The Golf Parent

Putting is often treated like an art form in golf, something mysterious that only the best players seem to understand. But according to AimPoint founder Mark Sweeney, great green reading isn’t magic at all. It’s science.In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with the man who changed the way many of the world’s best players read greens. Mark explains how the AimPoint system works, why slope is the most important factor in predicting break, and how golfers can learn to read putts with surprising accuracy using simple physical feedback.The conversation breaks down some of the biggest myths in putting, including why golfers often misjudge where a putt actually breaks and why the middle portion of the putt matters far more than the final few feet near the hole. Mark also explains why speed control is the true foundation of great putting, and how players who master distance control dramaticallyimprove their ability to hole more putts.For junior golfers and their parents, this episode highlights why developing a strong short game early can create a massive competitive advantage. Mark also discusses how data and analytics are transforming golf, and why the next generation of players will rely more on objective information than guesswork.Whether your junior golfer is struggling to read greens or simply wants to gain an edge on the putting surface, this conversation reveals the science behind one of the most important skills in the game.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Reading greens is primarily science rather than guesswork or feel- The middle portion of the putt determines most of the break- Speed control is the foundation of great putting- AimPoint allows golfers to predict break on nearly any putt- Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important in golf development- Young golfers who develop strong short game skills gain a major competitive advantage- Enjoying the game is still one of the most important factors in long-term success⏱️ Chapters:00:00 The Science of Reading Greens05:43 How AimPoint Simplifies Green Reading11:39 Why Speed Control Is the Key to Great Putting17:15 Where Golfers Should Focus During a Putt25:17 Why AimPoint Is Growing on Tour30:50 Handling Double Break Putts37:08 Why Short Game Wins Tournaments45:05 Data and the Future of Golf Performance49:06 Advice for Junior Golfers⛳️ For young golfers and families, check out Adventures of Chase and Bella, a children’s book about friendship, golf, and big dreams. Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/dp/1069647101📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/🔗 Connect with Mark Sweeney & AimPoint:📸 Instagram: @Aimpointgolf🌐 Website: https://aimpointgolf.com/📧 Email: contact@simpoint.com📺 YouTube:  ⁨@aimpointgolf⁩  🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

What if your junior golfer could gain real speed without grinding endlessly on the range? In this episode, Dr. Sasho MacKenzie joins Ryan to unpack the science behind speed training, biomechanics, and athletic development in junior golf. As one of the leading minds behind The Stack System, Dr. MacKenzie explains how overload and overspeed training can safely unlockpower while protecting long term development. The conversation dives into why speed is such a powerful performance driver, how average golfers have gained over 10 mph through structured training, and why developmental windows matter more than chronological age. Dr. MacKenzie also challenges traditional putting instruction with innovative approaches like heads up putting and explains why multi sport participation may be one of the biggest advantages young golfers can have. For golf parents, this episode is both exciting and grounding. Yes, speed matters. Yes, science works. But expectations must be realistic, training must be balanced, and fun must remain at the center. If you want your junior to build athleticism the right way while avoiding burnout and injury,this is a must listen.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Speed training can produce significant gains when applied correctly- Overload and overspeed training are foundational for swing speed development- Biomechanics help optimize performance while reducing injury risk- Developmental windows depend on maturity, not just age- Multi sport participation builds better long term golfers- Innovative putting techniques can improve feel and target awareness- Balanced training protects motivation and physical health- Parents should focus on enjoyment and sustainable progress⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sasho MacKenzie01:46 From Kinesiology to Golf Innovation03:20 Applying Track and Field Principles to Golf10:15 The Stack System and Speed Training Explained13:41 How Golfers Gain 10+ MPH16:05 The Science of Putting and Target Focus26:54 Heads Up Putting and Performance Feel32:20 Rethinking Traditional Putting Methods36:40 Practice, Expectations, and Parenting Perspective44:57 Developmental Windows in Youth Sports53:35 Why The Stack System Is a Game Changer for Juniors⛳️ For young golfers and families, check out Adventures of Chase and Bella, a children’s book about friendship, golf, and big dreams. Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/📩 Want to avoid the most common mistakes golf parents make? Download our free guide 99 Mistakes Golf Parents Make by submitting your email here: https://www.thegolfparent.com/🔗 Connect with Dr. Sasho MacKenzie:📸 Instagram: @Sashomackenzie & @thestacksystem🌐 Website: https://www.thestacksystem.com🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Patrick Sebastien, former Muay Thai and MMA coach turned golf performance trainer, blends breathwork, meditation and athletic training for junior golfers. He explores trainable flow states, three practical breathing techniques for on-course calm, and how martial arts build discipline, confidence and emotional control. Practical drills and parent modeling round out a plan to develop complete, resilient young athletes.

Jonathan Yarwood, a world‑renowned junior development coach and PGA Master Professional, shares decades of experience guiding elite juniors to scholarships and wins. He talks about why enjoyment must come first. He explains building grit through challenge, creating personalized, data‑driven practice plans, and ways parents can support long‑term growth without pressure.

Chris Parra, SMU head men's golf coach and former Canadian Tour pro, offers a candid look at college recruiting, team culture, and mental skills. He discusses resilience, beating perfectionism, breathing and visualization techniques, realistic recruiting strategies, and how families can support juniors through the college transition.

Jeff Leishman, a touring coach who has developed pros like Daniel Berger, shares how modern coaching builds the whole athlete. He discusses evaluating swings by power and predictability, training speed and resilience, why 40–140 yards and greenside proximity matter, and how to avoid burnout with smart scheduling and recovery.

Mark Govier, world-class coach and PGA advanced fellow who develops juniors into pros. He discusses why multi-sport foundations and emotional resilience matter. He outlines structured practice: form, randomized skill work, and testing. He stresses self-coaching, journaling to find a personal performance formula, and how parents can support without adding pressure.

Josh Zander, Class A PGA teacher and longtime Stanford instructor, shares coaching wisdom from 30+ years shaping juniors. He talks grip as golf’s gateway to power and consistency. He discusses driver confidence, authentic swings, the parent role in creating safety and joy, and the mental traits that separate top juniors.

Tim Cooke, PGA Master Professional and former Division I player with training in pedagogy, biomechanics and sports psychology, explains what shapes durable junior golfers. He covers posture and a neutral lower spine, five-ball practice sets, mapping practice around tournaments, why age sixteen matters for commitment, preventing burnout with multi-sport play and how parents can align with coaches.

In this eye-opening episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Scott Fawcett — former pro golfer, data-driven strategist, and creator of the DECADE system that has reshaped how elite players think about scoring. Scott breaks down the real math behind great golf and explains why smarter decisions, not prettier swings, separate top performers from everyone else.Together, Ryan and Scott dig into the biggest myths in golf, from aiming at pins to overvaluing “feel” on the greens. Scott explains why bogey avoidance matters more than hunting birdies, how junior golfers can use data to make better choices, and why mindset and emotional control remain the ultimate separating factors on the course.For golf parents navigating swing advice overload, this episode offers clarity, simplicity, and actionable wisdom. Scott’s insights will reshape how you coach, support, and think about your junior’s development — and why better decisions always beat harder swings.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Scott Fawcett’s evolution from pro golfer to strategy pioneer- Course management is the fastest path to lower scores- Many golf myths hold juniors back from real progress- Mindset and emotional control matter more than perfect swings- Golfers must balance mechanics with strategy for long-term success- Data analysis is changing how modern golf is played- Bogey avoidance is more valuable than chasing birdies- Technology will continue to shape golf’s future- Realistic expectations improve performance and enjoyment- Systems and structure create better decisions under pressure⏱️ Chapters:00:00 The Genesis of a Visionary02:51 Revolutionizing Golf with Data06:01 Debunking Golf Myths08:45 The Art of Target Selection11:42 Teaching Course Management15:10 Balancing Mechanics and Strategy18:02 Lessons from a Hothead20:48 Understanding Expectations in Golf23:48 The Importance of Putting Strategy29:12 Optimizing Putting Strategies31:03 Mindset in Golf: Aggressive vs. Conservative33:13 Teaching Golf to Young Players38:54 The Importance of Distance in Golf40:46 Mindset of Elite Golfers44:57 Advice for Golf Parents47:43 The DECADE App: A Game Changer48:56 AimPoint & Tour Read: The Future of Putting52:52 Creativity in Golf: Is It Dead?💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by DECADE Golf, the proven strategy platform helping juniors and pros play with clarity, confidence, and purpose.🔗 Connect with Scott Fawcett & DECADE Golf:🌐 Website: https://decade.golf/📸 Instagram: @decade_golf✉️ Email: scott@playinglesson.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scottfawcett3290 🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube