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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
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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
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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
24:09 The Importance of Competition in Development
26:47 Self-Talk and Mental Resilience
34:45 Navigating Parental Support in Sports
41:01 The Balance of Praise and Critique
45:48 The Power of Immersive Presence
53:30 Harnessing the Mind: Hypnosis in Sports
01:07:16 Encouraging Fun and Autonomy in Children
Links:Virgil Herring
Website - https://virgilherring.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/virgil.herring/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/virgil.herring
X - https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fvirgiltourspin
Books - https://virgilherring.com/books-by-virgil-herring/
Podcast: On the Virg
The Golf Parent
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent
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X - https://x.com/thegolfparent
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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
03:03 Offering Comprehensive Coaching for Junior Golfers
05:00 Managing Expectations and Providing Realistic Feedback
08:55 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf
15:19 The Importance of Overall Athletic Development
20:03 Avoiding Undue Pressure on Young Players
27:43 Choosing the Right Coach for Junior Golfers
30:28 The Impact of the Coach-Player Relationship
31:39 Life Skills and Mental Development
33:29 Qualities of Great Players
34:19 Supporting Junior Golfers
38:05 Taking Responsibility and Embracing Failure
44:26 Parental Role in Junior Golf
46:30 Letting Children Take Ownership
50:15 Authenticity and Communication
53:57 Accepting Failure and Setting Boundaries
Links:
Tony Ruggiero
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedewsweeper
Website - https://dewsweepersgolf.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DewsweeperTV
The Golf Parent
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent -
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 -
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 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!
TakeawaysSwing 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 strategySimulators are useful for technique training during inclement weatherFoster a positive attitude and focus on enjoyment in the game
Chapters00:00 Introduction and the Evolution of Golf01:08 The Importance of Swing Speed and Distance03:02 The Role of Instructors and Technology in Golf06:12 Developing Speed and Distance: Techniques and Training08:59 Optimizing Performance: Grip Pressure and Tempo12:29 The TPI Model: Understanding the Body-Swing Connection19:14 The Role of Mindset and Process-Oriented Approach in Golf22:26 Embracing a Growth Mindset and Exploration in Golf24:03 Mastering Speed Control and Aim in Putting28:27 Drills for Improving Speed Control29:28 Reading Greens and Understanding Break43:08 Balancing Technology and On-Course Performance in Golf Instruction49:45 Introduction50:17 Developing Well-Rounded Athletes: The Importance of Multiple Sports53:11 The Role of Physical Fitness in Junior Golf56:38 The Significance of On-Course Play and Understanding Lies01:00:28 The Benefits and Limitations of Simulators01:06:38 Supporting Junior Golfers: Advice for Parents01:13:37 Fostering a Positive Attitude in Junior Golf01:14:53 ConclusionLinks:
Joe HalletWebsite - https://www.joehallettgolf.com/Maureen FarrellWebsite - https://www.coachmogolf.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachmogolfX - https://x.com/coachmogolfThe Golf ParentInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparentTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparentYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparentFor more information check out www.thegolfparent.com
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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.
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
32:21 The Ability to Forgive and Move On
33:20 A Typical Week for College Golfers
44:45 Manufacturing Pressure in Practice
46:44 Taking Pressure Off Child Golfers
48:54 The Importance of a Growth Mindset
Links:
Matt Thurmond
ASU - https://www.instagram.com/sundevilmgolf
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachmattthurmond
The Golf Parent
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Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent
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For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com
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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
