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 stages, reflecting on how playing multiple sports shaped his athletic foundation and why family support was critical to his development.The conversation explores the pressures that parents sometimes place on young athletes, the lessons learned from the college recruitment process, and how the transition from junior to college to professional golf can be both exciting and overwhelming. Canon opens up about the financial challenges of life as a young pro, the importance of setting realistic goals, and whyenjoying the journey is just as important as achieving the dream. Parents and juniors alike will walk away with valuable insights into what it takes to succeed — not just in golf, but in life.🔑 Key Takeaways:Playing multiple sports can enhance athletic skills.Family support is crucial for young athletes.Parental pressure can hinder a child's performance.College golf offers valuable mentorship and experience.The recruitment process can be overwhelming for young golfers.Professional golf comes with financial challenges.Setting realistic goals is essential for success.The transition to professional golf can feel lonely.Enjoying the journey is key for young athletes.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Canon Claycomb02:49 - The Debate on Early Specialization in Sports05:50 - The Role of Family Support in Athletic Development08:45 - The Impact of Parental Pressure on Young Athletes12:04 - The Transition from Junior Golf to College Golf15:08 - The Recruitment Process for Collegiate Golf17:56 - The Financial Realities of Professional Golf20:45 - Setting Goals as a Professional Golfer23:57 - The Loneliness of Professional Golf26:54 - Advice for Parents and Junior Golfers💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and golf parents who want real progress.🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT (all caps) at www.tourstriker.com for 15% off everything — even sale items. Whether your junior golfer is chasing a scholarship or just trying to break 90, Tour Striker is a game-changer.🔗 Connect with Canon Claycomb:📸 Instagram: @Canonclaycomb🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 champions.

From building confidence before tournaments to handling the pressure of the world stage, Dr. Rick breaks down the same mental tools he’s been teaching Colin for nearly two decades. You’ll learn how to keep your child’s love for golf alive, prevent burnout, and help them perform when it matters most.

If you’ve ever wondered how to develop a resilient, confident, and happy young golfer — this is the playbook.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Results-only thinking can destroy a junior golfer’s passion.

• Confidence comes from preparation, not praise alone.

• Pre-shot routines should address the mind, emotions, and body.

• Visualization helps players perform under pressure.

• “Anchoring the good ones” locks in positive memories and feelings.

• Parents should model composure and resilience on the course.

• Performance anxiety often stems from fear of future outcomes.

• Development beats rankings in the long run.

  
  

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro + Colin Morikawa’s Early Years with Dr. Rick
02:33 – Development Over Outcome: The Winning Mindset
06:40 – Understanding and Easing Performance Anxiety
10:07 – How to Build Resilience in Young Athletes
12:14 – Curiosity as a Secret Training Weapon
16:22 – The 3-Part Pre-Shot Routine for Consistency
18:55 – Anchoring Positive Moments for Confidence
25:09 – Identity Beyond the Scorecard
29:57 – Visualization Drills Used at the Pro Level
34:46 – Learning from Mistakes Without Judgment
42:02 – Dr. Rick’s Final Advice for Parents

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:
This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and golf parents who want real progress.

🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT (all caps) at www.tourstriker.com for 15% off everything — even sale items. Whether your junior golfer is chasing a scholarship or just trying to break 90, Tour Striker is a game-changer.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Rick Sessinghaus:

🌐 Website: https://theflowcode.com/golf-academy/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowcodegolf/

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent/

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

💥 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 at www.puttviewbooks.com and get 20% off your first purchase.

Junior golf success isn’t just about perfecting a swing—it’s about mastering the mental game. In this episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan sits down with mental performance coach Ben Esposito to talk through the hidden side of junior development.

Ben shares how his own journey from high-level golfer to mindset coach led him to work with competitive juniors on breathing techniques, emotional regulation, and performance strategies.

He explains how tracking stats, setting personal standards, and preparing mentally before every round can separate good players from great ones.

Parents will hear how to better support their young athletes without adding pressure, why silence on the course is often a sign of growth, and how the short game acts as a critical confidence booster. This episode is full of actionable advice to help you understand what’s really happening between your child’s ears during competition.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

● Start working on your mental game earlier

● Set personal standards instead of comparing to others

● Tracking stats can show improvement and help with recruiting

● Make practice harder to simulate tournament pressure

● Breathing techniques help manage nerves during play

● Understand course strategy based on personal strengths

● Yardage books provide valuable information for decision making

● Self-awareness is key to long-term success

● A strong short game builds confidence

● Mental coaching significantly impacts performance

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Ben's Journey in Golf and Mental Coaching

02:57 – Advice for Young Golfers and Parents

05:59 – Tracking Progress and Stats for Improvement

08:42 – Managing Nerves and Mental Techniques

11:55 – Breathing Techniques and Mental Checklists

14:57 – Understanding Course Strategy and Decision Making

27:40 – Using Yardage and Green Books Effectively

38:45 – Final Thoughts on Mental Game and Short Game Safety Nets

🔗 Connect with Ben Esposito:

🌐 Website: https://inthegolfzone.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_inthegolfzone
🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/_InTheGolfZone
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegolfzone
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-esposito-a0706a20b/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheGolfZone

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent

🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/thegolfparent

⁠⁠🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 parents get wrong.

From statistical tracking and biological age to the role of speed and nutrition, Liam shares cutting-edge insights that every golf parent should hear. You’ll learn why multi-sport participation beats early specialization, how to help your child avoid burnout, and what Liam believes is the single biggest predictor of long-term success in sport.

If you want your kid to play better, feel better, and stay in love with the game, this episode is required listening.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Statistical tracking is crucial for understanding performance.
Parents should focus on their child's process, not just outcomes.
Multi-sport participation enhances athletic development.
Understanding biological age is key in training young athletes.
Speed training is essential in early development stages.
Parents should let kids play independently in tournaments.
Nutrition and sleep are foundational for athletic performance.
Athletic fundamentals should be prioritized over sport specialization.
The right sports can develop essential skills for golf.
Parental involvement should be supportive, not controlling.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Liam Mucklow's Day and Expertise
03:00 The Intersection of Technology and Sports
05:48 Understanding Performance Metrics in Golf
09:08 The Importance of Statistical Tracking for Young Golfers
11:40 Biological Development and Athletic Training
14:54 The Role of Speed in Early Athletic Development
17:56 Choosing the Right Sports for Young Athletes
20:44 The Benefits of Badminton and Other Sports for Golfers
27:48 The Power of Names and Connections
30:58 Choosing Sports for Kids: Fun vs. Skill
32:30 Building Athletes, Not Just Golfers
34:01 The Importance of Explosive Sports
35:58 Personal Reflections on Biomechanics and Golf
37:46 The Role of Parents in Sports
39:45 Nutrition and Sleep: The Foundation of Performance
41:35 Fostering a Healthy Mindset in Young Athletes
44:20 Tools for Understanding Young Athletes
46:33 Engaging with the Golf Community
48:36 The Role of Parents in Golf Tournaments
51:33 The Consequences of Toxic Parenting in Sports

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and golf parents who want real progress.

🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT at ⁠www.tourstriker.com⁠ for 15% off everything—yes, even sale items.Whether your junior golfer is chasing a scholarship or just trying to break 90, Tour Striker is a game-changer.

🔗 Connect with Liam Mucklow:

🌐 Website: https://www.mygolflab.ca/

📸 The Golf Lab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolflab/⁠⁠

📸 Liam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liammucklow/

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent⁠⁠

📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠@thegolfparent

⁠⁠🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 In, Dr. Sinclair shares a no-nonsense framework for performing under pressure—on the course, in the OR, or on the biggest stage of your life. You'll learn how elite performers overcome perfectionism, how to help your junior golfer build real resilience (not fake confidence), and why breathing is your child’s superpower.

With grounded advice for parents, coaches, and athletes alike, this episode is a must-listen for anyone raising or becoming a top performer.

🧠 Topics include:

Whether you're raising a golfer, coaching a team, or pushing your own limits, Dr. Sinclair offers a roadmap to excellence built on clarity, not chaos.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

🔗 Dr. Dana Sinclair’s Links:

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

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drdanasinclair/

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent⁠

📺 YouTube: ⁠@thegolfparent⁠

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 golf to the professional stage.

Neal opens up about what it’s like to compete on golf’s grandest stages—while still keeping the game fun. From his pro debut to the putting drills that sharpened his edge, Neal explains how the mental game, emotional control, and athleticism all play a role in sustained success.

You’ll hear how he simulates pressure in practice, why working hard isn’t enough without consistency, and how parents can support their child’s path without burning them out. This conversation is an inside look at the habits, toughness, and joy it takes to go from junior golf to golf greatness.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• Navigating the pressures of turning pro

• Building confidence through consistent practice

• Managing emotions at elite tournaments

• The value of patience, simplicity, and resilience

• Advice for parents: when to guide and when to back off

• Why junior golfers should also be athletes

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Success in golf is the compounding effect of hard work

• Fun and focus must coexist for long-term performance

• Simulating pressure is a crucial part of training

• You don’t need your best round—just a steady one

• Golfers must learn to trust themselves through the ups and downs

• Great players are made through repetition, not perfection

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Neal Shipley’s Background
01:47 – First Korn Ferry Win and What It Meant
03:35 – Reflecting on His Pro Debut
07:15 – Mental Game and Competing Under Pressure
09:30 – How Neal Practices for Real Tournament Pressure
13:15 – Neal’s Putting Routine and Mental Triggers
20:50 – Journey to Success and What It Really Took
25:16 – Compounding Small Wins Over Time
26:33 – Athletic Foundations and Golf Development
28:36 – Diagnosing and Fixing Weaknesses
31:22 – Nutrition, Recovery, and Margins of Success
34:19 – Experiences at the Masters and U.S. Open
36:52 – Playing with Tiger Woods: What He Learned
39:52 – Neal’s Best Advice for Junior Golfers and Parents

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and golf parents who want real progress.

🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT at www.tourstriker.com for 15% off everything—yes, even sale items.

Whether your junior golfer is chasing a scholarship or just trying to break 90, Tour Striker is a game-changer.

🔗 Neal Shipley’s Links:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neal.shipley

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent
📺 YouTube: @thegolfparent
🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 elite players use to thrive under pressure—and how junior golfers can build the same tools. From coping with the yips to discovering your child’s “golf superpower,” this conversation is packed with insights for parents raising future champions.

You’ll hear about Jason’s journey to national recognition, how to reframe mental injuries, why adaptability is everything, and what parents often get wrong when trying to “help.” Whether your child is struggling or soaring, this episode will change the way you think about youth golf, resilience, and your role as a parent.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• How top players talk to themselves

• Turning struggle into growth

• Embracing chaos on the course

• Helping your child take ownership of their journey

• Preparing for tournament pressure the right way

• 
  

  🧠 Key Takeaways:

  
  

  Mental adaptability separates top junior golfers from the rest

• Every golfer must discover and train their “superpower”

• The yips are often misunderstood and linked to mechanics

• Focus is a skill—just like chipping or putting

• Injuries, including mental ones, can and do heal

• Tournament preparation starts with imagination and pressure reps

• Parents should support without forcing, guide without controlling

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Jason Baile and His Achievements
02:59 – The Process of Recognition in Coaching
05:58 – Mental Attributes of Top Golfers
08:56 – The Importance of Process in Golf
12:08 – Self-Talk and Its Impact on Performance
15:01 – Finding and Embracing Your Superpower
18:02 – Adapting When Your Superpower Fails
21:08 – Understanding the Yips and Mental Resilience
23:18 – Reframing Mental Injuries in Golf
25:31 – Preparing for Tournament Pressure
28:32 – Guidance for Golf Parents
36:29 – Reigniting Passion for Golf
40:51 – Embracing Chaos and Building Grit

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and junior golf parents alike.🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT at www.tourstriker.com for 15% off sitewide—including sale items!

🔗 Jason Baile’s Links:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonbailepga/?hl=en

X: ⁠https://x.com/jasonbailepga

🏌️‍♂️ Instruction: Available at Old Palm Golf Club, FL

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent/?hl=en

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent⁠

🎧 All Episodes: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠YouTube

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 in academic excellence and athlete development. Parents of junior golfers will find this conversation packed with actionable advice on practice habits, mindset, college prep, and how to raise resilient competitors in an ultra-demanding sport.

Whether you're raising a 10-year-old golfer or advising a teen on their recruiting journey, Coach Tyburski offers a candid and inspiring look into what it really takes to succeed on and off the course.

🔑 Takeaways:

💥 Sound Bites:

“Winning is hard, especially in any sport.”
“Be intentional with your days.”
“See confident targets, not negative outcomes.”

⛳ Sponsored by TourStriker:

A big thank-you to our friends at TourStriker for supporting The Golf Parent Podcast. From junior golfers to major winners, TourStriker’s training aids are trusted by the best in the game.
Check them out at tourstriker.com

🔗 Connect with Keith Tyburski:

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 the Year (2014), and developing multiple NCAA All-Americans, Murray brings decades of elite experience to the table.

He shares what really separates the great junior golfers from the rest, how to handle adversity, and why self-accountability is a non-negotiable trait for success. This episode dives deep into the off-season playbook for junior golfers eyeing college golf — covering everything from NCAA recruitment to summer preparation, coaching dynamics, and advice for parents raising independent, resilient athletes.

Whether your child is dreaming of D1 or simply wants to grow in the game, this episode is a goldmine of insight from a coach who’s led teams to 12 NCAA victories and shaped future pros.

Episode Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker Golf — makers of the world’s most trusted training aids. 🎁 Get 15% off your order (even sale items!) at tourstriker.com with code GOLFPARENT Train smarter. Play better. Tour Striker.

Key Takeaways

College recruitment is a year-round process, especially in the off-season

Adversity builds champions — learn how top players rise above it

Self-accountability is the hallmark of future pros

U.S. college golf offers a unique development opportunity

Organization, communication, and initiative matter just as much as talent

Parents: support the journey, but let your kid drive the engine

Chapters

00:00 The Off-Season Dynamics of Collegiate Golf Coaching

02:47 Recruitment Strategies and NCAA Regulations

06:07 Evaluating Players: The Importance of Adversity

08:59 Teaching Mindset: Developing Resilience in Young Golfers

12:12 The Role of Parents in a Young Golfer's Journey

14:58 Transitioning to College Golf: Expectations vs. Reality

17:59 Summer Preparation: Building a Competitive Edge

21:12 The Love for the Game: Key to Success

24:03 Coaching Dynamics: Balancing Guidance and Independence

27:11 The Pressure of Competition: Every Shot Counts

30:05 International Perspectives on Golf and Training

33:02 Selling the University of Washington: A Unique Opportunity

36:03 Facing Adversity: The True Test of a Golfer

39:00 Advice for Parents: Nurturing Independence in Young Athletes

🔗 Follow Alan Murray 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alan.murray.uwhuskies/

Website: https://gohuskies.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/alan-murray/6386

🎧 Follow The Golf Parent

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, Amazon & more

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 hypnotherapy, reveal how fear of success is often more paralyzing than fear of failure, and offer practical tools for parents who want to help their kids develop mental resilience. From neuroplasticity and breathwork to identity shifts and emotional triggers, this episode is packed with insights for both athletes and parents navigating the competitive golf journey.

📌Key Takeaways:

Hypnosis is a natural state used by top athletesFear of success can sabotage performanceBreathwork and affirmations rewire the brainGolf reflects your internal worldParenting impacts subconscious beliefs in kidsEmotional ownership = personal powerSuccess without self-worth leads to burnoutThe best performers often hide the biggest inner battlesNutrition plays a key role in mental focusDaily intention can transform performance

🎯 Sponsorship:

This episode is proudly sponsored by Tour Striker Golf — trusted by top coaches and players worldwide. Get 15% off sitewide, including sale items, with the code GOLFPARENT at tourstriker.com

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – The Power of Hypnotherapy in Sports Performance

03:01 – Understanding Hypnosis: Myths and Realities

05:52 – The Impact of Parenting on Child Development

08:56 – Reprogramming the Mind: Techniques and Strategies

11:54 – Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Ability to Change

15:11 – Emotional Triggers in Golf: Managing the Mind

18:03 – Practical Tools for Emotional Regulation

21:07 – Fear of Failure vs. Success in Golf

26:11 – Understanding Fear: Success vs. Failure

29:45 – The Power of Process Over Outcome

32:11 – Worthy, Deserving, and Capable: The Inner Barriers

34:48 – The Dark Side of Greatness

38:59 – Nutrition's Role in Mental Performance

43:03 – The Importance of Intention in Daily Life

48:06 – Advice for Sport Parents: Cultivating Curiosity

🔗 Follow Paul Salter – The Golf Hypnotherapist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulsaltercoaching

Website: https://thegolfhypnotherapist.com

Podcast: The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset – available on all major platforms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulSalterCoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-salter-coaching

🎧 Follow The Golf Parent

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, Amazon & more