategies to build resilience, sharpen focus, and elevate performance.
Subscribe now for more expert tips on raising junior golf champions both on and off the course!
Chapters
00:00 The Holistic Approach to Golf Instruction
02:51 Cultural Conditioning and Belief Systems
06:01 Mind-Body Connection vs. Dualism
08:48 Parenting and Mental Resilience in Sports
12:01 Balancing Authority and Nurturing in Parenting
14:50 Separating Self-Worth from Performance
18:06 Unconditional Confidence and Its Importance
21:01 The Power of Positive Storytelling
Speed, Grit, and Raising Resilient Junior Golfers: Insights from Virgil Herring
Season 1 · Episode 7
Monday, December 2, 2024 • Duration 01:10:09
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I sit down with Virgil Herring, a leading voice in junior golf coaching, to explore what it takes to develop not just great golfers but extraordinary individuals. Virgil shares his philosophy on balancing speed, grit, and mental resilience to help young players thrive both on and off the course. He reveals why struggle is essential for success, how parents can model the right behaviors, and why fostering autonomy and fun in golf is key to long-term development.
We also dive into the emotional dynamics of youth sports and the crucial role parents play. Virgil offers actionable advice on maintaining a balance between praise and critique, managing competitive pressure, and using golf as a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges. From building confidence through competition to the transformative power of positive self-talk and hypnosis, this conversation is packed with insights for parents, coaches, and junior golfers alike.
Whether your child is just starting out or competing at the highest levels, this episode provides invaluable strategies to help them excel while keeping the game fun and meaningful.
Subscribe now for more expert tips on raising junior golf champions both on and off the course, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Junior Golf Coaching
02:58 The Importance of Speed in Golf
05:52 Complacency and the Struggle for Success
09:05 Instilling Grit and Passion in Kids
11:53 The Role of Parents in Fostering Grit
14:53 Creating a Fun Learning Environment
17:53 The Mental Game of Golf
20:48 Using Golf as a Life Coaching Tool
Process Over Results: Nurturing Junior Golfers with Todd Kolb
Season 1 · Episode 9
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 • Duration 53:50
In this episode of The Golf Parent, I sit down with golf coach and author Todd Kolb to dive into the art of raising passionate, resilient junior golfers. Todd shares age-specific strategies for guiding young athletes, emphasizing the value of multi-sport participation and a competitive mindset. He explores how parents can create supportive environments that encourage growth and focus on the process of improvement, rather than solely on results.
Todd also breaks down common misconceptions in golf instruction, including simplifying the short game and shifting the focus from distance to control for consistent performance. Beyond technical advice, he offers powerful insights into overcoming bad days—both on the course and in life—and explains how to avoid the pitfalls of toxic sports parenting.
Whether you're a parent looking to inspire your junior golfer or an athlete aiming to sharpen your game, Todd’s expertise will help you foster passion, resilience, and lasting success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports Development
02:53 Passion and Environment in Junior Golf
05:59 Nurturing Young Golfers: Parental Influence
08:56 Age-Specific Guidance for Young Golfers
12:08 Building Resilience in Young Athletes
15:09 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation
17:48 Developing Competitive Nature in Golf
21:05 Focusing on Process Over Results in Golf
26:51 Letting Go of Bad Days
29:13 The Bad Lie: Rethinking Golf Instruction
Unlocking Golf Performance: The Psychology Behind the Game with Dr. Raymond Prior
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I delve deep into the psychology of performance with Dr. Raymond Prior, a renowned expert in mental performance who has worked with Olympic Gold Medalists, Major Champions, and Grammy Award winners. Dr. Prior brings his expertise to the world of golf, sharing invaluable insights for parents of junior golfers looking to enhance their child's mental game.
We explore the science behind performance psychology, debunking common myths that may hinder a young golfer’s development. Dr. Prior discusses how a growth mindset can unlock a child’s potential, why praising effort over talent is essential, and how parents can support their children during times of poor performance. We also dive into the power of mindfulness, visualization, and the importance of playing freely to reduce anxiety and foster resilience.
This episode is a must-listen for any parent seeking to understand the mental side of golf and how to help their child thrive both on and off the course. Whether your child is struggling with performance anxiety or striving for greatness, Dr. Prior’s expert advice will guide you in nurturing a mindset that sets them up for long-term success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Golf Psychology and Performance
02:51 Debunking Myths in Golf Psychology
06:06 The Importance of a Growth Mindset
08:46 Constructive Praise and Feedback for Young Golfers
11:45 Handling Poor Performance in Young Athletes
14:53 The Role of Self-Talk and Visualization
17:45 Breathwork and Mindfulness in Golf Performance
A typical week for college golfers includes practice, workouts, and competition preparation, with a focus on improving all areas of the game.
Manufacturing pressure in practice can be done through team drills, inviting spectators, and tracking results.
Parents should take pressure off their child golfer and not tie their own happiness to their child's performance.
Reading Carol Dweck's 'Mindset' is recommended for parents and players to understand the importance of a growth mindset.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recent Success
04:49 Navigating Success and Failure
07:04 Dealing with Disappointment and Learning from Failure
10:02 Coaching and Learning from Inspirational Movies
10:34 Lessons Learned from Coaching for Over Two Decades
15:21 Individualized Coaching and Understanding Players
19:13 Recruiting and Evaluating Potential Players
21:31 The Role of Goals in Achieving Success
24:21 Finding Passion in the Process
28:27 The Underrated Aspect of Relationships in Golf
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