PODCAST · sports
The Golf Parent
by Ryan Addams
Helping parents raise great junior golfers, on and off the course.The questions are the ones junior golf parents ask on the drive home. What do you say, and not say, after a bad round? How do you build confidence that lasts? How does college golf recruiting work? What does it take to earn a D1 golf scholarship?We ask tour coaches, sport psychologists, NCAA Division 1 coaches and tour pros. Guests include Justin Thomas's dad and coach Mike Thomas, Collin Morikawa's longtime coach Dr. Rick Sessinghaus, LPGA Tour winner Megan Khang and 2025 PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Jason Baile.
Episodes
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I Was the Problem Parent: Jeff Isler on 20 Years of Junior Golf | The Golf Parent Episode 66
A private equity deal moved Jeff Isler and his family from Los Angeles to Dallas. It fell apart 6 months later. He did not want to go back, so he converted a garage and started a junior golf academy in a business he knew almost nothing about. That academy turned 20 last October. It is now an…
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The Best Golf Exercises for Junior Golfers with Shaun Diachkoff
Shaun Diachkoff is the founder of Fairway Performance is TPI certified in both fitness and power. In this episode I sit down with Shaun to work out what golf parents should actually be doing, for their kids and for themselves. He is a golf dad too. His 5 year old just hit a 93 yard drive on a...
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She Bet on Herself: How Megan Khang Skipped College and Made the LPGA Tour | The Golf Parent Ep. 64
At 17, Megan Khang turned down a full ride to Wake Forest, skipped college entirely, and turned pro the week before the final stage of LPGA Q-school. She earned her full tour card on the first try. Now in her 11th season, she is an LPGA Tour winner, a US Solheim Cup player, and the first golfer…
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Why Confident Junior Golfers Think Differently | Dr. Bob Winters
What separates junior golfers who thrive under pressure from those who fall apart when things go wrong? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Bob Winters, also known as “The Confidence Doctor,” to explore the mental skills that...
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How to Help Your Junior Golfer Gain Distance - Bernie Najar
What does it really take to develop a successful junior golfer, and what are most parents getting wrong along the way? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Bernie Najar, one of the most respected coaches in the game and the 2026 PGA National Teacher and Coach of the Year, shares the...
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Play Better Instantly With These Mental Reset Tricks - Will Kelly
What separates golfers who perform under pressure from those who fall apart when it matters most? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with Will Kelly to uncover the hidden mental habits that shape scoring, confidence, and long-term development. Will explains why so...
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The Truth About Success in Junior Golf - Jon Tattersall
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with Jon Tattersall to challenge some of the biggest myths in junior golf and uncover what actually drives long-term success. From his journey moving from England to becoming a respected coach in the United States, Jonbrings a unique...
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He Started Golf at 19... Now He’s Coaching the Next Generation - Harrison Kovelman
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with Harrison Kovelman to explore a non-traditional path into the game and what it reveals about developing junior golfers the right way. Harrison didn’t grow up playing elite junior golf. In fact, he didn’t even pick up the game until…
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The Putting Secret Pros Trust (AimPoint Explained) - Mark Sweeney
Putting is often treated like an art form in golf, something mysterious that only the best players seem to understand. But according to AimPoint founder Mark Sweeney, great green reading isn’t magic at all. It’s science. In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with the…
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The Truth About Speed Training for Junior Golfers - Dr. Sasho MacKenzie
What if your junior golfer could gain real speed without grinding endlessly on the range? In this episode, Dr. Sasho MacKenzie joins Ryan to unpack the science behind speed training, biomechanics, and athletic development in junior golf. As one of the leading minds behind The Stack System, Dr....
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How MMA Training Transforms Junior Golf Performance - Patrick Sebastien
What if the key to unlocking your junior golfer’s confidence, discipline, and composure wasn’t found on the range... but on the mat? In this episode, Ryan sits down with Patrick Sebastien to explore the powerful crossover between martial arts and golf. From breathing techniques and meditation to...
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The Truth About Junior Golf Development - Jonathan Yarwood
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with world renowned coach Jonathan Yarwood to unpack what truly matters in junior golf development and why so many talented kids lose their way along the journey. Jonathan shares decades of experience working with elite juniors and...
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From Junior Golf to College Success & What Parents Miss - Chris Parra
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Chris Parra, HeadcCoach at SMU, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in college golf. From his early days playing professional golf in Canada to coaching elite collegiate athletes, Chris shares a rare...
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What Tour Coaches Really Look For in Junior Golfers - Jeff Leishman
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, tour coach Jeff Leishman shares what truly separates elite junior golfers from everyone else and what parents need to understand if they want real long term development. Drawing on more than two decades on tour, Jeff explains how the modern role of a...
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The Practice Secrets Elite Juniors Follow - Mark Govier
In this episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan sits down with world class coach Mark Govier to unpack what truly separates juniors who rise to the highest levels from those who stall out. Mark explains why real development goes far beyond perfect swings and long practice hours and instead depends on...
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Why Your Parenting Approach Matters in Junior Golf - Josh Zander
In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with longtimeStanford golf instructor Josh Zander to reveal what truly matters in junior golf development. From grip fundamentals to mental toughness to the role parents play behind the scenes, this conversation pulls back...
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The Behaviours That Really Matter For Junior Golfers - Tim Cooke
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with elite coach Tim Cooke to reveal how juniors truly learn golf skills that last. With a rare academic background in pedagogy, biomechanics, motor learning, and sports psychology, Tim explains how young athletes develop, how their…
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The Golf Strategy Secrets Your Junior Needs - Scott Fawcett
In this eye-opening episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Scott Fawcett — former pro golfer, data-driven strategist, and creator of the DECADE system that has reshaped how elite players think about scoring. Scott breaks down the real math behind great golf and explains…
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The Hidden Path to Mastery in Junior Golf - Kevin Kirk
In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams welcomes back world-renowned coach Kevin Kirk for a deep dive into the realities of youth sports, mastery, and the modern challenges facing golf parents. Kevin shares decades of wisdom from coaching elite players, revealing why...
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How Does Division 1 Golf Really Work ? - Coach Todd Oehrlein
The college golf recruiting process can feel like a mystery — for both parents and players. In this episode, Coach Todd Oehrlein pulls back the curtain on how college programs actually evaluate prospective student-athletes, what separates elite recruits from the rest, and how parents can best...
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Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Golf Academy - Andrew Summers
Welcome to The Golf Parent, where golf’s top minds share the secrets and systems that help your junior golfer win—on and off the course. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew Summers, the founder and visionary behind the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA). From its private golf course...
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Confidence Over Scorecards - Christina Lecuyer
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Christina Lecuyer, former professional golfer turned confidence coach, to explore what real confidence means in sports and life. Christina’s story — from picking up golf at 18 to competing professionally — is proof that mindset, not mechanics, often determines...
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Raising A Major Champion - Mike Thomas
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Mike Thomas. Thomas is a veteran golf instructor and father of PGA Tour star Justin Thomas, for an honest conversation about the realities of raising a young golfer. Mike shares what it was really like guiding his son from…
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The Truth About Golf Injuries Every Parent Must Hear - Ryan DeGale
On this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Ryan Degale to unpack one of the most overlooked issues in junior golf: back health. While many parents and coaches focus on swing mechanics, scores, and tournament schedules, the reality is that golf can put serious strain on...
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College Golf Secrets Every Parent Should Know - Andrew Lewis
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Andrew Lewis to break down the realities of junior golf development and the future of the game in America. From the rise of Texas as a golf hotbed to the importance of tournament experience, Andrew shares insights that every...
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Did Bryson Break The Game? - Coach Mike Schy
In this episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Adams sits down with legendary coach Mike Schy, the man who guided Bryson DeChambeau through his junior career and helped bring the groundbreaking Avoda golf club to life. Mike pulls back the curtain on the science of equipment innovation, from curved...
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Why Early Specialization Fails - Tom House
This week on The Golf Parent, Ryan Adams sits down with world-renowned coach and sports scientist Tom House to uncover the secrets behind athletic performance and development. Known for his groundbreaking work in biomechanics with elite athletes across baseball, football, and golf, Tom shares how...
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Cracking The College Golf Code - Coach Casey VanDamme
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Casey VanDamme, head coach of the Kent State women’s golf team, to uncover what it really takes to thrive in junior and college golf. Casey shares how self-belief, resilience, and effective practice habits shape great players,...
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The Truth About Junior Golf Development - Coach Ed Oldham
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, host Ryan Addams welcomes acclaimed junior golf coach Ed Oldham to break down what truly drives success for young golfers today. Ed shares why junior golf has more opportunities than ever, how COVID-19 unexpectedly boosted youth participation, and why...
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Surviving Junior Golf & Going Pro - Canon Claycomb
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with professional golfer Canon Claycomb to uncover the realities of growing up in junior golf and chasing the dream of playing professionally. Canon shares his journey from early days as a junior golfer to competing on the biggest...
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Colin Morikawa’s Mental Coach Since Age 8 — Dr. Rick Sessinghaus
What does it take to guide a junior golfer from their first swing… all the way to winning multiple major championships? In this episode, Ryan Addams sits down with Dr. Rick Sessinghaus — Colin Morikawa’s lifelong mental coach — to reveal the mindset, habits, and parenting approaches that shape...
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Stop Wasting Talent: Mental Game Secrets for Junior Golfers (w/ Ben Esposito)
💥 Sponsor Shoutout: This episode is sponsored by Puttview Books — trusted by the game’s best, including world #1 putting coach Phil Kenyon. With over 30,000 courses fully mapped, Putview’s yardage and green-reading books give your junior golfer a Tour-level edge. 📘 Sign up for their newsletter…
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THIS Is Why Your Kid's Not Getting Better at Golf – w/ Liam Mucklow
What really separates young athletes who thrive… from those who burn out? In this episode, Ryan Addams sits down with performance expert and coach Liam Mucklow, founder of The Golf Lab and co-founder of the Baseball Performance Lab, to unpack the real science behind athletic development—and what...
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Why Confidence Is Overrated | Dr. Dana Sinclair on Real Mental Toughness
What separates those who want it from those who do it? In this episode, Ryan Addams sits down with world-renowned performance psychologist Dr. Dana Sinclair, whose clients range from Olympians to PGA Tour stars, NASA astronauts to Academy Award winners. Drawing from her bestselling book Dialed…
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The Masters AND U.S. Open Low Am? Neal Shipley Tells All
What does it really take to thrive under pressure in golf’s biggest arenas? In this episode, Korn Ferry Tour winner and historic low amateur at both the Masters and U.S. Open, Neal Shipley, sits down with Ryan Addams to share the mindset, routines, and lessons that shaped his journey from junior...
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How the Best Juniors Think – PGA Coach of the Year Jason Baile
What separates the good from the great in junior golf? In this powerful episode, 2025 PGA National Teacher and Coach of the Year, Jason Baile, joins Ryan Addams to unpack the hidden forces behind peak performance. Jason shares the mental frameworks, self-talk strategies, and mindset shifts that...
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How to Get Recruited to the Ivy League – 2024 Coach of the Year Keith Tyburski (Yale)
In this episode, Yale Head Coach Keith Tyburski breaks down the competitive and nuanced world of Ivy League golf recruiting. From his transition after a record-breaking run at Colgate to leading Yale to a 2024 Ivy League Championship title, Tyburski shares how he builds a winning culture rooted…
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The Off-Season Playbook: Insights from 2022 Pac-12 Coach of the Year Alan Murray
In this episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with one of the most respected coaches in college golf — Alan Murray, Head Coach of the University of Washington Men’s Golf Team. With a coaching resume that includes being named 2022 Pac-12 Coach of the Year, Golfweek’s National Coach of...
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Why Hypnotherapy Is the Secret Weapon in Sports with Paul Salter
In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams is joined by Paul Salter—performance coach, hypnotherapist, and mindset expert—to explore how the subconscious mind, emotional regulation, and daily intention shape elite performance in junior golf and life. They break down the myths around...
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Why Most Golf Parents Get It Wrong — Featuring Top Golf Coach Martin Chuck
In this jam-packed episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with renowned PGA coach Martin Chuck—founder of Tour Striker and one of Golf Digest’s Top 10 instructors—to unpack the art and science of junior golf instruction. This conversation is a must-listen for parents who want to raise...
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Unlock Your Focus & Clarity: David Allen’s Secrets to Productivity
Join me for a compelling conversation with David Allen, the internationally renowned New York Times bestselling author of Getting Things Done (GTD). David dives deep into the principles that have helped millions worldwide transform their productivity and reduce stress. Learn how to clear your…
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Unlocking Ivy League Scholarships in Junior Golf — With Coach TJ
What does it really take to earn a college golf scholarship—especially to a top-tier school like the Ivies? In this episode, we sit down with Coach Taronne "TJ" Atley, LPGA Life Member and founder of Zone Golf Academy, who has guided over 150 junior golfers to college scholarships and coached 36...
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Stop Comparing, Start Thriving: Unlocking Motivation in Junior Golfers with Dave Anderson
Unlock the secrets to sustained success and mental toughness as Ryan Addams discusses disciplined routines with renowned expert Dave "Mr. Accountability" Anderson. Together, they explore the transformative power of disciplined morning routines, intentional daily practices, and the critical role...
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Avoiding Burnout: How to Keep Your Junior Golfer Motivated and Healthy with Kevin Sprecher
In this must-listen episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I sit down with renowned PGA Golf Instructor Kevin Sprecher, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher in America and longtime mentor to elite junior and collegiate golfers. Kevin shares his wealth of experience, highlighting the delicate balance...
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Is Your Kid’s Mind Sabotaging Their Athletic Potential? Alex Hutchinson Ph.D.
On this captivating episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I'm joined by Alex Hutchinson—elite athlete, award-winning journalist, and author of the New York Times bestseller "Endure" and his brand new book: "The Explorer's Gene". We dive deep into the fascinating science behind mental and physical...
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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...
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What College Golf Coaches Really Want: Inside Secrets from Brian Craig
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...
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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...
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Short Game Secrets Revealed by Golf Digest's #1 Ranked Golf Instructor - James Sieckmann
In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I talk with James Sieckmann—Golf Digest’s 2019 #1 ranked teacher and renowned short game specialist. Known as the “Short Game Guru,” James has coached over 150 tour pros and brings a wealth of expertise on mastering putting and chipping skills crucial…
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Golf Tips from Butch Harmon’s Lead Instructor for 26 Years
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Helping parents raise great junior golfers, on and off the course.The questions are the ones junior golf parents ask on the drive home. What do you say, and not say, after a bad round? How do you build confidence that lasts? How does college golf recruiting work? What does it take to earn a D1 golf scholarship?We ask tour coaches, sport psychologists, NCAA Division 1 coaches and tour pros. Guests include Justin Thomas's dad and coach Mike Thomas, Collin Morikawa's longtime coach Dr. Rick Sessinghaus, LPGA Tour winner Megan Khang and 2025 PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Jason Baile.
HOSTED BY
Ryan Addams
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Golf Parent have?
The Golf Parent currently has 66 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Golf Parent about?
Helping parents raise great junior golfers, on and off the course.The questions are the ones junior golf parents ask on the drive home. What do you say, and not say, after a bad round? How do you build confidence that lasts? How does college golf recruiting work? What does it take to earn a D1 golf...
How often does The Golf Parent release new episodes?
The Golf Parent has 66 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Golf Parent?
You can listen to The Golf Parent on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Golf Parent?
The Golf Parent is created and hosted by Ryan Addams.
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