Golf IQ Golf Dad Part 2: Johnson Wagner on raising a competitive golfer
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Feb 9, 2026 Johnson Wagner, three-time PGA Tour winner and CBS Golf broadcaster, reflects on raising his son Graham in the game. He discusses starting with fun clinics, avoiding pressure and forced tournaments, and teaching emotional control over swing fixes. They cover pacing development, modeling supportive parenting, exposure to pros, course management, and how teammates and internal drive shape competitive junior golfers.
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Family Introduced Golf Naturally
- Johnson Wagner grew up playing golf as a family activity with parents who didn't push him hard.
- His grandfather served on the USGA executive committee, so golf was in the family's DNA.
Make Early Practice Fun And Short
- Make early golf experiences fun and short to match a child's attention span.
- Use treats and social play to build positive associations rather than forcing long practice sessions.
Teach Reaction Control, Not Swing Fixes
- Avoid coaching your child’s swing yourself; hire a teacher for foundational skills.
- Teach kids to control their reaction to bad shots instead of trying to control the shot itself.