What really separates young athletes who thrive… from those who burn out? In this episode, Ryan Addams sits down with performance expert and coach Liam Mucklow, founder of The Golf Lab and co-founder of the Baseball Performance Lab, to unpack the real science behind athletic development—and what parents get wrong.

From statistical tracking and biological age to the role of speed and nutrition, Liam shares cutting-edge insights that every golf parent should hear. You’ll learn why multi-sport participation beats early specialization, how to help your child avoid burnout, and what Liam believes is the single biggest predictor of long-term success in sport.

If you want your kid to play better, feel better, and stay in love with the game, this episode is required listening.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Statistical tracking is crucial for understanding performance.
Parents should focus on their child's process, not just outcomes.
Multi-sport participation enhances athletic development.
Understanding biological age is key in training young athletes.
Speed training is essential in early development stages.
Parents should let kids play independently in tournaments.
Nutrition and sleep are foundational for athletic performance.
Athletic fundamentals should be prioritized over sport specialization.
The right sports can develop essential skills for golf.
Parental involvement should be supportive, not controlling.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Liam Mucklow's Day and Expertise
03:00 The Intersection of Technology and Sports
05:48 Understanding Performance Metrics in Golf
09:08 The Importance of Statistical Tracking for Young Golfers
11:40 Biological Development and Athletic Training
14:54 The Role of Speed in Early Athletic Development
17:56 Choosing the Right Sports for Young Athletes
20:44 The Benefits of Badminton and Other Sports for Golfers
27:48 The Power of Names and Connections
30:58 Choosing Sports for Kids: Fun vs. Skill
32:30 Building Athletes, Not Just Golfers
34:01 The Importance of Explosive Sports
35:58 Personal Reflections on Biomechanics and Golf
37:46 The Role of Parents in Sports
39:45 Nutrition and Sleep: The Foundation of Performance
41:35 Fostering a Healthy Mindset in Young Athletes
44:20 Tools for Understanding Young Athletes
46:33 Engaging with the Golf Community
48:36 The Role of Parents in Golf Tournaments
51:33 The Consequences of Toxic Parenting in Sports

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by Tour Striker, trusted by the world’s best coaches and golf parents who want real progress.

🔥 Use code GOLFPARENT at ⁠www.tourstriker.com⁠ for 15% off everything—yes, even sale items.Whether your junior golfer is chasing a scholarship or just trying to break 90, Tour Striker is a game-changer.

🔗 Connect with Liam Mucklow:

🌐 Website: https://www.mygolflab.ca/

📸 The Golf Lab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolflab/⁠⁠

📸 Liam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liammucklow/

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

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

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

📺 YouTube: ⁠⁠@thegolfparent

⁠⁠🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube