The college golf recruiting process can feel like a mystery — for both parents and players. In this episode, Coach Todd Oehrlein pulls back the curtain on how college programs actually evaluate prospective student-athletes, what separates elite recruits from the rest, and how parents can best support their junior golfers through the emotional rollercoaster of commitments, calls, and expectations.

first DM exchanges to analyzing phone calls and understanding academic fit. He explains why patience, passion, and emotional control are just as important as swing mechanics — and how the right mindset can make all the difference when a scholarship offer is on the line.

For golf parents navigating the recruiting maze, this is a must-listen episode that will help you guide your child with confidence, clarity, and perspective.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- The recruitment process starts with real conversations, not just stats

- Academic fit is a major factor for both schools and athletes

- Verbal commitments come before written ones — patience matters

- Coaches value relentlessness, passion, and self-awareness over perfection

- Parents should balance support with realistic expectations

- Debriefing after tournaments builds resilience and growth

- Emotional regulation is a key differentiator in performance

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mike Thomas: The Golf Parent’s Perspective

02:54 The Journey of a Golf Parent: Plans and Intentions

05:53 Recognizing Talent: Moments of Realization

08:46 The Balance of Coaching and Parenting

11:55 Key Personality Traits of Successful Junior Golfers

15:01 Navigating Modern Parenting in Junior Golf

17:39 The Role of Structure and Passion in Development

20:59 Understanding Parent-Child Dynamics in Sports

23:57 Maintaining a Healthy Parent-Coach Relationship

26:36 The Role of Parents in Golf Instruction

27:44 Overrated and Underrated Aspects of Golf Instruction

31:21 Mental Game and Self-Talk in Golf

33:40 Physical Preparation and Training for Golf

36:33 A Week in the Life of a Professional Golfer

42:32 Staying Fit and Flexible as a Golfer

45:35 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Excitement

48:42 Advice for Golf Parents

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Caddy Daddy, trusted by golfers and parents who want durable, innovative gear that protects their equipment and travels as hard as they play.

🔗 Connect with Todd Oehrlein:

🌐 Email: / [email protected]

🔗 Connect with Caddy Daddy:

🌐 Website: https://caddydaddygolf.com/

📸 Instagram: @caddydaddygolf

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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Welcome to The Golf Parent, where golf’s top minds share the secrets and systems that help your junior golfer win—on and off the course.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew Summers, the founder and visionary behind the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA). From its private golf course to its 100-student cap, IJGA redefines what quality training and holistic development look like. Andrew shares how theacademy blends world-class coaching, fitness training, and academic excellence within a culturally diverse environment that helps young athletes mature into disciplined, confident, and globally aware individuals.

Parents will hear what questions to ask when choosing a boarding-school-style golf academy, how independence and character shape long-term success, and why “golf heaven” isn’t just about perfect fairways—it’s about preparing kids for life beyond the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- IJGA delivers elite training with a private golf course and world-class coaches

- Capping enrollment at 100 ensures individual attention and quality development

- Independence and character are central to the IJGA philosophy

- Cultural diversity creates empathy, perspective, and maturity

- Fitness is essential for both performance and injury prevention

- Academic partnerships support balanced student-athlete growth

- Parents should do their due diligence when evaluating golf academies

- Summer and winter camps introduce younger golfers to academy life

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IJGA

03:03 – Building “Golf Heaven” in Florida

05:54 – Why Capping Enrollment at 100 Matters

08:53 – Year-Round Golf and Growth Opportunities

11:54 – The Boarding-School Advantage

14:48 – Developing Independence & Character

17:41 – Cultural Diversity and Peer Influence

21:02 – Life, Food, and Community at IJGA

27:00 – The Role of Fitness in Junior Golf

34:55 – Academic Excellence & School Partnerships

49:56 – Choosing the Right Academy for Your Child

55:40 – Summer and Winter Camp Pathways

01:02:56 – Final Thoughts on Golf, Growth, and Character

💥 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 Andrew Summers:

🌐 Email: / [email protected]

🔗 Connect with IJGA:

🌐 Website: https://ijga.com/

📸 Instagram: ijga_bishopsgate

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Christina Lecuyer, former professional golfer turned confidence coach, to explore what real confidence means in sports and life. Christina’s story — from picking up golf at 18 to competing professionally — is proof that mindset, not mechanics, often determines success.

Christina shares powerful lessons on detaching self-worth from performance, finding joy in the process, and helping young athletes build internal confidence instead of chasing external validation.

Whether your junior golfer is struggling with confidence, pressure, or perfectionism, this conversation offers practical tools and emotional insight to help them (and you) redefine what winning really looks like.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Confidence built on results fades — confidence built within lasts

- Playing with better competition sharpens performance and resilience

- Hard work and belief can overcome a late start

- External validation leads to burnout; internal validation builds peace

- Failure and discomfort are necessary for growth

- Affirmations and positive self-talk shape mindset

- Success means joy, not just achievement

- Detach your self-worth from your scorecard

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Christina’s Journey from Late Start to Pro

09:52 – What Confidence Really Is (and Isn’t)

20:06 – The Trap of External Validation

29:48 – How to Separate Self-Worth from Performance

37:10 – The Power of Affirmations & Mindset Work

41:33 – Helping the Next Generation Build True Confidence

48:22 – Redefining Success in Golf and Life

🔗 Connect with Christina Lecuyer:

📸 Instagram: @Bechristina

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Mike Thomas. Thomas is a veteran golf instructor and father of PGA Tour star Justin Thomas, for an honest conversation about the realities of raising a young golfer.

Mike shares what it was really like guiding his son from junior golf to the professional stage, and what he learned about balancing the roles of coach and parent. He reveals why pushing too hard can backfire, why emotional support matters more than technical advice, and how the mental side of golf often separates the great from the good.

The conversation also dives into the evolution of junior golf, the importance of physical fitness and flexibility, and the lessons parents can take from his decades of coaching experience. Whether your junior is just starting out or chasing college golf dreams, this episode offers timeless advice on nurturing passion, patience, and purpose in the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Golf should stay fun, especially for juniors

- Pushing too hard can hurt long-term passion and growth

- Parents must support emotionally, not just technically

- Successful juniors combine passion with self-discipline

- The junior golf landscape has evolved rapidly

- Balancing parent and coach roles is essential

- Every player’s swing and path should be individual

- Mental game and self-talk define consistency and success

- Physical strength and flexibility support longevity in golf

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mike Thomas: The Golf Parent’s Perspective

02:54 The Journey of a Golf Parent: Plans and Intentions

05:53 Recognizing Talent: Moments of Realization

08:46 The Balance of Coaching and Parenting

11:55 Key Personality Traits of Successful Junior Golfers

15:01 Navigating Modern Parenting in Junior Golf

17:39 The Role of Structure and Passion in Development

20:59 Understanding Parent-Child Dynamics in Sports

23:57 Maintaining a Healthy Parent-Coach Relationship

26:36 The Role of Parents in Golf Instruction

27:44 Overrated and Underrated Aspects of Golf Instruction

31:21 Mental Game and Self-Talk in Golf

33:40 Physical Preparation and Training for Golf

36:33 A Week in the Life of a Professional Golfer

42:32 Staying Fit and Flexible as a Golfer

45:35 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Excitement

48:42 Advice for Golf Parents

💥 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 Mike Thomas:

📸 Instagram: @mikethomaspga

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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On this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Ryan Degale to unpack one of the most overlooked issues in junior golf: back health. While many parents and coaches focus on swing mechanics, scores, and tournament schedules, the reality is that golf can put serious strain on the spine, especially for young players.

Ryan shares why golf is uniquely dangerous for the back, the most common training mistakes juniors make, and how poor habits at a young age can lead to injuries like scoliosis over time. He emphasizes the importance of mobility, flexibility, strength conditioning, and proper training routines to keep juniors healthy while developing their game.

The conversation also dives into the role of hydration and nutrition in maintaining back health, the misconceptions created by social media, and why warm-up and cool-down routines should never be ignored. Parents will walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to protect their child’s long-term health and success in golf.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Golf is particularly dangerous for the back due to its mechanics

- Many junior golfers train like athletes in other sports, which can cause injuries

- Strength conditioning and awareness are critical for young golfers

- Improper swing mechanics over time can contribute to scoliosis

- Flexibility and mobility training prevent injuries and build longevity

- Hydration and nutrition are essential for back health

- Common misconceptions about back training lead to mistakes

- Warm-up and cool-down routines are often ignored but vital

- Social media can mislead juniors with unrealistic training examples

- Excessive deadlifting can be harmful for golfers’ backs

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 The Dangers of Golf for the Back

06:44 Importance of Mobility and Core Strength

12:42 Running and Its Impact on Golf Performance

20:12 Hydration and Nutrition for Back Health

29:55 Training the Next Generation of Golfers

💥 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 Ryan DeGale:

📸 Instagram: @Golfandbody_

📱Phone: (954) 401-0936

🌐 Website: Golfandbody.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Andrew Lewis to break down the realities of junior golf development and the future of the game in America. From the rise of Texas as a golf hotbed to the importance of tournament experience, Andrew shares insights that every parent of a junior golfer needs to hear.

This conversation goes far beyond swing mechanics. Andrew opens up about the role of parents in building a positive environment, the value caddies bring to young players, and how patience can be the difference between burnout and long-term success. He also provides a candid look at the evolving college golf recruiting process, the impact of NIL, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

If you’re a golf parent wondering how to support your child’s journey, build resilience, and keep the joy alive in the game, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Texas is becoming a hub for junior golf development

- Tournament experience is essential for young players

- True skills development covers every part of the game

- Parents should focus on conversations of improvement, not criticism

- Burnout comes from stress more than overplaying

- Caddies can provide valuable support and strategy

- College recruitment starts early, but kids can reach out to coaches first

- Competition for college golf spots is getting tougher

- NIL opportunities are growing but require patience

- The love of the game should always come first

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:54 The Future of American Golf

06:06 Developing Elite Junior Golfers

08:56 Tournament Experience and Burnout Concerns

11:44 Parenting and Coaching Dynamics

14:49 Caddying and Junior Golf Opportunities

17:38 Navigating College Golf Recruitment

20:44 Recruiting and Team Dynamics in Junior Golf

21:29 Changes in College Golf Regulations

24:12 The Impact of NIL on Junior Golf

26:13 Focus and Emotional Regulation in Junior Golf

30:34 Parental Guidance and Support

33:03 Fostering Enjoyment and Curiosity in Young Golfers

35:05 Finding the Right Junior Golf Coaches

37:40 Creating Structured Training Routines

40:51 The Long Journey of Junior Golf Development💥 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 Andrew lewis:

📸 Instagram: @Andrewlewisgolf

🌐 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://bio.site/alewisgolf

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Adams sits down with legendary coach Mike Schy, the man who guided Bryson DeChambeau through his junior career and helped bring the groundbreaking Avoda golf club to life. Mike pulls back the curtain on the science of equipment innovation, from curved clubfaces to one-length shafts, and explains why custom fitting is non-negotiable for serious golfers.

But this conversation is about much more than gear. Mike reveals the mindset shifts junior golfers need most, why curiosity and experimentation fuel progress, and how positive language changes confidence. He shares his no-nonsense perspective on what golf parents should (and shouldn’t) do, emphasizing that the parent’s role is to support, not coach.

Whether you’re fascinated by golf’s future or looking for the best way to help your junior golfer thrive, this episode is full of lessons from one of the game’s most respected minds.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

-Avoda was built specifically for Bryson DeChambeau

-Curved clubfaces could redefine the future of golf

-One-length shafts are gaining momentum among players

-Custom fitting is the fastest way to improve performance

-Non-conforming clubs teach important lessons about the game

-Work ethic & curiosity drive long-term junior golf success

-Positive language changes confidence & self-belief instantly

-Parents should support, not coach, during competition-Enjoyment of the game is the key to lasting success

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

05:13 History of Golf Club Design

12:21 Understanding Non-Conforming Clubs

20:55 Curiosity and Experimentation in Golf

26:19 Parent-Child Dynamics in Junior Golf

31:35 The Ideal Golf Parent

38:51 Player Preferences in Golf Training

45:52 The Golfing Machine Framework

52:51 Positive Evaluations and Learning

01:00:46 Becoming the Casino: Strategic Golf Decisions

💥 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 Mike Schy:

📸 Instagram: @Mikeschygolf

🌐 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: Mikeschy.com

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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This week on The Golf Parent, Ryan Adams sits down with world-renowned coach and sports scientist Tom House to uncover the secrets behind athletic performance and development. Known for his groundbreaking work in biomechanics with elite athletes across baseball, football, and golf, Tom shares how balance, sequencing, and timing are the real keys to long-term success.

Parents and juniors will discover why early specialization can actually limit potential, and how critical “windows of trainability” shape young athletes before adolescence. From using technology to capture what the human eye can’t see, to the power of play, stress management, and visualization, Tom’s insights are a game-changer for anyone guiding a young golfer’s journey.

This episode isn’t just about sports science—it’s about helping your child fall in love with the process, embrace failure as learning, and build habits that last a lifetime.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Tom House’s journey into biomechanics was unplanned but revolutionary

- Motion analysis reveals what the human eye cannot capture

- Balance is the most important factor in golf performance

- Timing and sequencing are critical to athletic success

- Early specialization can hurt long-term athletic growth

- Neurological training windows matter most before adolescence

- Technology provides instant, objective feedback for athletes

- Athletes must adapt to growth and body changes

- Play and fun are essential to development

- Visualization is a proven tool for performance under pressure

- Parents should prioritize the child’s joy over their own expectations

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 The Journey of Tom House

03:06 Understanding Biomechanics in Sports

06:00 Timing and Kinematic Sequencing

09:00 The Role of Balance in Performance

11:52 Windows of Trainability for Youth Athletes

14:59 The Dangers of Early Specialization

18:07 Technology’s Impact on Training

21:12 The Future of Athletic Development

23:59 Building the Complete Athlete

28:34 Balance, Speed, and Energy Transfer

32:36 The Importance of Play in Youth Sports

35:02 Managing Stress and Anxiety

43:12 Visualization as a Performance Tool

51:11 Advice for Sports Parents

💥 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 Tom House:

📸 Instagram: @Tomhousesports

🌐 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://teammstrd.com/golf/

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

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Casey VanDamme, head coach of the Kent State women’s golf team, to uncover what it really takes to thrive in junior and college golf. Casey shares how self-belief, resilience, and effective practice habits shape great players, and why building a championship culture is about far more than just talent.

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Casey VanDamme, head coach of the Kent State women’s golf team, to uncover what it really takes to thrive in junior and college golf. Casey shares how self-belief, resilience, and effective practice habits shape great players, and why building a championship culture is about far more than just talent.

He breaks down the recruitment process step by step, explains the differences between college golf divisions, and sheds light on how the transfer portal has reshaped opportunities for players. Parents will gain practical advice on how to guide their juniors, from setting realistic goals to finding the right program fit, while juniors will hear firsthand why pressure should be viewed as a privilege and why golf’s failures can actually fuel success.

Whether your child dreams of playing college golf or simply wants to grow through the game, this episode offers invaluable lessons on mindset, preparation, and finding alignment between player aspirations and program vision.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Building a strong culture requires recruiting players with self-belief

- Pressure in sports can be viewed as a privilege

- Golf is fundamentally a game of failure and resilience

- Effective practice habits are crucial for improvement

- Understanding the recruitment process is key for aspiring golfers

- Different college divisions offer varying opportunities for golfers

- The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college athletics

- Parents should help their children identify their goals in golf

- It's important for players to find a program that aligns with their aspirations

- Everything in a player's life can impact their performance in golf

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Building a Championship Culture

02:54 – The Role of Self-Belief in Golf

05:47 – Developing Grit and Resilience

09:01 – Effective Practice Habits

12:00 – Navigating the Recruitment Process

14:39 – Understanding College Golf Divisions

18:04 – The Transfer Portal and Its Implications

20:58 – Advice for Parents of Aspiring Golfers

💥 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 Coach Casey VanDamme:

📸 Instagram: @caseyvandamme

🌐 Email: [email protected]

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, host Ryan Addams welcomes acclaimed junior golf coach Ed Oldham to break down what truly drives success for young golfers today.

Ed shares why junior golf has more opportunities than ever, how COVID-19 unexpectedly boosted youth participation, and why balance—not burnout—should guide a child’s athletic journey. The discussion dives into why early specialization can do more harm than good, how understanding key fundamentals like face and path relationship impacts long-term performance, and why rewarding effort over results creates resilient athletes.

Parents will learn how to provide the right kind of support, coaches will gain insights into blending technology with fundamentals, and juniors will be reminded that the best golfers combine athleticism with joy for the game.Whether your child is just starting out or competing at an elite level, this episode delivers actionable insights to help them grow, thrive, and most importantly, love the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Kids have more opportunities in junior golf now than ever before

COVID-19 has positively impacted youth participation in golf- PGA Junior League provides a team aspect that kids enjoy

Early specialization in sports can be detrimental; exposure to multiple sports is beneficial.

Skill development should focus on face and path relationship in golf swings

Understanding the importance of ground impact is crucial for golfers

A growth mindset is essential for success in golf and life

Parental support should focus on encouragement rather than coaching

Technology can enhance training but should not overshadow the fundamentals of the game

The best junior golfers combine athletic ability with a strong work ethic

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – The State of Junior Golf Today

02:57 – The Role of Coaching and Early Specialization

05:49 – Skill Development vs. Technique

09:07 – Understanding the Face and Path Relationship

12:00 – Preparing for Tournaments: Mindset and Practice

14:53 – The Importance of Parental Support

17:44 – Technology in Golf: Balancing Old and New

20:53 – Cultivating a Growth Mindset

23:48 – Identifying Trends in Successful Junior Golfers

26:39 – The Future of Junior Golf: Opportunities and Challenges

💥 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 Coach Ed Oldham

:📸 Instagram: @Edoldhamgolf

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

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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