In this episode of Links for Life, Tommy sits down with golf professional Justin Beard, Director of Golf at The Greenbrier Sporting Club, to talk about raising a junior golfer and keeping the game fun along the way.

Justin shares his journey in golf, his experience parenting a talented junior player, and the lessons he’s learned about confidence, humility, and perspective. Together, they explore how parents can create a healthy, pressure-free environment that helps kids enjoy the game for life.

From balancing competition and fun to knowing when to step back as a parent, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt stories for anyone navigating youth sports or simply looking to make golf a more meaningful family experience.

Key Topics

• Golf should be a fun experience for kids, not a source of pressure
• Parents serve best as “guardrails,” not drill sergeants
• Winning doesn’t define a young golfer’s worth
• Confidence and humility can coexist
• Encouragement is more effective than criticism
• Patience and perspective are essential in youth sports
• The journey is about experiences, not just results
• Golf can strengthen family relationships and create lifelong memories

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

4:05 The Ryder Cup Experience with His Son

8:55 Justin’s Journey in Golf

14:34 The Importance of Humility and Confidence

17:49 The Role of Parents in Junior Golf

22:44 Coaching, Confidence, and Character

28:15 Parenting as Guardrails

31:26 Encouragement Over Pressure

35:20 Lessons from a Summer of Competition

38:44 The ROI of Golf and Family Time

43:44 Introducing Kids to Golf the Right Way

50:10 Keeping Golf Fun and Creative for Kids

54:00 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

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