What does it really take to earn a college golf scholarship—especially to a top-tier school like the Ivies?
In this episode, we sit down with Coach Taronne "TJ" Atley, LPGA Life Member and founder of Zone Golf Academy, who has guided over 150 junior golfers to college scholarships and coached 36 players to the professional ranks. With more than four decades of elite experience—including competing in four majors and leading provincial and national teams—Coach TJ breaks down the formula for success in junior golf: a powerful triad of sport, school, and strategy.
We dive into the biggest questions golf parents are asking:
When is the right time to specialize?
How important are grades versus scores?
What do college coaches actually look for?
How can parents help without adding pressure?
You’ll also hear cutting-edge insights on the mental game of golf, including the use of visualization, affirmations, and even vanilla scent to create focus and calm under pressure. Coach TJ introduces her innovative Golf Tier System—a new way to measure progress without relying on handicaps—and shares practical ways to integrate music, gratitude, and mindfulness into practice sessions.
Whether your child dreams of playing NCAA golf, turning pro, or simply falling in love with the game, this episode is packed with takeaways to help parents support the journey—not just the scorecard.
Takeaways:
Increased competition for scholarships in junior golf.
Academic performance is crucial for scholarship eligibility.
Early specialization can start as early as grade six.
Communication with coaches is essential for visibility.
College experience provides independence and team dynamics.
Multi-sport participation is beneficial for young athletes.
Mindfulness and gratitude practices enhance mental well-being.
Visualization techniques are important for performance.
Balance between practice and competition is key.
Golf requires unique practice strategies compared to other sports. Visualization is key to improving performance.
Self-talk can significantly impact a golfer's mindset.
Using scents can anchor positive memories and feelings.
A structured pre-shot routine is essential for consistency.
Humming can help eliminate negative self-talk during a shot.
Music can enhance practice by making it more enjoyable.
Affirmations help build a positive self-image in young golfers.
Parents should focus on supporting their child's journey, not just the score.
Identifying traits of successful young golfers can guide coaching efforts.
The Golf Tier System offers a new way to assess and develop golfers.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Junior Golf and Scholarships
02:56 The Importance of Academic Performance
05:56 Early Specialization and Recruitment
09:06 The Role of Communication with Coaches
12:04 The Value of College Experience
15:00 Balancing Sports and Academics
18:01 The Mental Game in Golf
21:07 Practice vs. Competition in Junior Golf
28:56 Mental File Folders: The Power of Memory in Golf
30:08 The Scent of Success: Using Vanilla for Focus
32:56 The Importance of a Pre-Shot Routine
37:22 Humming: A Unique Technique to Eliminate Self-Talk
41:51 The Role of Music in Practice: Enhancing Enjoyment and Focus
43:01 Affirmations: Building a Positive Mindset in Young Golfers
47:29 Supporting Young Golfers: The Role of Parents
49:52 Identifying Future Stars: Traits of Successful Young Golfers
53:11 The Golf Tier System: A New Approach to Skill Development
Coach TJ Links:
Golf Tier System Academy: www.golftiers.com
https://www.instagram.com/golftiersystem/
Zone Golf Academy: www.zonegolfacademy.ca
Junior Hawk Tour: www.juniorhawktour.com
The Golf Parent Links:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent
X - https://x.com/thegolfparent
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent
