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

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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]

🌐 Website: https://www.fgagolf.com/coachpatrick

📺 YouTube: ⁨@movebreathezone⁩ 

🔗 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 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 professionals, offering a refreshing perspective on skill acquisition, enjoyment, and long term growth.

The conversation explores why fun is not optional in development, how grit is built through challenge rather than comfort, and what coaches should really be looking for when identifying potential in young players. Jonathan explains why outcomes and rankings often distract from real progress, and how mastering skills under pressure is far more predictive of success than early wins.

Jonathan also speaks directly to golf parents, emphasizing the power of unconditional support, patience, and perspective. From navigating college golf pathways to protecting kids from burnout and social media pressure, this episode delivers practical insight for families who want to help their junior golfer grow not just as a player, but as a person.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Enjoyment is the foundation of long term junior golf success

• Grit and perseverance are built through challenge and discomfort

• Skill development matters more than early results or rankings

• Practice should be harder than competition to support transfer

• Parents play a critical role through unconditional love and support

• There are multiple valid pathways to college golf and beyond

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Jonathan Yarwood’s Coaching Journey

02:07 How Coaches Identify Potential in Young Golfers

06:41 Why Grit and Perseverance Matter More Than Talent

12:38 Using Golf as a Tool for Life Skills

13:06 Why Reward Systems Can Backfire in Junior Golf

21:33 Creating Personalized Skill Development Blueprints

31:04 Skill Acquisition Versus Mastery

31:47 Why Practice Must Transfer to the Course

34:02 The Importance of Evaluation and Rest 3

5:50 A Holistic Approach to Junior Golf Development

39:10 Navigating the College Golf Pathway

42:53 The Role of Unconditional Love in Golf Parenting

44:57 Underrated Skills Every Junior Needs

50:01 Champion Mindset Nature Versus Nurture

54:00 Creating More Equal Opportunities in Golf

College Dream Finder helps junior golfers and parents navigate college golf recruiting with confidence ⛳️🎓

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/college-golf-dreamfinder/id6743325294

🔗 Connect with Jonathan Yarwood:

📸 Instagram: @Jonathanyarwood

🌐 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://jonathanyarwood.com

📺 YouTube:  ⁨@jonathanyarwoodgolf⁩ 

🔗 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 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 inside look at the mental, emotional, and cultural factors that shape high performing teams.

Chris explains why resilience is one of the most important traits college coaches look for and how perfectionism can quietly hold talented juniors back. He dives into the mental skills that help players stay calm under pressure, navigate adversity, and give themselves grace during challenging rounds. Parents will gain valuable insight into how mindset and emotional maturity often matter more than raw talent.

The conversation also explores how recruiting has changed in recent years, what coaches are truly evaluating during visits, and how families can better support juniors through the transition to college golf. This episode is a must listen for golf parents who want clarity on development, recruiting, and helping their junior thrive at the next level.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Resilience is a defining trait for success in college golf

- Perfectionism can limit growth and performance

- Mental skills like breathing and self regulation are trainable

- Team culture matters as much as individual talent

- Recruiting now requires more initiative from players

- Parents play a critical role in emotional development

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Journey Through Canadian Golf

02:19 Life as a College Golf Coach

04:20 Coaching Elite Players Bryson and Austin

12:03 Resilience in Golf and Overcoming Adversity

15:32 The Perfectionist Dilemma

22:09 Mental Skills for Golf Success

30:06 Building a Winning Culture in College Golf

35:37 Transitioning to College Life as a Freshman

41:04 Recruiting Insights for Junior Golf Families

🔗 Connect with Chris Parra:

📸 Instagram: @chreisparra

🌐 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://smumustangs.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/chris-parra/6925

🔗 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, 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 coach has evolved from basic swing instruction into full performanceguidance that includes preparation, support teams, and the mental and emotional side of competition.

Ryan and Jeff dig into what great coaching actually looks like, including the difference between a teacher who only gives information and a coach who develops the whole athlete. Jeff explains how he evaluates swings through power, predictability, and injury risk, why resilience and adaptability matter as much as mechanics, and how smart use of stats helps juniors focus onthe areas that truly move the needle, especially from greenside and from forty to one hundred forty yards.

Throughout the conversation Jeff shares stories from working with top players like Daniel Berger and Luke Clanton, insights on speed training and multi sport backgrounds, and honest advice on scheduling tournaments, avoiding burnout, and keeping perspective when college coaches are watching. If you are a golf parent, junior golfer, or coach, this is a clear and practical roadmap for helping young players grow in skill, mindset, and love for the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Coaching is development, not just information

• Fit and communication matter more than reputation

• Power and predictability beat “perfect” swings

• Resilience and adversity skills are trainable

• Intentional discomfort builds competitive grit

• Greenside proximity + 8–10 ft putting = scoring

• Forty to 140 yards is the most important performance zone

• Set process goals, not pressure-packed outcome goals

• Parent reactions shape how juniors feel about competing

• Support consistency over perfection or highlight moments

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Sri Lanka Golf Story

05:00 Life on Tour What a Modern Touring Coach Really Does

12:00 How Players Choose Coaches and Why Style Matters

20:00 Swing Philosophy Power Predictability and Injury Risk

28:00 What Truly Separates Elite Players from the Rest

36:00 Teaching Grit Introducing Adversity and Real Consequences

46:00 The Stats That Actually Matter for Junior Golfers

56:00 Daniel Berger Luke Clanton and Long Term Development

01:05:00 Speed Training Multi Sport Backgrounds and Burnout Risk

01:15:00 Tournament Scheduling College Coaches and Being Watched

01:22:00 Final Advice for Golf Parents Around the World

🔗 Connect with Jeff Leishman:

📸 Instagram: @jeff_leishmangolf

🌐 Email: /[email protected]

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

🔗 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, 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 deeper skills like emotional resilience, intelligent practice structure, selfawareness, and long term habits that build complete athletes.

Mark breaks down the ideal developmental path for young golfers, why multi sport backgrounds create stronger and more adaptable juniors, and how parents can support their athletes without adding pressure or creating performance anxiety. He also reveals what elite practice actuallylooks like and why technical work must eventually give way to randomized and skill based training for juniors who want to compete at advanced levels.

This episode gives parents, coaches, and young players a clear roadmap for building golfers who are confident, self sufficient, emotionally steady, and prepared to perform when it matters. If you want to understand the full picture of junior golf development from foundation to performance, this conversation is a must listen.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

● The best players practice with structure and clear purpose

● Emotional stability is a major separator in tournament performance

● Juniors must learn to self coach instead of relying on constant answers

● Multi sport backgrounds help develop stronger overall athletes

● Great practice blends technical form work and randomized skill testing

● Parents must create a safe and enjoyable environment around golf

● Effective routines and breathing calm the mind under pressure

● Juniors improve fastest when they track patterns and journal consistently

● The car ride home is the danger zone and should be handled carefully

● Elite performance comes from knowing your personal formula

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Mark Govier’s Coaching Background

03:20 When Kids Should Start Golf and the Value of Multi Sport Development

08:05 Foundational Skills Parents Can Build at Home Before Formal Coaching

13:40 Teacher Versus Coach and How to Build Self Coaching Juniors

18:10 How Elite Juniors Practice Differently From the Range Crowd

24:30 Developing a Personal Formula for Peak Performance

32:50 Breathing Routines and Handling Pressure on the Course

44:20 The Real Role of Golf Parents and the Car Ride Home

🔗 Connect with Mark Govier:

📸 Instagram: @elitegolfcoach_

🌐 Email: /[email protected]

📺 YouTube:  @elitegolfcoach 

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

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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 the curtain on how elite environments actually shape great players.

Josh shares why grip is the true gateway to power and consistency, how confidence with the driver separates top juniors, and why every great golfer must embrace their own unique swing. He also explains how modern technology is changing coaching while timeless mindset traits likeresilience, patience, and joy remain the real separators.

For golf parents navigating lessons, pressure, tournaments, and expectations, this episode brings clarity. It reframes what success actually looks like, why safety and enjoyment come first, and how long term growth always beats short term results.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Grip fundamentals shape everything in the golf swing

- Power is now a requirement not a bonus in junior golf

- Mental skills separate competitive golfers from elite golfers

- Every great golfer must own their natural swing DNA

- Parents shape the emotional environment more than any coach

- Resilience matters more than perfect mechanics

- Enjoyment fuels long term development

- College level golf is built on confidence and consistency

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction To Josh Zander And Stanford Golf

03:03 The Evolution Of Stanford Golf Facilities

05:57 Lessons From Playing And Coaching At The Highest Level

08:43 Why Grip Is The Most Underrated Skill In Golf

11:43 Grip Pressure And Club Control

14:52 Finding The Right Grip For Your Game

17:47 Technology In Modern Golf Coaching

20:39 Confidence And Power Off The Tee

22:13 Authenticity In Golf Swings

26:45 The Parent’s Role In Junior Development

31:38 Mental Resilience In Competitive Junior Golf

40:11 How To Identify Future Golf Stars

43:36 Why The Joy Of Golf Matters Most

🔗 Connect with Josh Zander:

📸 Instagram: @zander.josh

🌐 Email: /[email protected]

🔗 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 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 bodies move, and what actually helps a swing stay healthy over time. He shares why posture and a neutral lower spine matter, how five ball sets speed up learning, and why intention beats volume every time.

Ryan and Tim dive into what separates competitive juniors from elite juniors, how to map practice around tournament schedules, and why age sixteen becomes a defining moment in a young athlete’s commitment. They also explore burnout, multi sport development, and the mindset habits that help juniors repeat their best performances more often.

For golf parents, coaches, and junior players, this episode offers practical clarity and healthy strategies for long term growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Pedagogy reveals how juniors learn and retain skills

- Neutral lower spine protects the body as juniors grow

- Posture and setup guide consistency and power

- Five ball sets accelerate learning more than big buckets

- Skill practice must differ from performance prep

- Elite juniors show clear goals and commitment

- Sixteen is a turning point in motivation and independence

- Time off and multi sport play prevent burnout

- Parents must speak the same technical language as the coach

- Reflection helps juniors create repeatable performance states

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Welcome And Introduction

01:50 Tim’s Path From Division I Golf To Coaching

04:20 What Pedagogy Reveals About Learning Sports

07:10 Biomechanics And Protecting The Junior Golfer’s Back

09:50 Neutral Spine Setup And Practical Cues

12:40 How To Structure Productive Practice

15:30 Five Ball Sets And Why They Work

18:45 Skill Development Days Versus Performance Prep

21:40 Competitive Juniors Versus Elite Juniors

24:55 Mapping The College Golf Pathway

27:40 The Real Role Of Golf Parents

31:00 Burnout, Late Bloomers, And Time Off

34:10 Multi Sport Benefits In Junior Golf

37:20 Mindset And Finding A Flow State

40:15 Journaling And Repeatable Performance

43:00 The Two Phrases Every Junior Should Carry

46:00 Final Advice For Parents And Juniors

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.

🔗 Connect with IJGA:

🌐 Website: https://ijga.com/

📸 Instagram: @ijga_bishopsgate

🔗 Connect with Tim Cooke:

📸 Instagram: @timcookegolf

🌐 Email: /[email protected]

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube