How To Be A Good Golf Parent: Are You Helping Or Hurting?

Getting kids into golf has never been more important - or more challenging. In this episode of Your Golf Podcast by NCG, Tom Irwin sits down with PGA Pro Jack Backhouse to explore the realities of junior golf today, from those tricky first steps to keeping young players engaged long enough to fall in love with the game. Tom and Jack dig into why the beginning is often the hardest part: golf’s complexity compared to other sports, the pressure of scoring too early, and why simply getting kids out on the course can be harder than it sounds. They discuss the huge rise in driving range technology and gamification, how it’s transformed engagement for young golfers, and whether that tech can sometimes make the transition to on-course golf more difficult. The conversation also tackles some of the biggest barriers parents don’t always anticipate — from dress codes and club culture to well-meaning but overwhelming feedback. Jack shares common mistakes parents make, why “letting them get on with it” often works best, and how focusing on fun, confidence, and basic movement beats obsessing over scores every time. They also cover why playing with friends is so powerful, when kids should start heading onto the course, how physical development and getting stronger naturally improves performance, and why enjoyment should always come before technique and results. If you liked the video hit the 👍 and leave a comment below with any feedback. Website ➡ https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com YouTube ➡ http://ow.ly/dYln50EiOjo Facebook ➡ http://ow.ly/jqN050Co5zp Twitter ➡ http://ow.ly/40VI50Co5AX Instagram ➡ http://ow.ly/yUi850Co5DV Jack's Instagram ➡ https://shorturl.at/rGhBw Jack's Twitter ➡ https://x.com/JRBackhouseGolf Welcome to NCG Your Golf. This channel is for you, the dedicated club golfer to help you improve your game and enjoy your golf more. We specialise in equipment reviews and golf instruction, and we are lucky enough to play some of the Top 100 golf courses in GB&I. The channel is hosted by PGA Professional Jack Backhouse, and he will help you improve your golf by helping you fix your slice, fix your gook, help you drive the ball longer, strike your irons pure, and help you draw and fade your golf shots. Steve Carroll, an R&A rules official will often stop by to ensure you are not breaking the rules and get the opinion of an average club golfer. Jack will dive deep into technology in reviews of all the latest golf equipment, helping you decide which is the longest driver, which fairway wood will stop you from topping the ball, and which wedges will pitch it closer, so you can lower your scores.