Reflections and Resolutions

Playing Youth Golf: Embracing the 18-Hole Challenge

ALERT! BE AWARE, THERE IS SOME ECHOING FEEDBACK IN THE RECORDING. WE WILL DO BETTER.  In this episode of the Golf Dads Podcast, hosts Ryan, Jason, and Adam share their latest experiences navigating the world of youth golf, particularly the transition to playing 18 holes. With busy schedules and the joys (and challenges) of youth golf consuming their lives, they delve into the nuances of this significant shift in their children’s golfing journey. Preparation becomes even more critical as the stakes rise. The group discusses the logistics of preparing for an 18-hole round, from early wake-up calls to ensuring breakfast is substantial enough to fuel the kids through the day. They reflect on how the entire day is consumed by the game, making it essential for parents to plan accordingly. Key Takeaways for Parents Navigating Youth Golf 1. **Plan Ahead**: Ensure kids have the right snacks and hydration to keep their energy up during the round. 2. **Mental Resilience**: Teach kids to bounce back from mistakes and focus on the next shot. 3. **Enjoy the Journey**: Emphasize the fun and social aspects of youth golf, even as competition intensifies.

From Junior Golfer to Pro: Rachel Rohanna's Golf Journey

In this episode, professional golfer Rachel Rohanna shares her journey from junior golf in Southwest PA to competing in the US Women's Open. She discusses the importance of multi-sport development, family influence, and her initiatives to grow junior golf through her Tee to Green Rachel Rohanna Foundation. key topics * Rachel Rohanna's early golf influences * The role of family in developing a golfer * Importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes * Initiatives to promote junior golf in local communities * Training tips and mental game insights from Rachel Rohanna

Reflections and Resolutions

In this episode of the Golf Dads Podcast, Adam, Jason, and Ryan hit pause to look back before moving forward. We reflect on the last seven episodes, revisit standout interviews, and talk honestly about how our golf seasons really went — the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. The guys also share what’s ahead for the podcast and their games as they set intentions for what’s next. Grab a drink, settle in, and come along for the ride as we recap, reset, and tee up the future.  Remember share your feedback with us. What do you like, what do you want more of? Please follow like and share with anyone who you feel may be interested.

Keep it Simple- with PGA Professional Ryan McDonald.

In this episode of the Golf Dad’s Podcast, PGA Professional Ryan McDonald shares his expert insights on refining your golf process and building a focused mindset. We dive into how to clear your mind, sharpen focus, and create effective practice routines that won’t overwhelm your junior golfer. Ryan emphasizes the importance of balance in developing a solid foundation, while keeping the game enjoyable and mentally engaging. Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode will help you approach golf with clarity and purpose. Tune in for practical advice on creating a winning routine for your junior golfer!

Chris Reed, Director - US Kids Golf (Cleveland)

In this episode of the Golf Dads podcast, Chris Reed shares his journey into the world of golf, starting from his son's first swings to becoming the U.S. Kids Tour director in Cleveland.  We dive into how to create fun, positive environments for young golfers, the value of strong course relationships, and how parents can best support their child's development.  Chris also explores integrity, accountability, and fair play in youth golf, the role of PGA junior league, and how to help kids build mental resilience while navigating the shift from local to competitive golf.  We hope you enjoy!