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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