The Golf Parent

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan sits down with Harrison Kovelman to explore a non-traditional path into the game and what it reveals about developing junior golfers the right way. Harrison didn’t grow up playing elite junior golf. In fact, he didn’t even pick up the game until age 19. But what started as curiosity quickly turned into passion, and that passion evolved into a career in coaching, content creation, and helping others fall in love with the game.This conversation challenges many of the assumptions parents have about junior golf development. Harrison emphasizes that fun is not just a bonus, it’s the foundation. When kids enjoy the game, they stay longer, practice more, and develop more naturally. Instead of obsessing over distance or early results, he explains why solid contact, creativity, and a strongshort game should take priority in the early stages.Ryan and Harrison also dive into how technology is reshaping golf and how parents can use it as a tool without letting it become a crutch. From launch monitors to content creation, the modern game offers more opportunities than ever for young players to grow, improve, and even build a personal brand. Harrison shares why intentional practice matters more than volume and how anyone, regardless of skill level, can document their journey and become a golf influencer.This episode is a powerful reminder that there’s no single path in golf. Whether your child is just starting out or already competing, the goal is to build a love for the process, not just chase results.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Fun is the foundation for long term development in junior golf- Starting later in golf does not limit long term success- Solid contact and short game matter more than distance early on- Creative and engaging practice keeps kids invested in the game- Technology can accelerate development when used intentionally- Intentional practice beats mindless repetition every time- Anyone can become a golf influencer by sharing their journey- Enjoying the process is essential for growth and consistency⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Harrison’s Unique Journey Into Golf07:43 Why Fun Matters When Introducing Kids to Golf11:38 How to Properly Develop Junior Golfers17:19 The Role of Technology in Modern Golf24:34 Intentional Practice vs Mindless Reps32:18 Becoming a Golf Influencer Today📩 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 Harrison Kovelman:📸 Instagram: @swingsimplegolf🌐 Website: https://swingsimplegolf.kit.com/📧 Email: Harrisonk@swingsimplegolf.com📺 YouTube:  ⁨@swingsimplegolf🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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.