Golf IQ Golf Dad Part 5: Erik Barzeski on how to switch between father and instructor
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Mar 2, 2026 Erik Barzeski, PGA professional and Director of Instruction who coaches juniors and authored work on coaching. He talks about switching between father and instructor roles. He covers post-round debriefs, when to give advice, recognizing kids’ stress styles, and balancing fun with development. He also discusses competition choices, parental pressure, and limits of tech vs on-course play.
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Handwritten Car Ride Score Sheet Backfired
- Erik kept a handwritten shot sheet from 100 yards away to track his stepdaughter's shots during rounds.
- She sometimes asked for it immediately and wasn’t emotionally ready, which turned discussions judgmental.
Know Your Child's Stress Style
- Children process stress differently; parents must learn their child's coping style before reacting.
- Barzeski learned his stepdaughter was a catastrophizer and adjusted by asking her perspective first and delaying feedback.
Ask The Player To Describe The Round First
- Let the junior lead the post-round conversation and ask for their interpretation first.
- Erik suggests asking the player what they thought happened before offering your analysis or corrections.