The Golf Parent

Shaun Diachkoff is the founder of Fairway Performance is TPI certified in both fitness and power.In this episode I sit down with Shaun to work out what golf parents should actually be doing, for their kids and for themselves. He is a golf dad too. His 5 year old just hit a 93 yard drive on a launch monitor. And Shaun says the most important thing you can do for your child's training has almost nothing to do with your child.🎯 Key Takeaways - Why your lower back is where golfers feel pain but almost never where the problem actually is- The 10 to 20 minute daily mobility routine Shaun gives most clients, and the 3 areas it targets: hips, thoracic spine, shoulders- The rep range mistake: 8 to 12 reps builds size, 4 to 6 builds the strength golfers actually want, and most of us have been doing the wrong one since university- Core bracing is not pulling your stomach in. Shaun's Coke can explanation reframes it completely- Why he calls the deadlift the most underrated exercise in golf, plus the Pendlay position 1, 2, 3 method for learning it without wrecking your back- When to introduce weights to a junior golfer, why "swing as hard as you can" is the instruction before that point, and what puberty has to do with the timing- Squat, hinge, push, pull: what each one gives a golf swing, from holding posture to keeping the face square at impact- The Bulgarian split squat standard that separates most people from tour level lower body strength- Shaun's advice for parents: look in the mirror first, because kids copy what you do, not what you tell them⏱ Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome to The Golf Parent01:36 The fitness mistake almost every golf dad makes03:31 Three movements to master if you only have 20 minutes04:39 What the thoracic spine is and why your swing depends on it05:04 Undoing the modern hunch: posture, desks, and daily habits08:38 What actually goes first as golfers age09:20 Why your lower back hurts when your lower back is not the culprit10:29 Building your bomber's blueprint: assess before you build13:19 The rep range mistake: 8 to 12 builds size, 4 to 6 builds strength16:29 What Rory does, and what is actually worth copying19:52 Training kids by age: what comes before weights21:01 Look in the mirror: your kids copy what you do21:51 Cooper's first 93 yard drive and the case for many sports22:30 When to introduce weights, and what puberty changes23:20 Squat, hinge, push, pull: what each one gives your swing29:17 Why coaching is an investment, not an expense32:57 The most underrated exercise for golfers: the deadlift35:35 The Pendlay method: learning the deadlift in three positions39:54 Core bracing is not what you think: the Coke can explanation43:02 How to breathe through a heavy lift, and whether it belongs in your swing46:46 The Bulgarian split squat and the TPI strength standard50:18 Shaun's advice for golf parents: make it frictionless⛳ The Adventures of Chase & Bella Get the #1 Golf Kids Book which teaches young golfers that "Magic Flows Where Your Focus Goes...and Where Your Focus Goes the Golf Ball Goes!"https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Chase-Bella-Magic-Golf/dp/1069647101 SAVE 5% TODAY 🔗 ResourcesAtomic Habits by James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsTitleist Performance Institute (TPI) - https://www.mytpi.com ETPI, the European Tour Performance Institute - https://www.instagram.com/etpi_performanceunitGlenn Pendlay on the deadlift - https://www.setantacollege.com/glenn-pendlay-deadlift-blogThe Fairway Performance App and coaching - https://www.fairwayperformance.com 📲 Connect with Shaun Diachkoff Instagram: @shaun.diachkoff Website: fairwayperformance.com Email: [email protected] Podcast: Fairway Performance Podcast YouTube: youtube.com/@fairwayperformance 📲 Connect with The Golf Parent Instagram: @golf.parent Tik Tok: @thegolfparent Website: www.thegolfparent.com

At 17, Megan Khang turned down a full ride to Wake Forest, skipped college entirely, and turned pro the week before the final stage of LPGA Q-school. She earned her full tour card on the first try. Now in her 11th season, she is an LPGA Tour winner, a US Solheim Cup player, and the first golfer of Hmong descent to compete on the LPGA Tour. In this episode I sit down with Megan to unpack the family behind that decision. Her dad left his job as an auto mechanic to learn golf. Her mom taught kindergarten and never let the grades slip. And instead of hiding the family finances, her parents put them on the table. Megan says that honesty is exactly what taught her to perform under pressure. 🎯 Key Takeaways - Why financial honesty at home built Megan's ability to handle tour-level pressure- Her dad's rule: if you try your best and lose, that's fine. Not trying your best is the problem- The after-school system that got her through AP classes while missing 12 to 14 school days a year for tournaments- Why Megan refuses to be "Megan Khang the golfer" and how separating identity from results protects her game- Swing at 80 percent, Annika's think box and play box, and the putting question that changed everything: how would you putt if you knew it was going in?- A full week in the life on the LPGA Tour, from coffee crawls on Mondays to her exact 60-minute warm-up- The PXG story and her dad's motto: the worst they can say is no ⏱ Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome to The Golf Parent01:03 Skipping college: the Wake Forest visit that changed everything03:52 Turning pro at 17 with no safety net04:27 The Bahamas, a 5 grand hotel bill, and a tied 11th finish07:46 Where her pressure tolerance came from10:32 Why her dad chose golf: the scholarship plan that became a career13:53 An only child's perfect sport16:20 Balancing school and elite junior golf21:06 Raising kids with grit: tough love, honesty, and no sugarcoating28:36 Gratitude as a performance tool30:48 "I don't view myself as the golfer": identity and pressure36:38 Best swing advice she ever got: swing at 80 percent38:39 The mental game: turning bad lies into highlight reels40:50 Putting free: what if you knew it was going in?43:19 A week in the life of an LPGA pro48:21 Her exact tournament morning warm-up55:37 The PXG story: the worst they can say is no58:32 Megan's advice for junior golfers 🙏 Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Craftsman Golf. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15 percent off at craftsmangolf.com. 📲 Connect with Megan Khang Instagram: @megan_khang 📲 Connect with The Golf Parent Instagram: @golf.parentWebsite: thegolfparent.com

What separates junior golfers who thrive under pressure from those who fall apart when things go wrong? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Bob Winters, also known as “The Confidence Doctor,” to explore the mental skills that shape confidence, resilience, and long term success in junior golf. Drawing from more than 50 years of experience working with athletes, coaches, and performers, Dr. Bob explains why confidence is not something golfers are born with, but something they build through habits, perspective, and learning how to stay fully present one shot at a time. He breaks down the emotional traps young golfers fall into, including fear of mistakes, perfectionism, frustration, and the pressure to constantly perform. Parents will gain practical tools to help junior golfers compete with more freedom, confidence, and emotional control. From creating a safe environment at home to helping players recover after bad shots and difficult rounds, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on mindset, character, and performance. Dr. Bob also shares why great putters think differently, how elite athletes respond to adversity, and why the best competitors understand that they are always either winning or learning. If your junior golfer struggles with confidence, nerves, frustration, or bouncing back after mistakes, this is an essential conversation on how to build the mental foundation needed for both golf and life. 🔑KEY TAKEAWAYS:Great junior golfers learn how to stay present one shot at a time Confidence is built through habits and perspective, not talent alone Fear of mistakes can quietly damage performance and development Parents play a major role in shaping emotional resilience The best competitors focus on learning instead of perfection Great putters believe every putt has a chance to go in Young golfers need reassurance, not pressure, after difficult rounds Mental toughness is developed through adversity and recovery ⏱️EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bob Winters & Sports Psychology Journey 09:59 Why Junior Golfers Struggle Mentally Under Pressure 17:30 How Parents Can Build Confidence Instead of Fear 27:50 The 3 Mental Skills Every Junior Golfer Needs 31:06 Unlocking Confidence & Competitive Potential 33:55 Why Young Golfers Must Learn to Play Their Own Game 37:09 Creating a Safe Environment for Junior Golfers 42:55 The Psychology Behind Great Putting 49:13 Building Mental Toughness Through Adversity 53:10 Final Advice for Golf Parents & Young Athletes 👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/ or Amazon Store📚🐕 Discover - The Adventures of Chase and Bella:A fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike.Check it out on Amazon:https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ 🔗 Connect with Dr. Bob Winters:📸 Instagram: @dr.bobwinters🌐 Website: www.drbobwinters.com📚 Books: The Ten Commandments of Mindpower Golf | https://bit.ly/4ffmDxQ🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram:  / thegolfparent  📺 YouTube:  / @thegolfparent  🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

What does it really take to develop a successful junior golfer, and what are most parents getting wrong along the way? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Bernie Najar, one of the most respected coaches in the game and the 2026 PGA National Teacher and Coach of the Year, shares the blueprint for long term player development.What does it really take to develop a successful junior golfer, and what are most parents getting wrong along the way? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Bernie Najar, one of the most respected coaches in the game and the 2026 PGA National Teacher and Coach of the Year, shares the blueprint for long term player development.Coach Najar pulls back the curtain on what separates elite junior golfers from the rest, starting with the elusive “X factor” and why it has less to do with early results and more to do with curiosity, resilience, and love of the game. He explains why specializing too early can limit a player’s potential, and how multi sport development builds the athletic foundation for long term success in golf.From navigating growth spurts and speed training windows to choosing the right coach and creating a fun, engaging environment, this conversation is packed with practical insights for parents who want to support their child the right way. Bernie also breaks down how to balance competition with development, why confidence should be built through small wins, and how to avoid the common traps that derail young players.If you are serious about helping your junior golfer grow, not just perform, this is a must listen episode on patience, perspective, and playing the long game.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Love of the game and curiosity are critical for long-term success- Early specialization can limit athletic development- Multi-sport backgrounds build better golfers- Growth spurts impact performance more than most parents realize- Confidence should be built through small, consistent wins- Choosing the right coach is more important than chasing results- Speed and strength training must match development stages- Competition should support growth, not define it- Junior golf is a long-term journey, not a quick outcome- Parents play a key role in shaping mindset and environment⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Bernie Najar & His Coaching Impact01:07 What Is the ‘X Factor’ in Young Golfers?04:41 Understanding Junior Golfer Mindsets08:01 Why Multi-Sport Athletes Win Long-Term11:46 Making Golf Fun Without Losing Development14:29 Navigating Growth Spurts & Physical Changes19:18 How Growth Affects Performance & Expectations23:31 Early Success vs Long-Term Development29:26 The Role of Competition in Junior Golf32:25 Building Competitive Foundations the Right Way34:19 Why Coaching Matters More Than You Think36:56 How to Find the Right Coach for Your Child44:36 Speed Training & Athletic Development Windows52:54 Books & Resources for Golf Parents57:20 Final Advice for Sports Parents👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout: This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/📚🐕 Discover The Adventures of Chase and Bella:A fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike. Check it out on Amazon:https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ 🔗 Connect with Bernie Najar:📸 Instagram: @bernienajargolf🌐 Website: www.bernienajar.com📧 Email: [email protected]📚 Books: Speed Power Finesse | https://bit.ly/4dxaV04 The Game: Enjoying Golf On and Off The Course | https://bit.ly/42V5kdN🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

What separates golfers who perform under pressure from those who fall apart when it matters most? In this powerful episode of The Golf Parent, Ryan Addams sits down with Will Kelly to uncover the hidden mental habits that shape scoring, confidence, and long-term development.Will explains why so many golfers obsess over swing mechanics while ignoring the real performance driver: mental state. From overactive brain waves and emotional burnout to poor decision-making and frustration spirals, he reveals why golfers often sabotage themselves before the club even moves.Parents of junior golfers will gain valuable tools to help kids compete with more calm, confidence, and resilience. Will shares practical strategies like breathwork, resets between shots, smarter routines, and how to avoid the mental snowball effect after mistakes.If your junior golfer struggles with nerves, inconsistency, anger after bad shots, or pressure on the first tee, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how elite golfers think, recover, and stay composed when the stakes rise. This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on mindset, performance, and helping young golfers unlock their best golf when it matters most.🔑 Key Takeaways:- Your mental state directly impacts swing performance.- Golfers who stay mentally “on” all round burn out quickly.- Mental fatigue hurts decision-making and confidence.- Frustration after mistakes creates snowball rounds.- Resetting between shots is a trainable skill.- Breathwork can instantly calm nerves on the course.- Junior golfers need mindset skills as much as mechanics.- The best players manage emotions better, not just swings better.- Consistency comes from systems, not motivation.- Parents can help kids by teaching calm responses to adversity.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Will Kelly02:14 Why Golf Is More Than Swing Mechanics05:08 Winter Practice Mistakes Most Golfers Make06:36 Mental Coaching for Junior Golfers by Age10:32 The 3 Ball Drill for Smarter Practice14:24 Why Most Golfers Misread Bad Shots17:09 The Performance Cycle Explained21:57 Reset, Decide, Commit, Execute, Respond24:20 Breathwork to Calm Nerves on the Course35:57 How to Commit to Every Shot with Confidence44:18 The Mulligan Feeling Book & Coaching System50:13 Realistic Expectations for Parents and Juniors👑🐶 Sponsor Shoutout:This episode is sponsored by Craftsman Golf, creators of premium quality animal headcovers trusted by golf families who want to add personality, fun, and style to every bag. Use code GOLFPARENT for 15% off your order...https://craftsmangolf.com/📚🐕 Discover The Adventures of Chase and BellaA fun and heartwarming children’s book series that helps young golfers learn confidence, friendship, and life lessons both on and off the course. Perfect for kids and golf families alike.Check it out on Amazon:https://bit.ly/4ufgQMQ 🔗 Connect with Will Kelly:📸 Instagram: @mentalgolfcoach🌐 Website: https://www.mentalgolfcoach.co.uk/📧 Email: [email protected]📚 Mental Golf School: https://coaching.mentalgolfcoach.co.uk/signup🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent 📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent 🎧 All Episodes: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube