The Golf Parent

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 launch monitor. And Shaun says the most important thing you can do for your child's training has almost nothing to do with your child.

🎯 Key Takeaways 

- Why your lower back is where golfers feel pain but almost never where the problem actually is

- The 10 to 20 minute daily mobility routine Shaun gives most clients, and the 3 areas it targets: hips, thoracic spine, shoulders

- The rep range mistake: 8 to 12 reps builds size, 4 to 6 builds the strength golfers actually want, and most of us have been doing the wrong one since university

- Core bracing is not pulling your stomach in. Shaun's Coke can explanation reframes it completely

- Why he calls the deadlift the most underrated exercise in golf, plus the Pendlay position 1, 2, 3 method for learning it without wrecking your back

- When to introduce weights to a junior golfer, why "swing as hard as you can" is the instruction before that point, and what puberty has to do with the timing

- Squat, hinge, push, pull: what each one gives a golf swing, from holding posture to keeping the face square at impact

- The Bulgarian split squat standard that separates most people from tour level lower body strength

- Shaun's advice for parents: look in the mirror first, because kids copy what you do, not what you tell them

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Golf Parent

01:36 The fitness mistake almost every golf dad makes

03:31 Three movements to master if you only have 20 minutes

04:39 What the thoracic spine is and why your swing depends on it

05:04 Undoing the modern hunch: posture, desks, and daily habits

08:38 What actually goes first as golfers age

09:20 Why your lower back hurts when your lower back is not the culprit

10:29 Building your bomber's blueprint: assess before you build

13:19 The rep range mistake: 8 to 12 builds size, 4 to 6 builds strength

16:29 What Rory does, and what is actually worth copying

19:52 Training kids by age: what comes before weights

21:01 Look in the mirror: your kids copy what you do

21:51 Cooper's first 93 yard drive and the case for many sports

22:30 When to introduce weights, and what puberty changes

23:20 Squat, hinge, push, pull: what each one gives your swing

29:17 Why coaching is an investment, not an expense

32:57 The most underrated exercise for golfers: the deadlift

35:35 The Pendlay method: learning the deadlift in three positions

39:54 Core bracing is not what you think: the Coke can explanation

43:02 How to breathe through a heavy lift, and whether it belongs in your swing

46:46 The Bulgarian split squat and the TPI strength standard

50:18 Shaun's advice for golf parents: make it frictionless

⛳ The Adventures of Chase & Bella 

Get the #1 Golf Kids Book which teaches young golfers that "Magic Flows Where Your Focus Goes...and Where Your Focus Goes the Golf Ball Goes!"

https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/dp/1069647101 

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🔗 Resources

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) - https://www.mytpi.com ETPI, the European Tour Performance Institute - https://www.instagram.com/etpi_performanceunit

Glenn Pendlay on the deadlift - https://www.setantacollege.com/glenn-pendlay-deadlift-blog

The Fairway Performance App and coaching - https://www.fairwayperformance.com 

📲 Connect with Shaun Diachkoff 

Instagram: @shaun.diachkoff 

Website: fairwayperformance.com 

Email: [email protected] 

Podcast: Fairway Performance Podcast YouTube: youtube.com/@fairwayperformance

 📲 Connect with The Golf Parent 

Instagram: @golf.parent 

Tik Tok: @thegolfparent 

Website: www.thegolfparent.com

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 of Hmong descent to compete on the LPGA Tour. 

In this episode I sit down with Megan to unpack the family behind that decision. Her dad left his job as an auto mechanic to learn golf. Her mom taught kindergarten and never let the grades slip. And instead of hiding the family finances, her parents put them on the table. Megan says that honesty is exactly what taught her to perform under pressure. 

🎯 Key Takeaways 

- Why financial honesty at home built Megan's ability to handle tour-level pressure

- Her dad's rule: if you try your best and lose, that's fine. Not trying your best is the problem

- The after-school system that got her through AP classes while missing 12 to 14 school days a year for tournaments

- Why Megan refuses to be "Megan Khang the golfer" and how separating identity from results protects her game

- Swing at 80 percent, Annika's think box and play box, and the putting question that changed everything: how would you putt if you knew it was going in?

- A full week in the life on the LPGA Tour, from coffee crawls on Mondays to her exact 60-minute warm-up

- The PXG story and her dad's motto: the worst they can say is no 

⏱ Episode Chapters 

00:00 Welcome to The Golf Parent

01:03 Skipping college: the Wake Forest visit that changed everything

03:52 Turning pro at 17 with no safety net

04:27 The Bahamas, a 5 grand hotel bill, and a tied 11th finish

07:46 Where her pressure tolerance came from

10:32 Why her dad chose golf: the scholarship plan that became a career13:53 An only child's perfect sport

16:20 Balancing school and elite junior golf

21:06 Raising kids with grit: tough love, honesty, and no sugarcoating

28:36 Gratitude as a performance tool

30:48 "I don't view myself as the golfer": identity and pressure

36:38 Best swing advice she ever got: swing at 80 percent

38:39 The mental game: turning bad lies into highlight reels

40:50 Putting free: what if you knew it was going in?

43:19 A week in the life of an LPGA pro

48:21 Her exact tournament morning warm-up

55:37 The PXG story: the worst they can say is no

58:32 Megan's advice for junior golfers 

🙏 Sponsor 

This episode is brought to you by Craftsman Golf. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15 percent off at craftsmangolf.com. 

📲 Connect with Megan Khang 

Instagram: @megan_khang 

📲 Connect with The Golf Parent 

Instagram: @golf.parent

Website: thegolfparent.com

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 shape confidence, resilience, and long term success in junior golf. 

Drawing from more than 50 years of experience working with athletes, coaches, and performers, Dr. Bob explains why confidence is not something golfers are born with, but something they build through habits, perspective, and learning how to stay fully present one shot at a time. He breaks down the emotional traps young golfers fall into, including fear of mistakes, perfectionism, frustration, and the pressure to constantly perform. 

Parents will gain practical tools to help junior golfers compete with more freedom, confidence, and emotional control. From creating a safe environment at home to helping players recover after bad shots and difficult rounds, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on mindset, character, and performance. Dr. Bob also shares why great putters think differently, how elite athletes respond to adversity, and why the best competitors understand that they are always either winning or learning. 

If your junior golfer struggles with confidence, nerves, frustration, or bouncing back after mistakes, this is an essential conversation on how to build the mental foundation needed for both golf and life. 

🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Great junior golfers learn how to stay present one shot at a time 
• Confidence is built through habits and perspective, not talent alone 
• Fear of mistakes can quietly damage performance and development 
• Parents play a major role in shaping emotional resilience 
• The best competitors focus on learning instead of perfection 
• Great putters believe every putt has a chance to go in 
• Young golfers need reassurance, not pressure, after difficult rounds 
• Mental toughness is developed through adversity and recovery 

⏱️EPISODE CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bob Winters & Sports Psychology Journey 

09:59 Why Junior Golfers Struggle Mentally Under Pressure 

17:30 How Parents Can Build Confidence Instead of Fear 

27:50 The 3 Mental Skills Every Junior Golfer Needs 

31:06 Unlocking Confidence & Competitive Potential 

33:55 Why Young Golfers Must Learn to Play Their Own Game 

37:09 Creating a Safe Environment for Junior Golfers 

42:55 The Psychology Behind Great Putting 

49:13 Building Mental Toughness Through Adversity 

53:10 Final Advice for Golf Parents & Young Athletes

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...

https://craftsmangolf.com/ or Amazon Store

📚🐕 Discover - The Adventures of Chase and Bella:

A fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike.

Check it out on Amazon:

https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ 

🔗 Connect with Dr. Bob Winters:

📸 Instagram: @dr.bobwinters

🌐 Website: www.drbobwinters.com

📚 Books: The Ten Commandments of Mindpower Golf | https://bit.ly/4ffmDxQ

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram:  / thegolfparent  

📺 YouTube:  / @thegolfparent  

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 blueprint for long term player development.

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 blueprint for long term player development.

Coach Najar pulls back the curtain on what separates elite junior golfers from the rest, starting with the elusive “X factor” and why it has less to do with early results and more to do with curiosity, resilience, and love of the game. He explains why specializing too early can limit a player’s potential, and how multi sport development builds the athletic foundation for long term success in golf.

From navigating growth spurts and speed training windows to choosing the right coach and creating a fun, engaging environment, this conversation is packed with practical insights for parents who want to support their child the right way. Bernie also breaks down how to balance competition with development, why confidence should be built through small wins, and how to avoid the common traps that derail young players.

If you are serious about helping your junior golfer grow, not just perform, this is a must listen episode on patience, perspective, and playing the long game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Love of the game and curiosity are critical for long-term success

- Early specialization can limit athletic development

- Multi-sport backgrounds build better golfers

- Growth spurts impact performance more than most parents realize

- Confidence should be built through small, consistent wins

- Choosing the right coach is more important than chasing results

- Speed and strength training must match development stages

- Competition should support growth, not define it

- Junior golf is a long-term journey, not a quick outcome

- Parents play a key role in shaping mindset and environment

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bernie Najar & His Coaching Impact

01:07 What Is the ‘X Factor’ in Young Golfers?

04:41 Understanding Junior Golfer Mindsets

08:01 Why Multi-Sport Athletes Win Long-Term

11:46 Making Golf Fun Without Losing Development

14:29 Navigating Growth Spurts & Physical Changes

19:18 How Growth Affects Performance & Expectations

23:31 Early Success vs Long-Term Development

29:26 The Role of Competition in Junior Golf

32:25 Building Competitive Foundations the Right Way

34:19 Why Coaching Matters More Than You Think

36:56 How to Find the Right Coach for Your Child

44:36 Speed Training & Athletic Development Windows

52:54 Books & Resources for Golf Parents

57:20 Final Advice for Sports Parents

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/

📚🐕 Discover The Adventures of Chase and Bella:

A fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike. Check it out on Amazon:https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ

🔗 Connect with Bernie Najar:

📸 Instagram: @bernienajargolf

🌐 Website: www.bernienajar.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

📚 Books: Speed Power Finesse | https://bit.ly/4dxaV04 The Game: Enjoying Golf On and Off The Course | https://bit.ly/42V5kdN

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 many golfers obsess over swing mechanics while ignoring the real performance driver: mental state. From overactive brain waves and emotional burnout to poor decision-making and frustration spirals, he reveals why golfers often sabotage themselves before the club even moves.

Parents of junior golfers will gain valuable tools to help kids compete with more calm, confidence, and resilience. Will shares practical strategies like breathwork, resets between shots, smarter routines, and how to avoid the mental snowball effect after mistakes.

If your junior golfer struggles with nerves, inconsistency, anger after bad shots, or pressure on the first tee, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how elite golfers think, recover, and stay composed when the stakes rise. This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on mindset, performance, and helping young golfers unlock their best golf when it matters most.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Your mental state directly impacts swing performance.

- Golfers who stay mentally “on” all round burn out quickly.

- Mental fatigue hurts decision-making and confidence.

- Frustration after mistakes creates snowball rounds.

- Resetting between shots is a trainable skill.

- Breathwork can instantly calm nerves on the course.

- Junior golfers need mindset skills as much as mechanics.

- The best players manage emotions better, not just swings better.

- Consistency comes from systems, not motivation.

- Parents can help kids by teaching calm responses to adversity.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Will Kelly

02:14 Why Golf Is More Than Swing Mechanics

05:08 Winter Practice Mistakes Most Golfers Make

06:36 Mental Coaching for Junior Golfers by Age

10:32 The 3 Ball Drill for Smarter Practice

14:24 Why Most Golfers Misread Bad Shots

17:09 The Performance Cycle Explained

21:57 Reset, Decide, Commit, Execute, Respond

24:20 Breathwork to Calm Nerves on the Course

35:57 How to Commit to Every Shot with Confidence

44:18 The Mulligan Feeling Book & Coaching System

50:13 Realistic Expectations for Parents and Juniors

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag.

Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/

📚🐕 Discover The Adventures of Chase and BellaA fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike.

Check it out on Amazon:https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ

🔗 Connect with Will Kelly:

📸 Instagram: @mentalgolfcoach

🌐 Website: https://www.mentalgolfcoach.co.uk/

📧 Email: [email protected]

📚 Mental Golf School: https://coaching.mentalgolfcoach.co.uk/signup

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 perspective shaped by curiosity, experience, and a willingness to question everything.

This conversation dives deep into the realities of player development, especially for young golfers. Jon explains why many traditional beliefs in golf are holding players back, and how focusing on speed, ground forces, and athletic movement can unlock a completely different level of performance. He also shares why “natural talent” is often misunderstood, and how the bestplayers separate themselves through intentional practice and a relentless desire to improve.

For parents, this episode is packed with powerful insights on how to truly support a junior golfer. From tracking the right stats to handling post-round conversations, Jon emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where kids can learn, fail, and grow without unnecessary pressure. He also introduces a stoic mindset approach to golf, helping players stay groundedthrough the ups and downs of competition.

This episode is a reminder that golf is more than just a game. It’s a powerful teacher of discipline, resilience, and perspective, and when approached the right way, it can shape not just better players, but better people.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Curiosity is one of the most important traits for long term golf development

- Many traditional golf beliefs and myths can actually hold players back

- Speed and ground forces are critical for improving performance

- Natural talent is often overrated compared to effort and intentional practice

- Parents should track meaningful stats like greens in regulation over fairways hit

- Encouraging kids to swing fast can unlock long term development

- Failure is essential for growth and should be embraced, not avoided

- A stoic mindset helps players handle pressure and setbacks

- Golf teaches life lessons far beyond the course

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jon Tattersall

02:46 Journey from England to Coaching in the US

05:59 Key Aha Moments in Swing Mechanics

08:43 Debunking Golf Myths and Misconceptions

11:57 Why Speed and Strength Matter in Golf

14:52 Tracking the Right Stats for Juniors

18:02 The Myth of Natural Talent

26:26 What Sports Build Better Golfers

27:42 Parenting Styles in Youth Sports

29:33 Why Failure Is Essential for Growth

32:48 How to Handle Post Round Conversations

35:35 Golf as Entertainment vs Development

37:23 Building a Stoic Mindset in Golf

40:25 What Great Swings Actually Look Like

43:33 Understanding Ground Forces

46:18 Movement, Balance, and Athleticism

50:29 Navigating Modern Golf Instruction

👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/

🔗 Connect with Jon Tattersall:

📸 Instagram: @tattersallgolf

🌐 Website: https://www.tattersallgolf.com/

📧 Email: [email protected]

📺 YouTube:  ⁨@tattersallgolf⁩ 

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 age 19. But what started as curiosity quickly turned into passion, and that passion evolved into a career in coaching, content creation, and helping others fall in love with the game.

This conversation challenges many of the assumptions parents have about junior golf development. Harrison emphasizes that fun is not just a bonus, it’s the foundation. When kids enjoy the game, they stay longer, practice more, and develop more naturally. Instead of obsessing over distance or early results, he explains why solid contact, creativity, and a strongshort game should take priority in the early stages.

Ryan and Harrison also dive into how technology is reshaping golf and how parents can use it as a tool without letting it become a crutch. From launch monitors to content creation, the modern game offers more opportunities than ever for young players to grow, improve, and even build a personal brand. Harrison shares why intentional practice matters more than volume and how anyone, regardless of skill level, can document their journey and become a golf influencer.

This episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no single path in golf. Whether your child is just starting out or already competing, the goal is to build a love for the process, not just chase results.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Fun is the foundation for long term development in junior golf

- Starting later in golf does not limit long term success

- Solid contact and short game matter more than distance early on

- Creative and engaging practice keeps kids invested in the game

- Technology can accelerate development when used intentionally

- Intentional practice beats mindless repetition every time

- Anyone can become a golf influencer by sharing their journey

- Enjoying the process is essential for growth and consistency

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Harrison’s Unique Journey Into Golf

07:43 Why Fun Matters When Introducing Kids to Golf

11:38 How to Properly Develop Junior Golfers

17:19 The Role of Technology in Modern Golf

24:34 Intentional Practice vs Mindless Reps

32:18 Becoming a Golf Influencer Today

📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

🔗 Connect with Harrison Kovelman:

📸 Instagram: @swingsimplegolf

🌐 Website: https://swingsimplegolf.kit.com/

📧 Email: [email protected]

📺 YouTube:  ⁨@swingsimplegolf

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 man who changed the way many of the world’s best players read greens. Mark explains how the AimPoint system works, why slope is the most important factor in predicting break, and how golfers can learn to read putts with surprising accuracy using simple physical feedback.

The conversation breaks down some of the biggest myths in putting, including why golfers often misjudge where a putt actually breaks and why the middle portion of the putt matters far more than the final few feet near the hole. Mark also explains why speed control is the true foundation of great putting, and how players who master distance control dramaticallyimprove their ability to hole more putts.

For junior golfers and their parents, this episode highlights why developing a strong short game early can create a massive competitive advantage. Mark also discusses how data and analytics are transforming golf, and why the next generation of players will rely more on objective information than guesswork.

Whether your junior golfer is struggling to read greens or simply wants to gain an edge on the putting surface, this conversation reveals the science behind one of the most important skills in the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Reading greens is primarily science rather than guesswork or feel

- The middle portion of the putt determines most of the break- Speed control is the foundation of great putting

- AimPoint allows golfers to predict break on nearly any putt

- Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important in golf development

- Young golfers who develop strong short game skills gain a major competitive advantage

- Enjoying the game is still one of the most important factors in long-term success

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 The Science of Reading Greens

05:43 How AimPoint Simplifies Green Reading

11:39 Why Speed Control Is the Key to Great Putting

17:15 Where Golfers Should Focus During a Putt

25:17 Why AimPoint Is Growing on Tour

30:50 Handling Double Break Putts

37:08 Why Short Game Wins Tournaments

45:05 Data and the Future of Golf Performance

49:06 Advice for Junior Golfers

⛳️ For young golfers and families, check out Adventures of Chase and Bella, a children’s book about friendship, golf, and big dreams. Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/dp/1069647101

📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

🔗 Connect with Mark Sweeney & AimPoint:

📸 Instagram: @Aimpointgolf

🌐 Website: https://aimpointgolf.com/

📧 Email: [email protected]

📺 YouTube:  ⁨@aimpointgolf⁩ 

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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. MacKenzie explains how overload and overspeed training can safely unlockpower while protecting long term development.

The conversation dives into why speed is such a powerful performance driver, how average golfers have gained over 10 mph through structured training, and why developmental windows matter more than chronological age. Dr. MacKenzie also challenges traditional putting instruction with innovative approaches like heads up putting and explains why multi sport participation may be one of the biggest advantages young golfers can have.

For golf parents, this episode is both exciting and grounding. Yes, speed matters. Yes, science works. But expectations must be realistic, training must be balanced, and fun must remain at the center. If you want your junior to build athleticism the right way while avoiding burnout and injury,this is a must listen.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Speed training can produce significant gains when applied correctly

- Overload and overspeed training are foundational for swing speed development

- Biomechanics help optimize performance while reducing injury risk

- Developmental windows depend on maturity, not just age

- Multi sport participation builds better long term golfers

- Innovative putting techniques can improve feel and target awareness

- Balanced training protects motivation and physical health

- Parents should focus on enjoyment and sustainable progress

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sasho MacKenzie

01:46 From Kinesiology to Golf Innovation

03:20 Applying Track and Field Principles to Golf

10:15 The Stack System and Speed Training Explained

13:41 How Golfers Gain 10+ MPH

16:05 The Science of Putting and Target Focus

26:54 Heads Up Putting and Performance Feel

32:20 Rethinking Traditional Putting Methods

36:40 Practice, Expectations, and Parenting Perspective

44:57 Developmental Windows in Youth Sports

53:35 Why The Stack System Is a Game Changer for Juniors

⛳️ For young golfers and families, check out Adventures of Chase and Bella, a children’s book about friendship, golf, and big dreams. Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/

📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Sasho MacKenzie:

📸 Instagram: @Sashomackenzie & @thestacksystem

🌐 Website: https://www.thestacksystem.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 visualization and flow states, Patrick explains why the best young athletes are trained as complete performers, not just skilled technicians. Golf and martial arts share more than you think. Both demand technical precision, physical awareness, and emotional control under pressure.

Patrick breaks down how breathing becomes a competitive advantage on the course, how meditation builds an emotional buffer after bad shots, and why flow state is not random but trainable. He also challenges parents to rethink development, focusing on athleticism, discipline, and calm leadership at home. If you want your junior golfer to thrive in pressure moments and build lasting confidence, this conversation will change how you approach training.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Martial arts build discipline, confidence, and emotional control in young athletes

- Golf and martial arts share technical, physical, and mental performance demands

- Flow state is trainable and can elevate competitive performance

- Breathing techniques help junior golfers regulate stress during rounds

- Meditation creates space between emotion and reaction after bad shots

- Training should develop complete athletes, not just technically sound golfers

- Visualization prepares young players for high

-pressure tournament moments

- Parents must model calmness and composure to shape their child’s mindset

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Martial Arts Meets Junior Golf

02:51 Understanding the Flow State

06:08 Breathing Techniques for On-Course Calm

08:56 Mind-Body Connection in Performance

11:59 Movement and Athletic Preparation

14:58 Energy, Focus, and Competitive Readiness

25:03 How to Train Flow States

27:56 Using Pressure as an Advantage

30:19 Meditation and Visualization for Golfers

33:53 Introducing Mindfulness to Young Players

39:51 Training Junior Golfers as Complete Athletes

🔗 Connect with Patrick Sebastien:

📸 Instagram: @movebreathezone

🌐 Email: [email protected]

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