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]

🌐 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