The Golf Parent

What’s the difference between a golf teacher and a golf coach , and why does it matter for junior golf development? In this episode of The Golf Parent , we sit down with VJ Trolio , one of the top golf instructors in the country, to explore the keys to developing junior golfers into champions. Trolio, author of Only One Shot: Creating a Discipline Defined and Love-Driven Environment for Junior Gol...

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...

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 visualizatio...

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...

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 proc...

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...

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 pa...

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...

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, w...

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,...

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...

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...

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 exciti...