The Golf Parent Colin Morikawa’s Mental Coach Since Age 8 — Dr. Rick Sessinghaus
What does it take to guide a junior golfer from their first swing… all the way to winning multiple major championships? In this episode, Ryan Addams sits down with Dr. Rick Sessinghaus — Colin Morikawa’s lifelong mental coach — to reveal the mindset, habits, and parenting approaches that shape champions.
From building confidence before tournaments to handling the pressure of the world stage, Dr. Rick breaks down the same mental tools he’s been teaching Colin for nearly two decades. You’ll learn how to keep your child’s love for golf alive, prevent burnout, and help them perform when it matters most.
If you’ve ever wondered how to develop a resilient, confident, and happy young golfer — this is the playbook.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Results-only thinking can destroy a junior golfer’s passion.
Confidence comes from preparation, not praise alone.
Pre-shot routines should address the mind, emotions, and body.
Visualization helps players perform under pressure.
“Anchoring the good ones” locks in positive memories and feelings.
Parents should model composure and resilience on the course.
Performance anxiety often stems from fear of future outcomes.
Development beats rankings in the long run.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro + Colin Morikawa’s Early Years with Dr. Rick
02:33 – Development Over Outcome: The Winning Mindset
06:40 – Understanding and Easing Performance Anxiety
10:07 – How to Build Resilience in Young Athletes
12:14 – Curiosity as a Secret Training Weapon
16:22 – The 3-Part Pre-Shot Routine for Consistency
18:55 – Anchoring Positive Moments for Confidence
25:09 – Identity Beyond the Scorecard
29:57 – Visualization Drills Used at the Pro Level
34:46 – Learning from Mistakes Without Judgment
42:02 – Dr. Rick’s Final Advice for Parents
💥 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 (all caps) at www.tourstriker.com for 15% off everything — 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 Dr. Rick Sessinghaus:
🌐 Website: https://theflowcode.com/golf-academy/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowcodegolf/
🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:
🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegolfparent/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegolfparent
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