The Golf Parent, episode 66

I Was the Problem Parent: Jeff Isler on 20 Years of Junior Golf | The Golf Parent Episode 66

2026-10-07

A private equity deal moved Jeff Isler and his family from Los Angeles to Dallas. It fell apart 6 months later. He did not want to go back, so he converted a garage and started a junior golf academy in a business he knew almost nothing about. That academy turned 20 last October. It is now an 8,500

Tips paraphrased from The Golf Parent (hosted by Ryan Addams). These are our summaries from machine transcripts, not quotes, and times are approximate. All credit to the shows and their guests; listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• Skill beats pretty technique: in a chipping contest, whoever chips it closer is the more skilled player.

  Jeff Isler (coach, 20 yrs junior golf) · The Golf Parent

  Chipping and pitching

  Apple PodcastsSpotifyTip starts around 12:39

• Tournament day: be well rested, eat well, don't sleep until the last minute, and arrive early to loosen up first rather than hitting balls to loosen up.

  Jeff Isler (coach, 20 yrs junior golf) · The Golf Parent

  First tournament · Choosing events and prep · Equipment and fitting

  Apple PodcastsSpotifyTip starts around 24:18

• Before the round: have them set a realistic score, then ask "What two things can we do today to get there?" No technical changes on game day.

  Jeff Isler (coach, 20 yrs junior golf) · The Golf Parent

  Making practice fun · Expectations and pressure

  Apple PodcastsSpotifyTip starts around 27:34

• Debrief by asking "why" questions (why that score? what happened?) to help them reflect and spot patterns, not to put them on the spot.

  Jeff Isler (coach, 20 yrs junior golf) · The Golf Parent

  Talking after a round · Expectations and pressure

  Apple PodcastsSpotifyTip starts around 29:13

• Right after the round, the five words to say: "I love watching you play." Save the debrief for a day or two later, once they've settled.

  Jeff Isler (coach, 20 yrs junior golf) · The Golf Parent

  Talking after a round · Sideline and caddie behavior · Parent role

  Apple PodcastsSpotifyTip starts around 30:28

• Keep a healthy distance and support the coach. One successful parent says nothing at all about good or bad play.

  Jeff Isler (coach, 20 yrs junior golf) · The Golf Parent

  Parent role · Choosing a coach

  Apple PodcastsSpotifyTip starts around 32:38

All parent tips