What College Golf Coaches Really Want: Inside Secrets from Brian Craig

04/23/25 • 48 min

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

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

Previous Episode

How Early Specialization Could Be Hurting Your Junior Golfer with Dale Abraham

In this insightful episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I sit down with renowned golf coach Dale Abraham to discuss key strategies for developing junior golfers using the American Development Model (ADM). Dale sheds light on how the ADM emphasizes age-appropriate training, fundamental movement patterns, and the importance of playing multiple sports to build well-rounded athletes.

Dale tackles the critical issue of early specialization, outlining its dangers such as burnout and increased injury risk. He stresses the value of focusing on fun, varied athletic experiences, and fundamental skill development during a young golfer’s early years.

We delve into practical advice for parents and coaches on managing expectations, setting achievable process goals, and fostering a resilient mindset. Dale provides powerful insights into staying present on the course through awareness of thoughts and effective breathing techniques.

Listeners will learn how adaptability—accepting different swing tendencies and conditions—is vital for junior golfers’ long-term success. Dale explains how to handle missed shots constructively and avoid negative spirals by maintaining a positive outlook.

Additionally, Dale covers tournament preparation techniques, advocating for play-based practice, post-round evaluations, and balanced decision-making between aggressive swings and conservative targets. He highlights the crucial role parents play in supporting junior golfers, emphasizing realistic expectations, praising effort over outcomes, and nurturing a supportive, friendship-based relationship.

Finally, Dale underscores the importance of efficient practice routines and shares how visualization techniques significantly improve performance.

Tune in for practical guidance that equips parents and junior golfers with the tools to navigate the journey toward lasting golf success.

Key Takeaways:

The American Development Model (ADM) focuses on different stages of physical maturation and age to develop athletes in multiple sports.

Early specialization in golf can lead to injury and burnout, and it's important to prioritize fun and fundamental movement patterns in the early stages.

Managing expectations and setting process goals are crucial for junior golfers to maintain focus and improve performance.

Staying present, being aware of thoughts, and using breathing techniques can help golfers stay focused during a round.

Adaptability is key in accepting and working with different swing tendencies and conditions. Adapt to missed shots and avoid compounding negativity

Prepare for tournaments with play-based practice and post-round evaluation

Balance aggressive and conservative play by making smart decisions

Set realistic expectations and praise effort over results as a parent Practice efficiently and incorporate visualization for improved performance

Chapters: 00:00 The American Development Model and Golf 03:12 The Dangers of Early Specialization 07:31 Managing Expectations and Setting Process Goals 10:18 Staying Present and Focused 13:56 Adapting to Swing Tendencies and Conditions 23:51 Adapting to Missed Shots and Avoiding Negativity 27:15 Preparing for Tournaments with Play-Based Practice 31:23 Balancing Aggressive and Conservative Play 33:59 Setting Realistic Expectations as a Parent 38:07 Efficient Practice and Visualization for Improved Performance Dale Abraham's Links: Website - ⁠⁠https://www.daleabraham.com/⁠ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/swing.md 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

Next Episode

How to Raise a Junior Golf Star: with 2-time LPGA National Teacher of the Year Cheryl Anderson

In this insightful and engaging episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I chat with Cheryl Anderson—a two-time LPGA National Teacher of the Year, Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor, and former Director of Instruction at the Mike Bender Golf Academy. Cheryl brings decades of experience coaching junior golfers and shares invaluable insights into developing successful young athletes.

We dive into the essentials of creating a structured long-term athletic development plan and discuss the critical role grit and mental toughness play in achieving success on the golf course. Cheryl provides practical guidance for parents on balancing competitive ambition with enjoyment of the game, emphasizing the importance of a supportive, non-results-driven environment.

Cheryl highlights key physical attributes that can enhance a young golfer’s potential, including height, hand-eye coordination, and overall athleticism. She stresses the benefits of exposing juniors to various sports, aiding their holistic athletic development.

Additionally, Cheryl offers powerful advice on managing disappointment, understanding golf’s inherent randomness, and fostering resilience. She encourages open parent-child communication and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from professional coaches and available resources.

Listen in to equip yourself with the tools and mindset needed to support your junior golfer's journey toward lasting success and enjoyment of the game.

Takeaways:

The long-term athletic development plan is crucial for junior golfers.
Grit is a key factor in a golfer's success.
Parents should support their child's journey without being overly results-driven.
Physical attributes like height and hand-eye coordination can influence success in golf.
It's important to balance competition with fun in youth sports.
Understanding the randomness of golf can help manage expectations.
Creating a supportive environment fosters resilience in young athletes.
Parents should encourage open communication and self-autonomy in their children.
Exposure to various sports can enhance overall athleticism.
Seeking help from coaches and resources can benefit both parents and young golfers.

Sound Bites:

"Greatness requires inner toughness."

"It's a long term mastery game."

"Golf is very random."

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey of Junior Golf Development

02:55 Understanding Grit and Mindset in Golf

05:55 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf

09:02 Physical Attributes for Success in Golf

12:03 Balancing Competition and Fun

15:10 Dealing with Disappointment in Golf

17:59 Creating a Supportive Environment for Young Golfers