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

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

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

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

X - https://x.com/thegolfparent

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

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

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

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

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.

The episode wraps up with advice every parent needs: fostering resilience, encouraging multi-sport play, and building a positive attitude on and off the course. With wisdom from two of golf’s best, this episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting young golfers in their journey to greatness!

Takeaways:

Swing speed is a crucial factor in golf, and players with higher swing speeds have a competitive advantage.

Equipment, technique, and physical training play significant roles in developing speed and distance.

The TPI model provides valuable resources for parents and coaches to understand the body-swing connection and train juniors effectively.

Firm grip pressure and a three-to-one tempo ratio are recommended for optimal performance.

Having a growth mindset and focusing on the process rather than the outcome can lead to improvement in golf.

Focus on speed control and aim to improve putting performance.

Use drills like the four-foot box and leapfrog to work on speed control.

Read greens by rolling balls towards the hole and observing the break.

Find a balance between technology and on-course performance in golf instruction. Encourage juniors to play multiple sports to develop overall athleticism.

Physical fitness is crucial for junior golfers. On-course play is essential for understanding lies, conditions, and strategy

Simulators are useful for technique training during inclement weather

Foster a positive attitude and focus on enjoyment in the game

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Evolution of Golf

01:08 The Importance of Swing Speed and Distance

03:02 The Role of Instructors and Technology in Golf

06:12 Developing Speed and Distance: Techniques and Training

08:59 Optimizing Performance: Grip Pressure and Tempo

12:29 The TPI Model: Understanding the Body-Swing Connection

19:14 The Role of Mindset and Process-Oriented Approach in Golf

22:26 Embracing a Growth Mindset and Exploration in Golf

24:03 Mastering Speed Control and Aim in Putting

28:27 Drills for Improving Speed Control

29:28 Reading Greens and Understanding Break

43:08 Balancing Technology and On-Course Performance in Golf Instruction

49:45 Introduction

50:17 Developing Well-Rounded Athletes: The Importance of Multiple Sports

53:11 The Role of Physical Fitness in Junior Golf

56:38 The Significance of On-Course Play and Understanding Lies

01:00:28 The Benefits and Limitations of Simulators

01:06:38 Supporting Junior Golfers: Advice for Parents

01:13:37 Fostering a Positive Attitude in Junior Golf

01:14:53 ConclusionLinks:

Joe Hallet

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

Maureen Farrell

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

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

X - https://x.com/coachmogolf

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 episode, I sit down with Matt Thurmond, the 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year and head coach of Arizona State University’s men’s golf team. Since taking the reins in 2016, Matt has transformed ASU into a powerhouse, leading them to 24 tournament wins, back-to-back NCAA Regional titles, and a Pac-12 Championship. Matt’s earned multiple West Region and Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors and coached 11 Sun Devils to 18 All-America honors.

Matt shares his philosophy on balancing success and setbacks, emphasizing mental resilience and the power of a growth mindset. He breaks down the recruiting process, revealing what he looks for in young athletes, and how he customizes his approach for each player’s unique goals and motivations. Matt’s advice goes beyond golf, touching on the importance of supportive relationships and self-forgiveness, offering parents and young players practical ways to thrive under pressure.

With insights into the daily life of a college golfer and the need for mental strength and joy in the game, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, Matt’s perspective on the journey of junior golf is one you don’t want to miss.

Takeaways

Individualized coaching is crucial in understanding and meeting the unique needs and motivations of each player.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recent Success

04:49 Navigating Success and Failure

07:04 Dealing with Disappointment and Learning from Failure

10:02 Coaching and Learning from Inspirational Movies

10:34 Lessons Learned from Coaching for Over Two Decades

15:21 Individualized Coaching and Understanding Players

19:13 Recruiting and Evaluating Potential Players

21:31 The Role of Goals in Achieving Success

24:21 Finding Passion in the Process

28:27 The Underrated Aspect of Relationships in Golf

32:21 The Ability to Forgive and Move On

33:20 A Typical Week for College Golfers

44:45 Manufacturing Pressure in Practice

46:44 Taking Pressure Off Child Golfers

48:54 The Importance of a Growth Mindset

Links:

Matt Thurmond

ASU  - https://www.instagram.com/sundevilmgolf

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

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

On this episode of The Golf Parent, I sit down with the original "Golf Sherpa" and one of the most fascinating figures in the world of golf, Kevin Kirk. Kevin isn’t just any coach—he’s a 2019 PGA Coach of the Year, a deep thinker, a culture creator, and an all-around incredible human being whose wisdom has profoundly shaped my approach to coaching and training. We’re even teaming up on some exciting future projects that I can’t wait to share with you.

Kevin’s track record speaks for itself. He’s the driving force behind the success of elite players like Patrick Reed, Lexi Thompson, and many others on tour. But beyond his impressive resume, Kevin is known for his unique perspective on developing talent and the mental game. He believes that success hinges on hyper-intentionality—having a crystal-clear vision of goals and the discipline to achieve them. Kevin explains how he identifies promising junior golfers, what he looks for in an athlete’s mindset, and the traits that make someone truly stand out.

In our conversation, Kevin shares invaluable insights into the mental side of the game. From object meditation and controlled breathing techniques to building resilience and learning from failure, he discusses powerful tools that parents, coaches, and athletes can use to prepare for the national stage and beyond. We dive into navigating difficult personalities, cultivating a winning culture, and understanding the nuances of long-term athlete development. Kevin even shares why he encourages multi-sport engagement to build physical literacy and transferable skills.

Get ready to learn from one of the most interesting men in golf as we explore what it truly means to raise a champion, both on and off the course.

Don’t miss this one—it’s packed with insights that could change the way you think about the journey to greatness.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:27 What to Look for in Promising Junior Golfers

02:21 Hyper-intentionality and Clear Goals

03:21 The Role of Exceptional Traits

03:50 The Importance of Adversity and Resilience

07:08 The Significance of Culture in Golf

11:35 Focusing on Specific Outcomes

16:20 Crystallizing Possibilities and Visualization

19:57 Managing Energy and Staying Present

24:32 The Role of Eye Movement and Breathing

27:14 Object Meditation and Stillness

30:12 Coaching Difficult Personalities

32:40 Mindset and Mental Preparation

38:31 Pitfalls in the Transition to Professional

45:34 Developing Physical Literacy

51:36 The Benefits of Running

56:20 Parenting in Sports

Links:

Kevin Kirk

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kirk-ba56b45

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

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