In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I sit down with Lanny Bassham, an Olympic Gold Medalist and mental performance coach, to explore how junior golfers can develop a champion’s mindset. Lanny shares the mental training system that helped him go from choking under pressure at the Olympics to dominating his sport with 22 world titles.

We dive into golf psychology, mental toughness, and confidence-building techniques that can help young golfers improve their golf swing, golf practice, and tournament performance. Lanny reveals why the top 5% of athletes prioritize mental training and how parents can support their child's junior golf development without adding pressure.

If your junior golfer struggles with performance anxiety, self-doubt, or inconsistency, this episode is packed with practical golf tips, visualization techniques, and mental exercises to help them play with confidence and focus.

Whether your child is just starting with golf lessons for kids or competing in junior golf tournaments, this episode will give you the tools to help them succeed.

🎧 Listen now and give your child the mental edge on the course!

Takeaways:

The mental game is crucial for excelling in sports, but it is often undervalued and neglected in training.

The top performers prioritize the mental game, while many others focus solely on skill development.

Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's self-image and should focus on building a positive self-image through constructive feedback and solution-oriented discussions.

Imprints, both positive and negative, influence self-image and performance.

Starting mental training at a young age can have long-term benefits for athletes. Passion is a crucial factor in sports, and parents should support and nurture their children's passion.

There are three levels of participation: interested, training to compete, and training to win. Parents should match their level of participation with their child's.

The mental game is essential in sports, and athletes and parents should prioritize mental skills training.

Overcoming fear and negative self-talk is crucial for success in sports. Developing a mental management system can help athletes stay focused and consistent.

Parents play a significant role in the mental coaching of their children and should seek resources and support to improve their understanding of the mental game.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of the Mind in Sports

02:51 The Undervalued Mental Game

07:53 The Difference Between Top Performers and the Rest

10:50 The Role of Parents in Shaping Self-Image

17:56 Constructive Feedback and Solution-Oriented Discussions

21:17 The Power of Positive Imprints

29:37 Starting Mental Training at a Young Age

32:02 The Importance of Passion and Competition in Sports

36:27 The Role of Parents in Supporting Children's Passion

39:26 Understanding the Mental Game in Sports

41:45 Overcoming Fear and Negative Self-Talk

47:02 Prioritizing Mental Skills Training

01:00:47 The Role of Parents as Mental Coaches

Links: 

Website - ⁠https://withwinninginmind.com

https://mentalmanagement.com

The Golf Parent

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In this episode, Bo Watson and Shannon Shuskey break down the critical role of mental training in golf, revealing why success on the course is more mental than physical. They introduce PsychoNeuromuscular Training, a proven method that helps golfers access the "zone" or flow state on command, leading to more consistent and peak performances.

Bo and Shannon dive deep into visualization techniques, explaining how using all seven senses can enhance performance and referencing legendary golfers who have successfully incorporated mental imagery into their training. They also discuss CPR (Consistent Passionate Reaction)—a concept that highlights how emotional responses impact focus and performance under pressure.

For parents of junior golfers, this episode provides invaluable insights into creating a supportive environment, avoiding the pitfalls of performance-related pressure, and fostering mental resilience. Bo and Shannon also share practical mental training resources, ensuring both parents and athletes have the tools to develop a strong, focused, and confident mindset on the course.

If you want to unlock the true mental potential of your young golfer, this episode is a must-listen!

Chapters

00:00 The Mental Game of Golf

07:58 Unlocking the Zone: Psycho Neuromuscular Training

15:56 Visualizing Success: The Seven Senses Approach

21:04 Historical Insights: Golf Legends and Mental Imagery

23:58 The Power of Visualization in Golf

26:21 Creating Effective Triggers for Performance

29:15 Understanding CPR: Consistent Passionate Reaction

34:54 Emotional Responses and Focus in Golf

39:21 Guiding Junior Golfers: Parental Influence

45:31 Accessing Resources for Mental Training

Links: 

Book - In The Zone Secrets: How To Get In The Zone At The Flip Of A Switch

Bo’s Instagram⁠⁠ 

Shannon’s Instagram 

Website - www.InTheZoneMentalTraining.com

The Golf Parent

Instagram

YouTube

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TikTok

Book:⁠Golf Beneath the Surface⁠

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I delve deep into the psychology of performance with Dr. Raymond Prior, a renowned expert in mental performance who has worked with Olympic Gold Medalists, Major Champions, and Grammy Award winners. Dr. Prior brings his expertise to the world of golf, sharing invaluable insights for parents of junior golfers looking to enhance their child's mental game.

We explore the science behind performance psychology, debunking common myths that may hinder a young golfer’s development. Dr. Prior discusses how a growth mindset can unlock a child’s potential, why praising effort over talent is essential, and how parents can support their children during times of poor performance. We also dive into the power of mindfulness, visualization, and the importance of playing freely to reduce anxiety and foster resilience.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent seeking to understand the mental side of golf and how to help their child thrive both on and off the course. Whether your child is struggling with performance anxiety or striving for greatness, Dr. Prior’s expert advice will guide you in nurturing a mindset that sets them up for long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Golf Psychology and Performance

02:51 Debunking Myths in Golf Psychology

06:06 The Importance of a Growth Mindset

08:46 Constructive Praise and Feedback for Young Golfers

11:45 Handling Poor Performance in Young Athletes

14:53 The Role of Self-Talk and Visualization

17:45 Breathwork and Mindfulness in Golf Performance

23:49 Mental Strategies of Elite Golfers

27:09 The Importance of Playing Freely in Golf

30:06 Encouraging Children to Play Freely

32:53 Navigating Anxiety and Performance

37:12 The Role of Parental Support

45:29 Fostering Exploration and Resilience in Children

47:27 The Dangers of Allowing Children to Quit

Links: 

Dr. Raymond Prior

Book:⁠Golf Beneath the Surface⁠

Podcast:⁠https://gbtspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/gbtspodcast?igsh=MWt1dThhbTVlaWk2OA==

Website: https://btsmindset.com/

The Golf Parent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent, I sit down with golf coach and author Todd Kolb to dive into the art of raising passionate, resilient junior golfers. Todd shares age-specific strategies for guiding young athletes, emphasizing the value of multi-sport participation and a competitive mindset. He explores how parents can create supportive environments that encourage growth and focus on the process of improvement, rather than solely on results.

Todd also breaks down common misconceptions in golf instruction, including simplifying the short game and shifting the focus from distance to control for consistent performance. Beyond technical advice, he offers powerful insights into overcoming bad days—both on the course and in life—and explains how to avoid the pitfalls of toxic sports parenting.

Whether you're a parent looking to inspire your junior golfer or an athlete aiming to sharpen your game, Todd’s expertise will help you foster passion, resilience, and lasting success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports Development

02:53 Passion and Environment in Junior Golf

05:59 Nurturing Young Golfers: Parental Influence

08:56 Age-Specific Guidance for Young Golfers

12:08 Building Resilience in Young Athletes

15:09 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation

17:48 Developing Competitive Nature in Golf

21:05 Focusing on Process Over Results in Golf

26:51 Letting Go of Bad Days

29:13 The Bad Lie: Rethinking Golf Instruction

31:08 Misconceptions in Golf Instruction for Older Players

34:26 Injury Prevention and Swing Mechanics

37:34 The Importance of Control Over Distance

39:53 Simplifying the Short Game

46:40 Strategies for Lowering Scores

50:44 Encouraging Greatness in Young Athletes

Links: 

Todd Kolb

Twitter: https://x.com/usgolftv

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

Book: The Bad Lie https://www.badliegolfbook.com/

Website: https://usgolftv.com/

The Golf Parent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent, I sit down with renowned golf coach Jim Waldron to uncover the secrets to mastering both the technical and mental sides of the game. Jim shares his holistic approach to golf instruction, emphasizing the vital connection between the mind and body. We explore how cultural conditioning shapes beliefs about performance, self-worth, and resilience—and how to break free from limiting mindsets.

Jim offers invaluable insights for parents, discussing how to support young athletes in building confidence while separating their self-worth from performance outcomes. He shares techniques for taming the mind, enhancing focus, and fostering a positive internal narrative, all of which are essential for success on and off the course.

Whether you're a parent navigating the challenges of junior golf or a player seeking to unlock your full potential, this episode delivers powerful strategies to build resilience, sharpen focus, and elevate performance.

Subscribe now for more expert tips on raising junior golf champions both on and off the course!

Chapters

00:00 The Holistic Approach to Golf Instruction

02:51 Cultural Conditioning and Belief Systems

06:01 Mind-Body Connection vs. Dualism

08:48 Parenting and Mental Resilience in Sports

12:01 Balancing Authority and Nurturing in Parenting

14:50 Separating Self-Worth from Performance

18:06 Unconditional Confidence and Its Importance

21:01 The Power of Positive Storytelling

23:56 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

26:49 The Nature of Consciousness and Reality

36:09 The Nature of Psychological Reality

39:30 Taming the Mind: Techniques for Focus

43:48 Consciousness vs. Mind: Understanding the Difference

46:24 Focal Points in Golf: The Mental Game

57:51 Creating a Positive Mindset in Golf

01:05:23 Parenting and Supporting Young Golfers

Links: 

Jim Waldron

Website - ⁠https://www.balancepointgolf.com

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa3zkcVp_gZ2Eq_-ElaLF8g

Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/balancepointgolf/

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/balancepointgolf/

The Golf Parent

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In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, I sit down with Virgil Herring, a leading voice in junior golf coaching, to explore what it takes to develop not just great golfers but extraordinary individuals. Virgil shares his philosophy on balancing speed, grit, and mental resilience to help young players thrive both on and off the course. He reveals why struggle is essential for success, how parents can model the right behaviors, and why fostering autonomy and fun in golf is key to long-term development.

We also dive into the emotional dynamics of youth sports and the crucial role parents play. Virgil offers actionable advice on maintaining a balance between praise and critique, managing competitive pressure, and using golf as a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges. From building confidence through competition to the transformative power of positive self-talk and hypnosis, this conversation is packed with insights for parents, coaches, and junior golfers alike.

Whether your child is just starting out or competing at the highest levels, this episode provides invaluable strategies to help them excel while keeping the game fun and meaningful.

Subscribe now for more expert tips on raising junior golf champions both on and off the course, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Junior Golf Coaching

02:58 The Importance of Speed in Golf

05:52 Complacency and the Struggle for Success

09:05 Instilling Grit and Passion in Kids

11:53 The Role of Parents in Fostering Grit

14:53 Creating a Fun Learning Environment

17:53 The Mental Game of Golf

20:48 Using Golf as a Life Coaching Tool

24:09 The Importance of Competition in Development

26:47 Self-Talk and Mental Resilience

34:45 Navigating Parental Support in Sports

41:01 The Balance of Praise and Critique

45:48 The Power of Immersive Presence

53:30 Harnessing the Mind: Hypnosis in Sports

01:07:16 Encouraging Fun and Autonomy in Children

Links: 

Virgil Herring

Website - https://virgilherring.com/

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/virgil.herring/⁠

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/virgil.herring

X - https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fvirgiltourspin

Books - https://virgilherring.com/books-by-virgil-herring/

Podcast:  On the Virg

The Golf Parent

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Unlock the secrets to raising junior golf champions in this exclusive episode with Tony Ruggiero, one of the most trusted and respected voices in golf instruction. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or coach guiding a young golfer—or a parent of a multi-sport athlete with dreams of going pro—this video is packed with invaluable advice to help your child thrive on and off the course.

Tony dives deep into the challenges and rewards of junior golf development.

Key Takeaways:

This conversation goes beyond swing mechanics and tournament prep—it’s about helping your child grow into a confident, self-aware individual. Tony offers actionable strategies for parents to support their child’s journey while empowering them to take ownership of their progress.

Whether your child is aiming for a college golf scholarship, junior tournament success, or simply to become their best self, this episode is your roadmap to success.

Subscribe now for more expert tips on raising junior golf champions, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Junior Golf

03:03 Offering Comprehensive Coaching for Junior Golfers

05:00 Managing Expectations and Providing Realistic Feedback

08:55 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf

15:19 The Importance of Overall Athletic Development

20:03 Avoiding Undue Pressure on Young Players

27:43 Choosing the Right Coach for Junior Golfers

30:28 The Impact of the Coach-Player Relationship

31:39 Life Skills and Mental Development

33:29 Qualities of Great Players

34:19 Supporting Junior Golfers

38:05 Taking Responsibility and Embracing Failure

44:26 Parental Role in Junior Golf

46:30 Letting Children Take Ownership

50:15 Authenticity and Communication

53:57 Accepting Failure and Setting Boundaries

Links: 

Tony Ruggiero

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedewsweeper

Website - https://dewsweepersgolf.com/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DewsweeperTV

The Golf Parent

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

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In today’s episode, I sit down with Andrew Rice, the ‘Every Day Golfer’s Coach,’ to discuss the secret sauce behind junior golf development. As the Director of Instruction at The Club at Savannah Harbor, a GolfPass instructor and one of Golf Digest’s Top 50 Teachers in America, Andrew brings nearly 25 years of experience to the table. He’s coached golfers of all levels, and in this conversation, we explore what it takes to foster a winning mindset in young athletes.

We dive deep into the competitive side of golf—Andrew explains why competition is key to developing skills and how frequent tournaments help junior players elevate their game. He shares the unique aspects of South African golf culture and how role models can inspire young players to push harder and dream bigger. Andrew emphasizes the importance of falling in love with the game before anything else and gives us an inside look at how a well-rounded junior program focuses more on playing the game than chasing rankings.

This episode is packed with valuable insights on cultivating a competitive mindset, the role of the driver in modern golf, and how to develop young golfers into champions, both on and off the course. Don't miss this powerful conversation with one of the top golf instructors in the world!

Takeaways

South Africa produces great golfers due to a love for sport and the presence of role models like Gary Player and Ernie Els.

Role models inspire young players and create a desire to emulate their success.

An effective junior golf program should prioritize frequent tournaments, minimal parental involvement, and a focus on playing the game rather than rankings.

Cultivating a love for the game is crucial for long-term success in golf.

The driver is a crucial club in the modern game, and hitting the ball well and far is more important than putting and short game skills.

Competition and a competitive mindset are essential for success in golf.

Parents should focus on creating great human beings rather than solely focusing on golf success.

Chapters

00:00 The Success of South African Golfers

04:18 The Impact of Role Models

10:33 The Elements of an Effective Junior Golf Program

16:03 Cultivating a Love for the Game

21:45 The Importance of the Driver

28:00 Competition and a Competitive Mindset

37:34 Creating Great Human Beings

Links: 

Andrew Rice

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewricegolf

Website - https://www.andrewricegolf.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/andrewricegolf/

The Golf Parent

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

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent
For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com

James Leitz, a renowned golf instructor and club fitter, shares his journey and insights into the impact of technology on the game of golf. He discusses how he discovered golf by accident and became passionate about improving his skills. Leitz emphasizes the importance of measuring and analyzing the golf swing to understand the impact on ball flight. He explains the four laws of golf: speed, path, face, and impact points, and how they determine the outcome of a shot. Leitz also highlights the challenges of changing mechanics and the need for conscious and competent practice to achieve unconscious competence. In this conversation, James Leitz shares his insights on golf and player development. 

He emphasizes the importance of having a consistent impact point on the clubface for ball control and playing at a high level. Leitz believes that talent plays a significant role in achieving this consistency, but it can also be developed through practice and hand-eye coordination. He discusses the various talents and skills required to be a competitive golfer, including physical fitness, mental toughness, and strategic thinking. Leitz also offers advice to parents of junior golfers, emphasizing the importance of fun, support, and finding the right balance in their child's development.

Takeaways

Technology has revolutionized the game of golf, allowing for more precise measurement and analysis of the golf swing.

The four laws of golf - speed, path, face, and impact points - determine the outcome of a shot.

Changing mechanics requires conscious and competent practice to achieve unconscious competence.

Precision, lack of variance, and mental state are essential for success in golf. Having a consistent impact point on the clubface is crucial for ball control and playing at a high level in golf.

Talent plays a significant role in achieving a consistent impact point, but it can also be developed through practice and hand-eye coordination.

Being a competitive golfer requires a range of talents and skills, including physical fitness, mental toughness, and strategic thinking.

Parents of junior golfers should prioritize fun, support, and finding the right balance in their child's development.

Finding a good instructor who cares about the whole student is important for a golfer's development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:42 The Impact of Technology on Golf

09:54 The Importance of Measurement and Analysis

17:01 The Four Laws of Golf

23:21 Changing Mechanics and Achieving Unconscious Competence

26:44 The Keys to Success in Golf

37:12 The Importance of a Consistent Impact Point

46:58 The Evolution of Golf with Equipment and Instruction

52:26 The Role of Talent in Golf

55:56 The Pitfalls of Being Too Careful

01:01:34 Advice for Parents of Junior Golfers

01:04:03 The Complexities of Golfer Development

01:09:10 The Importance of Finding a Good Instructor

Links

James Leitz

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

Website: https://www.leitzgolf.com/

The Golf Parent

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

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thegolfparent

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

For more information check out www.thegolfparent.com

In this powerhouse episode of The Golf Parent, I welcome two of golf’s elite coaches: Joe Hallett, 2024 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year, and Maureen “Coach Mo” Farrell, acclaimed Director of Instruction at Oakwood Country Club. Joe, a PGA Master Professional, is a fixture on Golf Digest’s Top 50 and has coached legends like Inbee Park and Stacy Lewis, while Coach Mo has spent over 15 years molding talent and is named one of Golf Digest’s "Best Teachers in State" (2022-25), and "Best Young Teachers" (2021-25).

Together, Joe and Coach Mo dive into the game’s secrets, from maximizing distance and speed with the driver to mastering grip pressure and tempo. They break down the body-swing connection using the TPI model, giving parents and juniors practical tools to elevate their game. Their insights into the mental game emphasize the power of curiosity and creativity, with Joe sharing drills for putting mastery and Coach Mo showing how to balance tech with real-world play.