The Golf Parent

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

Kevin Kirk, world-renowned golf coach known for developing elite players, shares wisdom on mastery, intentional practice, and building a warrior culture. He discusses individualized journeys, why technology cannot replace deliberate effort, and the unseen work behind breakthroughs. Short, direct lessons on mental toughness, critical thinking, and avoiding early specialization.

The college golf recruiting process can feel like a mystery — for both parents and players. In this episode, Coach Todd Oehrlein pulls back the curtain on how college programs actually evaluate prospective student-athletes, what separates elite recruits from the rest, and how parents can best support their junior golfers through the emotional rollercoaster of commitments, calls, and expectations.first DM exchanges to analyzing phone calls and understanding academic fit. He explains why patience, passion, and emotional control are just as important as swing mechanics — and how the right mindset can make all the difference when a scholarship offer is on the line.For golf parents navigating the recruiting maze, this is a must-listen episode that will help you guide your child with confidence, clarity, and perspective.🔑 Key Takeaways:- The recruitment process starts with real conversations, not just stats- Academic fit is a major factor for both schools and athletes- Verbal commitments come before written ones — patience matters- Coaches value relentlessness, passion, and self-awareness over perfection- Parents should balance support with realistic expectations- Debriefing after tournaments builds resilience and growth- Emotional regulation is a key differentiator in performance⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mike Thomas: The Golf Parent’s Perspective02:54 The Journey of a Golf Parent: Plans and Intentions05:53 Recognizing Talent: Moments of Realization08:46 The Balance of Coaching and Parenting11:55 Key Personality Traits of Successful Junior Golfers15:01 Navigating Modern Parenting in Junior Golf17:39 The Role of Structure and Passion in Development20:59 Understanding Parent-Child Dynamics in Sports23:57 Maintaining a Healthy Parent-Coach Relationship26:36 The Role of Parents in Golf Instruction27:44 Overrated and Underrated Aspects of Golf Instruction31:21 Mental Game and Self-Talk in Golf33:40 Physical Preparation and Training for Golf36:33 A Week in the Life of a Professional Golfer42:32 Staying Fit and Flexible as a Golfer45:35 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Excitement48:42 Advice for Golf Parents💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by Caddy Daddy, trusted by golfers and parents who want durable, innovative gear that protects their equipment and travels as hard as they play.🔗 Connect with Todd Oehrlein:🌐 Email: / TSO@athletics.wisc.edu🔗 Connect with Caddy Daddy:🌐 Website: https://caddydaddygolf.com/📸 Instagram: @caddydaddygolf🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Welcome to The Golf Parent, where golf’s top minds share the secrets and systems that help your junior golfer win—on and off the course.In this episode, Ryan sits down with Andrew Summers, the founder and visionary behind the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA). From its private golf course to its 100-student cap, IJGA redefines what quality training and holistic development look like. Andrew shares how theacademy blends world-class coaching, fitness training, and academic excellence within a culturally diverse environment that helps young athletes mature into disciplined, confident, and globally aware individuals.Parents will hear what questions to ask when choosing a boarding-school-style golf academy, how independence and character shape long-term success, and why “golf heaven” isn’t just about perfect fairways—it’s about preparing kids for life beyond the game.🔑 Key Takeaways:- IJGA delivers elite training with a private golf course and world-class coaches- Capping enrollment at 100 ensures individual attention and quality development- Independence and character are central to the IJGA philosophy- Cultural diversity creates empathy, perspective, and maturity- Fitness is essential for both performance and injury prevention- Academic partnerships support balanced student-athlete growth- Parents should do their due diligence when evaluating golf academies- Summer and winter camps introduce younger golfers to academy life⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IJGA03:03 – Building “Golf Heaven” in Florida05:54 – Why Capping Enrollment at 100 Matters08:53 – Year-Round Golf and Growth Opportunities11:54 – The Boarding-School Advantage14:48 – Developing Independence & Character17:41 – Cultural Diversity and Peer Influence21:02 – Life, Food, and Community at IJGA27:00 – The Role of Fitness in Junior Golf34:55 – Academic Excellence & School Partnerships49:56 – Choosing the Right Academy for Your Child55:40 – Summer and Winter Camp Pathways01:02:56 – Final Thoughts on Golf, Growth, and Character💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.🔗 Connect with Andrew Summers:🌐 Email: / Andrew.summers@IJGA.com🔗 Connect with IJGA:🌐 Website: https://ijga.com/📸 Instagram: ijga_bishopsgate 🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Christina Lecuyer, former professional golfer turned confidence coach, to explore what real confidence means in sports and life. Christina’s story — from picking up golf at 18 to competing professionally — is proof that mindset, not mechanics, often determines success. Christina shares powerful lessons on detaching self-worth from performance, finding joy in the process, and helping young athletes build internal confidence instead of chasing external validation. Whether your junior golfer is struggling with confidence, pressure, or perfectionism, this conversation offers practical tools and emotional insight to help them (and you) redefine what winning really looks like. 🔑 Key Takeaways:- Confidence built on results fades — confidence built within lasts - Playing with better competition sharpens performance and resilience - Hard work and belief can overcome a late start - External validation leads to burnout; internal validation builds peace - Failure and discomfort are necessary for growth - Affirmations and positive self-talk shape mindset - Success means joy, not just achievement - Detach your self-worth from your scorecard ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Christina’s Journey from Late Start to Pro 09:52 – What Confidence Really Is (and Isn’t) 20:06 – The Trap of External Validation 29:48 – How to Separate Self-Worth from Performance 37:10 – The Power of Affirmations & Mindset Work 41:33 – Helping the Next Generation Build True Confidence 48:22 – Redefining Success in Golf and Life 🔗 Connect with Christina Lecuyer:📸 Instagram: @Bechristina🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Mike Thomas, veteran instructor and father of PGA Tour star Justin Thomas, shares his parenting-first approach. He talks about letting passion lead, spotting early talent without over-coaching, managing perfectionism, and building emotional resilience. He also covers modern parental pitfalls, course-management teaching, physical prep for juniors, and a simple self-talk tool to stay composed under pressure.

On this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Ryan Degale to unpack one of the most overlooked issues in junior golf: back health. While many parents and coaches focus on swing mechanics, scores, and tournament schedules, the reality is that golf can put serious strain on the spine, especially for young players.Ryan shares why golf is uniquely dangerous for the back, the most common training mistakes juniors make, and how poor habits at a young age can lead to injuries like scoliosis over time. He emphasizes the importance of mobility, flexibility, strength conditioning, and proper training routines to keep juniors healthy while developing their game.The conversation also dives into the role of hydration and nutrition in maintaining back health, the misconceptions created by social media, and why warm-up and cool-down routines should never be ignored. Parents will walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to protect their child’s long-term health and success in golf.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Golf is particularly dangerous for the back due to its mechanics- Many junior golfers train like athletes in other sports, which can cause injuries- Strength conditioning and awareness are critical for young golfers- Improper swing mechanics over time can contribute to scoliosis- Flexibility and mobility training prevent injuries and build longevity- Hydration and nutrition are essential for back health- Common misconceptions about back training lead to mistakes- Warm-up and cool-down routines are often ignored but vital- Social media can mislead juniors with unrealistic training examples- Excessive deadlifting can be harmful for golfers’ backs⏱️ Chapters:00:00 The Dangers of Golf for the Back 06:44 Importance of Mobility and Core Strength 12:42 Running and Its Impact on Golf Performance 20:12 Hydration and Nutrition for Back Health 29:55 Training the Next Generation of Golfers💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.🔗 Connect with Ryan DeGale:📸 Instagram: @Golfandbody_📱Phone: (954) 401-0936🌐 Website: Golfandbody.com🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Adams sits down with Andrew Lewis to break down the realities of junior golf development and the future of the game in America. From the rise of Texas as a golf hotbed to the importance of tournament experience, Andrew shares insights that every parent of a junior golfer needs to hear. This conversation goes far beyond swing mechanics. Andrew opens up about the role of parents in building a positive environment, the value caddies bring to young players, and how patience can be the difference between burnout and long-term success. He also provides a candid look at the evolving college golf recruiting process, the impact of NIL, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.If you’re a golf parent wondering how to support your child’s journey, build resilience, and keep the joy alive in the game, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Texas is becoming a hub for junior golf development- Tournament experience is essential for young players- True skills development covers every part of the game- Parents should focus on conversations of improvement, not criticism- Burnout comes from stress more than overplaying- Caddies can provide valuable support and strategy- College recruitment starts early, but kids can reach out to coaches first- Competition for college golf spots is getting tougher- NIL opportunities are growing but require patience- The love of the game should always come first⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background02:54 The Future of American Golf06:06 Developing Elite Junior Golfers08:56 Tournament Experience and Burnout Concerns11:44 Parenting and Coaching Dynamics14:49 Caddying and Junior Golf Opportunities17:38 Navigating College Golf Recruitment20:44 Recruiting and Team Dynamics in Junior Golf21:29 Changes in College Golf Regulations24:12 The Impact of NIL on Junior Golf26:13 Focus and Emotional Regulation in Junior Golf30:34 Parental Guidance and Support33:03 Fostering Enjoyment and Curiosity in Young Golfers35:05 Finding the Right Junior Golf Coaches37:40 Creating Structured Training Routines40:51 The Long Journey of Junior Golf Development💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.🔗 Connect with Andrew lewis:📸 Instagram: @Andrewlewisgolf🌐 Email: Ajlewispga84@gmail.com🌐 Website: https://bio.site/alewisgolf🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In this episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Adams sits down with legendary coach Mike Schy, the man who guided Bryson DeChambeau through his junior career and helped bring the groundbreaking Avoda golf club to life. Mike pulls back the curtain on the science of equipment innovation, from curved clubfaces to one-length shafts, and explains why custom fitting is non-negotiable for serious golfers.But this conversation is about much more than gear. Mike reveals the mindset shifts junior golfers need most, why curiosity and experimentation fuel progress, and how positive language changes confidence. He shares his no-nonsense perspective on what golf parents should (and shouldn’t) do, emphasizing that the parent’s role is to support, not coach.Whether you’re fascinated by golf’s future or looking for the best way to help your junior golfer thrive, this episode is full of lessons from one of the game’s most respected minds.🔑 Key Takeaways:-Avoda was built specifically for Bryson DeChambeau-Curved clubfaces could redefine the future of golf-One-length shafts are gaining momentum among players-Custom fitting is the fastest way to improve performance-Non-conforming clubs teach important lessons about the game-Work ethic & curiosity drive long-term junior golf success-Positive language changes confidence & self-belief instantly-Parents should support, not coach, during competition-Enjoyment of the game is the key to lasting success⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges05:13 History of Golf Club Design12:21 Understanding Non-Conforming Clubs20:55 Curiosity and Experimentation in Golf26:19 Parent-Child Dynamics in Junior Golf31:35 The Ideal Golf Parent38:51 Player Preferences in Golf Training45:52 The Golfing Machine Framework52:51 Positive Evaluations and Learning01:00:46 Becoming the Casino: Strategic Golf Decisions💥 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.🔗 Connect with Mike Schy:📸 Instagram: @Mikeschygolf🌐 Email: Schygolf@gmail.com🌐 Website: Mikeschy.com🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Tom House, world‑renowned coach and sports scientist who pioneered modern throwing biomechanics, explains why balance, timing, and sequencing beat early specialization. He highlights neurological windows before adolescence, the role of play and technology in development, and how sleep, visualization, and managing growth shape long-term athletic potential.