The Golf Parent

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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In this eye-opening episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Scott Fawcett — former pro golfer, data-driven strategist, and creator of the DECADE system that has reshaped how elite players think about scoring. Scott breaks down the real math behind great golf and explains why smarter decisions, not prettier swings, separate top performers from everyone else.

Together, Ryan and Scott dig into the biggest myths in golf, from aiming at pins to overvaluing “feel” on the greens. Scott explains why bogey avoidance matters more than hunting birdies, how junior golfers can use data to make better choices, and why mindset and emotional control remain the ultimate separating factors on the course.

For golf parents navigating swing advice overload, this episode offers clarity, simplicity, and actionable wisdom. Scott’s insights will reshape how you coach, support, and think about your junior’s development — and why better decisions always beat harder swings.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Scott Fawcett’s evolution from pro golfer to strategy pioneer

- Course management is the fastest path to lower scores

- Many golf myths hold juniors back from real progress

- Mindset and emotional control matter more than perfect swings

- Golfers must balance mechanics with strategy for long-term success

- Data analysis is changing how modern golf is played

- Bogey avoidance is more valuable than chasing birdies

- Technology will continue to shape golf’s future

- Realistic expectations improve performance and enjoyment

- Systems and structure create better decisions under pressure

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 The Genesis of a Visionary

02:51 Revolutionizing Golf with Data

06:01 Debunking Golf Myths

08:45 The Art of Target Selection

11:42 Teaching Course Management

15:10 Balancing Mechanics and Strategy

18:02 Lessons from a Hothead

20:48 Understanding Expectations in Golf

23:48 The Importance of Putting Strategy

29:12 Optimizing Putting Strategies

31:03 Mindset in Golf: Aggressive vs. Conservative

33:13 Teaching Golf to Young Players

38:54 The Importance of Distance in Golf

40:46 Mindset of Elite Golfers

44:57 Advice for Golf Parents

47:43 The DECADE App: A Game Changer

48:56 AimPoint & Tour Read: The Future of Putting

52:52 Creativity in Golf: Is It Dead?

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by DECADE Golf, the proven strategy platform helping juniors and pros play with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

🔗 Connect with Scott Fawcett & DECADE Golf:

🌐 Website: https://decade.golf/

📸 Instagram: @decade_golf

✉️ Email: [email protected]

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scottfawcett3290

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams welcomes back world-renowned coach Kevin Kirk for a deep dive into the realities of youth sports, mastery, and the modern challenges facing golf parents. Kevin shares decades of wisdom from coaching elite players, revealing why intentionality, self-awareness, and personal mastery matter far more than early success or perfect swings.

Together, Ryan and Kevin explore how parents can better understand their child’s individual journey by replacing pressure with purpose, guidance, and reflection. They discuss how to build true mental toughness, why technology can accelerate (but never replace) hard work, and how to foster a “warrior culture” rooted in resilience, curiosity, and personal responsibility.

This episode is a must-listen for golf parents, coaches, and young athletes seeking clarity in a world overwhelmed with noise and expectations. Kevin’s message is a reminder that greatness is not found in shortcuts — it’s earned through intention, introspection, and understanding the path that belongs uniquely to you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Each child’s path is unique and requires individualized parenting

- Mastery begins with intentional practice and clear purpose

- Technology is helpful, but never a replacement for effort

- The unseen work behind success matters more than results

- True toughness comes from building a warrior mindset

- Introspection helps athletes align actions with goals

- Youth sports should focus on developing well-rounded athletes

- Self-awareness is essential for long-term growth

- A strong culture allows excellence to emerge

- The journey matters more than early specialization

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Full Circle — A Return to the Podcast

03:07 Navigating Life Transitions: Parenting to Personal Growth

05:59 Parenting Insights: Universal Truths & Individual Differences

08:39 Education in a Changing World: Teaching Critical Thinking

11:41 Technology’s Role in Golf & Mastery

14:30 Mastery: The Pathway to Success in Golf

17:35 The Mindset of a Golf Warrior

32:30 Building a Warrior Culture

38:20 The Power of Intention

42:54 Understanding Personal Goals

49:46 Navigating Youth Golf Development

01:00:41 Why Multi-Sport Participation Still Matters

💥 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 Kevin Kirk:

📸 Instagram: @kevinkirkgolf

🌐 Email: / [email protected]

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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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

🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube