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The Golf Parent

Ryan Addams

The #1 Golf Podcast for Parents

Empowering parents to raise future champions, The Golf Parent is the ultimate guide to junior golf. Each episode offers in-depth insights into the mental game, course strategy, biomechanics, full swing, short game, and more, with a focus on building success both on and off the course.

Powerhouse Guests include PGA Master Professionals, top Div1 coaches, best-selling authors, mental and performance experts, current PGA and LPGA players, and parents of pros—offering expert insights, proven strategies, and inspiration for parents supporting their junior golfers.

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  • 64 episodes
  • Updated July 22

Episodes64

Newest first
  • Nov 16, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min

    Technology and Junior Golf - Insights From Global Expert: James Leitz

    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

  • Nov 15, 2024 · 1 hr 16 min

    Speed, Putting Drills and All Things Junior Golf: Joe Hallet and Maureen ‘Coach Mo’ Farrell

    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

  • Nov 14, 2024 · 52 min

    Taking Pressure off Junior Golfers with 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year: Matt Thurmond (ASU)

    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 Success and failure are part of everyone's journey, and it's important to acknowledge and learn from both. Individualized coaching is crucial in understanding and meeting the unique needs and motivations of each player. Belief in oneself and deep understanding of one's abilities are key to achieving success in golf and in life. Goals should be driven by personal beliefs and serve as directional beacons rather than strict targets. Enjoying the process and finding passion in what you do is more important than focusing solely on the end result. Having a healthy and supportive relationship outside of the game can have a big impact on a golfer's mental, physical, and emotional state. Elite-level golfers are driven and hard on themselves, but they also have the ability to forgive themselves and move on from mistakes. A typical week for college golfers includes practice, workouts, and competition preparation, with a focus on improving all areas of the game. Manufacturing pressure in practice can be done through team drills, inviting spectators, and tracking results. Parents should take pressure off their child golfer and not tie their own happiness to their child's performance. Reading Carol Dweck's 'Mindset' is recommended for parents and players to understand the importance of a growth mindset. 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

  • Nov 14, 2024 · 56 min

    Mastering the Mental Game: Kevin Kirk’s Blueprint for Junior Golf Success

    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 Success in golf requires hyper-intentionality—a clear picture of goals and intentions. Exceptional traits, in physical skills or character, set standout golfers apart. Facing and overcoming adversity builds resilience and the ability to manage failure. A supportive culture is crucial to achieve desired outcomes in golf. Techniques like object meditation and controlled breathing help golfers stay present and manage energy. Coaching difficult personalities involves being non-reactive, recognizing patterns, and finding teachable moments. Mental prep techniques, including hypnosis, can aid competition readiness. Young athletes should focus on long-term growth, not fast-tracking, to ease transitions from junior to professional levels. Multi-sport engagement builds physical literacy and transferable skills. Running supports physical fitness, tapping into our evolutionary strengths. Parents should support their child’s sports journey, teaching resilience and life skills along the way. 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