Golf Dads

Some of the worst golf advice sounds sophisticated—especially when it comes to “process,” perfect swing positions, and expensive gear.

 Teaching pro Austin Graham breaks down why juniors and parents often get trapped in the wrong priorities, and why the real edge comes from learning how to score, not how to look pretty on video. 

Austin joins Ryan and Adam to unpack the old-school lessons he learned from Hall of Fame coach Jim Fick.  He explains why the best players build clear decision-making, trust their routines, and stay focused on the shot—not on endless checklists, swing thoughts, or trying to play “the golf swing".  

You’ll discover:

• Why “playing the game” beats obsessing over a perfect-looking swing

• How Austin teaches juniors to build a personal routine without overcomplicating it

• The difference between useful rehearsal swings and empty motion

• Why younger players benefit from multiple sports, athleticism, and feel

• When coaching frequency helps and when it simply wastes time and money

Austin also gets specific about equipment, including junior club fitting, when US Kids Golf makes more sense than a full custom bag, why golf balls should match swing speed, and why a ball is never a magic fix for a swing problem. 

If you’re navigating youth golf, wondering how often your child should practice, or trying to decide whether that expensive setup is really worth it, this conversation cuts through the noise. 

This episode is perfect for parents, junior golfers, coaches, and anyone who wants a smarter, more confident way to approach golf.

What is biggest mistake parents make at any junior golf tournament, especially Worlds? Thinking the golf is the hard part.

 The real pressure comes from the sidelines - pace-of-play chaos, bad rule interpretations, over-coaching, and kids trying to survive a week that can feel bigger than a major.

Adam, and Jason come back from Worlds with a brutally honest recap of what actually happened on and off the course. From the tension of first tees to the weirdly intense volunteer interactions, they break down the moments that made the week unforgettable - and the ones that made everyone question, "What are we doing here?"

You'll discover:

• Why pace of play becomes a whole different issue when nine-year-olds are on the clock. 
• How parents accidentally create more stress than the tournament itself.
• Why pre-tournament prep can help one kid play better and another spiral.
• What really matters more than mechanics when kids are competing under pressure.
• The nutrition and hydration mistakes that can wreck a round before it ends.

Ryan brings the fire on rules, parent behavior, and tournament culture.

 Adam shares the inside-the-ropes reality from caddying, including the stress, the frustration, and the funny moments that make the week worth it. 

Jason adds perspective on prep, mindset, and what it looks like when a kid finally settles in and starts trusting his game.

There’s also plenty of debate about practice rounds, grinding too much before an event, and whether all that extra prep actually helps or just adds another layer of expectation. 

If you’ve ever caddied for a junior golfer, coached from the cart path, or wondered why a “fun youth event” somehow feels like a pressure cooker, this one will hit home. It’s part rant, part reality check, and part celebration of how much kids can learn when adults get out of the way.

Perfect for parents, junior golfers, and anyone who wants the unfiltered truth about what tournament golf is really like.

In this episode of the Golf Dads Podcast, Ryan and Jason discuss their experiences and preparations for the US Kids World Tournament. They delve into the unique challenges of youth golf, including the importance of practice, and managing expectations. 

The conversation highlights the balance between encouraging kids to pursue their passion for golf while ensuring they enjoy the game without undue pressure. In this conversation, Ryan discusses the complexities of balancing family life with youth golf, the challenges of scheduling tournaments, the importance of breaks, and the impact of technology and social media on youth sports. 

• Preparation is key for youth golfers heading into tournaments.
• Managing expectations is crucial for both parents and kids in golf.
• Finding the right tournaments is essential for young golfers' development. Planning family vacations around golf tournaments is common.
• Technology has changed how kids can practice golf year-round.
• Social media plays a significant role in youth sports marketing.
• Parents often feel pressure from social media to keep up with others.

ALERT! BE AWARE, THERE IS SOME ECHOING FEEDBACK IN THE RECORDING. WE WILL DO BETTER. 

In this episode of the Golf Dads Podcast, hosts Ryan, Jason, and Adam share their latest experiences navigating the world of youth golf, particularly the transition to playing 18 holes. With busy schedules and the joys (and challenges) of youth golf consuming their lives, they delve into the nuances of this significant shift in their children’s golfing journey.

Preparation becomes even more critical as the stakes rise. The group discusses the logistics of preparing for an 18-hole round, from early wake-up calls to ensuring breakfast is substantial enough to fuel the kids through the day. They reflect on how the entire day is consumed by the game, making it essential for parents to plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways for Parents Navigating Youth Golf
1. **Plan Ahead**: Ensure kids have the right snacks and hydration to keep their energy up during the round.
2. **Mental Resilience**: Teach kids to bounce back from mistakes and focus on the next shot.
3. **Enjoy the Journey**: Emphasize the fun and social aspects of youth golf, even as competition intensifies.

In this episode, professional golfer Rachel Rohanna shares her journey from junior golf in Southwest PA to competing in the US Women's Open. She discusses the importance of multi-sport development, family influence, and her initiatives to grow junior golf through her Tee to Green Rachel Rohanna Foundation.

key topics

• Rachel Rohanna's early golf influences
• The role of family in developing a golfer
• Importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes
• Initiatives to promote junior golf in local communities
• Training tips and mental game insights from Rachel Rohanna

 In this episode of the Golf Dads Podcast, Adam, Jason, and Ryan hit pause to look back before moving forward. We reflect on the last seven episodes, revisit standout interviews, and talk honestly about how our golf seasons really went — the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. The guys also share what’s ahead for the podcast and their games as they set intentions for what’s next. Grab a drink, settle in, and come along for the ride as we recap, reset, and tee up the future. 

Remember share your feedback with us. What do you like, what do you want more of? Please follow like and share with anyone who you feel may be interested. 

 In this episode of the Golf Dad’s Podcast, PGA Professional Ryan McDonald shares his expert insights on refining your golf process and building a focused mindset. We dive into how to clear your mind, sharpen focus, and create effective practice routines that won’t overwhelm your junior golfer. Ryan emphasizes the importance of balance in developing a solid foundation, while keeping the game enjoyable and mentally engaging. Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode will help you approach golf with clarity and purpose. Tune in for practical advice on creating a winning routine for your junior golfer! 

In this episode of the Golf Dads podcast, Chris Reed shares his journey into the world of golf, starting from his son's first swings to becoming the U.S. Kids Tour director in Cleveland. 

We dive into how to create fun, positive environments for young golfers, the value of strong course relationships, and how parents can best support their child's development. 

Chris also explores integrity, accountability, and fair play in youth golf, the role of PGA junior league, and how to help kids build mental resilience while navigating the shift from local to competitive golf. 

We hope you enjoy! 

 Let's talk, when the season ends.  Join Adam, Jason and Ryan, as we talk about the off-season, working on the mental aspect, swing speed, hanging out in the sim, destination golf trips, playing in the winter tour in Pinehurst. We also touch on earning points through U.S Kids golf to "unlock" more tournaments and hopefully attain an invite to the coveted World Championships! 

BONUS!!! Make sure to stay on until the end to hear our Ryder Cup predictions.

In this episode, we sit down with youth golf coach Troy Willams from Hot Shot Golf Academy to talk about all thing's youth golf — from building fundamentals to fostering a love for the game. Whether you’re a parent wondering when your child should start lessons, a young player navigating tournaments, or just curious about how to keep golf fun while still competitive, this conversation covers it all.

Coach Troy shares insights on player development, sport specialization, balancing practice with other activities, and the role of parents in helping kids succeed on (and off) the course. Packed with stories, advice, and a coach’s perspective, this episode is a must-listen for families and players passionate about youth golf.

⛳ Tune in to learn how the next generation of golfers are being shaped — one swing at a time.