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The Golf Parent

The Golf Parent

Ryan Addams

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1 Creator

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1 Creator

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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Top 10 The Golf Parent Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Golf Parent episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Golf Parent for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Golf Parent episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

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 01:14:53 Conclusion Links:

Joe Hallet Website - https://www.joehallettgolf.com/ Maureen Farrell Website - https://www.coachmogolf.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachmogolf X - https://x.com/coachmogolf The Golf Parent Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com

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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.

Parents of junior golfers should prioritize fun, support, and finding the right balance in their child's development.

Finding a good instructor who cares about the whole student is important for a golfer's development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:42 The Impact of Technology on Golf

09:54 The Importance of Measurement and Analysis

17:01 The Four Laws of Golf

23:21 Changing Mechanics and Achieving Unconscious Competence

26:44 The Keys to Success in Golf

37:12 The Importance of a Consistent Impact Point

46:58 The Evolution of Golf with Equipment and Instruction

52:26 The Role of Talent in Golf

55:56 The Pitfalls of Being Too Careful

01:01:34 Advice for Parents of Junior Golfers

01:04:03 The Complexities of Golfer Development

01:09:10 The Importance of Finding a Good Instructor

Links

James Leitz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesleitz

Website: https://www.leitzgolf.com/

The Golf Parent

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent

For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com

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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.

Parents should focus on creating great human beings rather than solely focusing on golf success.

Chapters

00:00 The Success of South African Golfers

04:18 The Impact of Role Models

10:33 The Elements of an Effective Junior Golf Program

16:03 Cultivating a Love for the Game

21:45 The Importance of the Driver

28:00 Competition and a Competitive Mindset

37:34 Creating Great Human Beings

Links:

Andrew Rice

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewricegolf

Website - https://www.andrewricegolf.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/andrewricegolf/

The Golf Parent

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent
For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com

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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

31:08 Misconceptions in Golf Instruction for Older Players

34:26 Injury Prevention and Swing Mechanics

37:34 The Importance of Control Over Distance

39:53 Simplifying the Short Game

46:40 Strategies for Lowering Scores

50:44 Encouraging Greatness in Young Athletes

Links:

Todd Kolb

Twitter: https://x.com/usgolftv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usgolftv/

Book: The Bad Lie https://www.badliegolfbook.com/

Website: https://usgolftv.com/

The Golf Parent

Instagram -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠

YouTube -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent⁠⁠

X -⁠ ⁠https://x.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠

Tiktok -⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent⁠⁠

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In this must-listen episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Brian Craig, renowned former University of Kentucky golf coach and co-founder of P3 Recruits—a leading college placement service for aspiring golfers. Brian pulls back the curtain on the college recruitment process, sharing insider insights on what college coaches genuinely seek in young golfers beyond just swing mechanics.

Brian dives deep into the critical skills and character traits that make junior golfers stand out, including the vital qualities of self-motivation, resilience, and unshakeable confidence—or as Brian calls it, “moxie.” We discuss how to identify and nurture these intangibles and why good teammates can elevate an entire program.

This conversation addresses the influential role parents play in athlete development. Brian emphasizes fostering a supportive and affirming environment, prioritizing positive reinforcement, and creating a fun atmosphere that builds lasting confidence and mental toughness.

We also explore practical coaching strategies to manage tournament pressure, the importance of effective wedge play and course management, and the powerful role of mental skills such as positive self-talk and visualization. Brian underscores the need for junior golfers to drive their own athletic journey, supported by informed and encouraging parents.

Packed with actionable advice, this episode offers a clear roadmap for parents and players aiming to successfully navigate the journey from junior golf to collegiate-level competition.

Takeaways:

P3 Recruits helps students find the right college fit.

  • Communication with coaches is crucial for recruitment success.
  • Good teammates are essential in a small golf team.
  • Desire and self-motivation are key for aspiring athletes.
  • Moxie, or unshakable confidence, is vital for success.
  • Players must drive their own journey in sports.
  • Coaches look for potential and character in recruits.
  • Positive self-talk can help build confidence in players.
  • Creating a fun environment is important for young golfers.
  • The goal is continuous improvement, not just early success. Affirmations from parents can significantly boost a child's confidence.
  • Resilience in sports is often cultivated through parental support.
  • Mentorship plays a crucial role in an athlete's development.
  • Performance coaching is essential for junior golfers to excel.
  • Proper wedge play can drastically improve a golfer's game.
  • Course management is key to lowering scores in golf.
  • Nerves are a natural part of tournament play and can be harnessed positively.
  • Breathing techniques can help manage anxiety during competitions.
  • Self-talk influences performance; positive reinforcement is vital.
  • The parent-child relationship should prioritize love over performance outcomes.
  • Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to P3 Recruits

    03:04 Challenges in College Recruitment

    05:56 The Role of Coaches in Recruitment

    08:47 Identifying Intangibles in Players

    12:07 Toxic Traits to Avoid in Players

    14:55 The Mindset of a Champion

    18:12 Fostering Confidence and Moxie

    20:57 Instilling Positive Beliefs in Young Golfers

    24:08 Empowering Young Athletes Through Affirmations

    26:04 The Role of Parents in Sports Resilience

    27:16 Mentorship and the Parent-Athlete Dynamic

    31:42 Performance Coaching in Junior Golf

    34:12 Mastering Wedge Play and Course Management

    36:55 Navigating Tournament Pressure and Nerves

    41:10 The Importance of Parental Support and Perspective

    P3 Recruits Links:

    Website - ⁠⁠https://p3recruits.com/

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p3recruits

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p3recruits

    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/p3-recruits

    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

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    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

    23:56 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

    26:49 The Nature of Consciousness and Reality

    36:09 The Nature of Psychological Reality

    39:30 Taming the Mind: Techniques for Focus

    43:48 Consciousness vs. Mind: Understanding the Difference

    46:24 Focal Points in Golf: The Mental Game

    57:51 Creating a Positive Mindset in Golf

    01:05:23 Parenting and Supporting Young Golfers

    Links:

    Jim Waldron

    Website -https://www.balancepointgolf.com

    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa3zkcVp_gZ2Eq_-ElaLF8g

    Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/balancepointgolf/

    Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/balancepointgolf/

    The Golf Parent

    Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent⁠

    YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent⁠

    X - ⁠https://x.com/thegolfparent⁠

    Tiktok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent⁠

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    In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I sit down with Lanny Bassham, an Olympic Gold Medalist and mental performance coach, to explore how junior golfers can develop a champion’s mindset. Lanny shares the mental training system that helped him go from choking under pressure at the Olympics to dominating his sport with 22 world titles.

    We dive into golf psychology, mental toughness, and confidence-building techniques that can help young golfers improve their golf swing, golf practice, and tournament performance. Lanny reveals why the top 5% of athletes prioritize mental training and how parents can support their child's junior golf development without adding pressure.

    If your junior golfer struggles with performance anxiety, self-doubt, or inconsistency, this episode is packed with practical golf tips, visualization techniques, and mental exercises to help them play with confidence and focus.

    Whether your child is just starting with golf lessons for kids or competing in junior golf tournaments, this episode will give you the tools to help them succeed.

    🎧 Listen now and give your child the mental edge on the course!

    Takeaways:

    The mental game is crucial for excelling in sports, but it is often undervalued and neglected in training.

    The top performers prioritize the mental game, while many others focus solely on skill development.

    Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's self-image and should focus on building a positive self-image through constructive feedback and solution-oriented discussions.

    Imprints, both positive and negative, influence self-image and performance.

    Starting mental training at a young age can have long-term benefits for athletes. Passion is a crucial factor in sports, and parents should support and nurture their children's passion.

    There are three levels of participation: interested, training to compete, and training to win. Parents should match their level of participation with their child's.

    The mental game is essential in sports, and athletes and parents should prioritize mental skills training.

    Overcoming fear and negative self-talk is crucial for success in sports. Developing a mental management system can help athletes stay focused and consistent.

    Parents play a significant role in the mental coaching of their children and should seek resources and support to improve their understanding of the mental game.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Importance of the Mind in Sports

    02:51 The Undervalued Mental Game

    07:53 The Difference Between Top Performers and the Rest

    10:50 The Role of Parents in Shaping Self-Image

    17:56 Constructive Feedback and Solution-Oriented Discussions

    21:17 The Power of Positive Imprints

    29:37 Starting Mental Training at a Young Age

    32:02 The Importance of Passion and Competition in Sports

    36:27 The Role of Parents in Supporting Children's Passion

    39:26 Understanding the Mental Game in Sports

    41:45 Overcoming Fear and Negative Self-Talk

    47:02 Prioritizing Mental Skills Training

    01:00:47 The Role of Parents as Mental Coaches

    Links:

    Website - https://withwinninginmind.com

    https://mentalmanagement.com

    The Golf Parent

    Instagram -⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠⁠

    YouTube -⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent⁠⁠⁠

    X -⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠⁠

    Tiktok -⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent⁠⁠

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    In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I chat with Josh Nichols, a Golf Psychology Coach and seasoned amateur golfer who's packed with practical advice about the mental aspects of junior golf.

    Josh shares his own journey, starting golf at age 12, inspired by his father's passion for the game. He emphasizes that mistakes aren't setbacks—they're signs young players are testing their limits and genuinely improving. As Josh humorously points out, hitting the ball into the trees every now and then means they're taking healthy risks.

    We discuss strategies for handling the emotional ups and downs on the golf course, with Josh offering easy-to-implement techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness practices. These tips help junior golfers stay calm and focused, turning potential meltdowns into opportunities for growth.

    Josh also outlines effective practice methods, including a mix of block, random, and challenging drills, that make practice sessions engaging and impactful. He provides candid insights into preparing for tournaments, highlighting the importance of mental adaptability under pressure.

    If you're looking for straightforward, relatable advice on supporting junior golfers in both their athletic and mental development, this episode delivers the perfect balance of genuine insight and practical strategies.

    Key Takeaways:

  • It’s never too early or late to start playing golf.
  • Mistakes indicate progress, not failure.
  • Emotional management leads to better performance and enjoyment.
  • Emphasizing effort over results builds resilience and confidence.
  • Diverse practice routines enhance skill development.
  • Mental toughness is essential in tournament situations.
  • Mindfulness significantly improves performance on the course.
  • Clear emotional guidelines create a better experience for everyone. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey Begins: Early Influences in Golf 01:56 Instilling a Championship Mindset in Children 06:10 Navigating Emotions: Teaching Kids to Self-Regulate 10:02 Setting Boundaries: The Role of Consequences in Parenting 11:59 Practical Tips for Emotional Regulation in Young Golfers 16:06 Mindfulness in Golf: Balancing Thought and Action 19:47 Effective Practice Strategies for Young Golfers 25:35 The Art of Deliberate Practice 27:04 Preparing for Competition: Practice Strategies 30:26 Maximizing Practice Rounds Before Tournaments 35:08 Lessons from the Psychology of Golf 39:52 The Importance of Embracing Failure 45:05 Parenting Reflections: Breaking Generational Patterns Josh Nichols Links: Website: https://www.joshnicholsgolf.com/The Mental Golf Show: https://www.joshnicholsgolf.com/podcastTwitter/X: https://x.com/joshlukenicholsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshlukenichols/ The Golf Parent Links: Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiktok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent⁠⁠⁠
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    In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I'm joined by Shawn Callahan, a top-ranked golf instructor with over 26 years of experience as the head instructor at the legendary Butch Harmon School of Golf in Las Vegas. Now based at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida—one of the toughest and most competitive golf communities in the nation—Shawn shares the keys to developing young golfers into confident, skilled, and mentally tough competitors.

    We dive into the importance of practicing in challenging environments and the mindset required to succeed against elite competition. Shawn provides game-changing insights into swing mechanics, emphasizing why the "impact zone" is more crucial than picture-perfect technique. He advocates for finding and embracing one's authentic swing, encouraging juniors to trust their instincts and focus on results rather than overanalyzing their movements.

    Shawn breaks down effective practice techniques designed to rapidly enhance junior golfers' skills, from mastering the short game to confidently hitting mid-irons and drivers. He stresses the importance of maintaining acceleration through every shot, properly utilizing the club's bounce, and consistently finding the correct ball position.

    Beyond technique, Shawn also highlights the critical role parents play in nurturing successful junior golfers. His advice centers around selecting experienced coaches, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and teaching kids to embrace the journey—focusing on the process over immediate outcomes.

    Key Takeaways:

  • The impact zone trumps swing mechanics; focus there for real improvement.
  • Challenging competitive environments rapidly elevate skill and confidence.
  • Finding your authentic swing is more valuable than chasing technical perfection.
  • Effective practice prioritizes acceleration, ball position, and club bounce.
  • Parental support and expert coaching are key to developing resilient junior golfers.
  • Embrace the journey—prioritize process over results. Chapters 00:00 Shawn Callahan's Background and Current Work in Golf 02:31 The Importance of Challenging Environments and Competition in Golf 08:05 Understanding Swing Mechanics and the Impact Zone 12:07 Finding Your Authentic Swing and Focusing on Ball Flight 16:26 Effective Practice Techniques for Improving Golf Skills 20:05 The Significance of the Impact Zone in the Golf Swing 22:04 Mastering the Short Game: Acceleration and Club Head Position 25:23 Finding the Right Ball Position for Mid Iron Shots 28:58 Tips for Improving Driver Shots: Getting Through the Ball and Grip 34:43 Supporting Junior Golfers: Balancing Encouragement and Fun 37:15 The Mental Side of Golf: Focus and Ignoring Distractions 41:17 Choosing the Right Instructor: Experience Over Accolades Shawn Callahan Links: Website - ⁠https://www.shawncallahangolf.com/ Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@shawn42892 Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/shawncallahangolf/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawn_callahan_golf_lessons?igsh=djRqNDhocDVtYnNo 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
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    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.

    Takeaways

    • Success in golf requires hyper-intentionality—a clear picture of goals and intentions.
    • Exceptional traits, in physical skills or character, set standout golfers apart.
    • Facing and overcoming adversity builds resilience and the ability to manage failure.
    • A supportive culture is crucial to achieve desired outcomes in golf.
    • Techniques like object meditation and controlled breathing help golfers stay present and manage energy.
    • Coaching difficult personalities involves being non-reactive, recognizing patterns, and finding teachable moments.
    • Mental prep techniques, including hypnosis, can aid competition readiness.
    • Young athletes should focus on long-term growth, not fast-tracking, to ease transitions from junior to professional levels.
    • Multi-sport engagement builds physical literacy and transferable skills.
    • Running supports physical fitness, tapping into our evolutionary strengths.
    • Parents should support their child’s sports journey, teaching resilience and life skills along the way.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

    01:27 What to Look for in Promising Junior Golfers

    02:21 Hyper-intentionality and Clear Goals

    03:21 The Role of Exceptional Traits

    03:50 The Importance of Adversity and Resilience

    07:08 The Significance of Culture in Golf

    11:35 Focusing on Specific Outcomes

    16:20 Crystallizing Possibilities and Visualization

    19:57 Managing Energy and Staying Present

    24:32 The Role of Eye Movement and Breathing

    27:14 Object Meditation and Stillness

    30:12 Coaching Difficult Personalities

    32:40 Mindset and Mental Preparation

    38:31 Pitfalls in the Transition to Professional

    45:34 Developing Physical Literacy

    51:36 The Benefits of Running

    56:20 Parenting in Sports

    Links:

    Kevin Kirk

    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kirk-ba56b45

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kevinkirkgolf

    The Golf Parent

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent

    Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent

    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent

    For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com

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    FAQ

    How many episodes does The Golf Parent have?

    The Golf Parent currently has 25 episodes available.

    What topics does The Golf Parent cover?

    The podcast is about Podcasts, Sports and Golf.

    What is the most popular episode on The Golf Parent?

    The episode title 'Speed, Putting Drills and All Things Junior Golf: Joe Hallet and Maureen ‘Coach Mo’ Farrell' is the most popular.

    What is the average episode length on The Golf Parent?

    The average episode length on The Golf Parent is 54 minutes.

    How often are episodes of The Golf Parent released?

    Episodes of The Golf Parent are typically released every 6 days, 23 hours.

    When was the first episode of The Golf Parent?

    The first episode of The Golf Parent was released on Nov 14, 2024.

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