Junior golfers are under more pressure than we think: from scoring, other competitors, friends, and simply trying to figure out who they are. When a parent shows up with tension, correction, or emotional reactions, even subtle ones like sighs or body language it adds a new layer of performance pressure.

As a parent, it’s easy to think you’re being supportive: you show up, you care, you want them to succeed. But support feels different than pressure and the line between the two is often invisible until it’s crossed.

When kids aren’t sure what you value when your approval seems to rise and fall with how they play they start chasing outcomes instead of focusing on their process. That’s when fear, anxiety, and frustration take over.

If you and your child are constantly arguing during practice or tournaments, you’re not alone. Golf is emotional. When expectations build, emotions run high and the relationship can quietly shift from connection to conflict.

If you’re going to take on that role, you need to take it seriously. Coaching isn’t just giving tips based on what worked for your swing or repeating things you saw online. It means having a clear teaching plan based on real fundamentals and understanding your child’s learning style.

You don’t have to be a golf expert to be a great golf parent. But when you take the time to learn how the game actually works mentally, physically, and emotionally, you gain clarity. You communicate better. You over-coach less. You support smarter.

Golf teaches focus, responsibility, emotional control, self-talk, patience, and perseverance. It builds character in ways that few things do and that’s where your role becomes even more important.