How to Help Kids Love Golf for Life with Coach Ty Gosnell

Operation 36

Are we pushing kids so hard to compete that we forget the first rule of great golf—fall in love with the game?

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, Ryan Dailey and Seth Thompson chat with Ty Gosnell, PGA Teaching Professional, Founder of Players Golf Academy of Charleston, and Director of Instruction at River Town Country Club. Ty shares how growing up as a multi-sport athlete shaped his coaching philosophy, why joy beats volume when it comes to long-term success, and how to help juniors stay in love with the game for life.

What You’ll Hear About:

How playing multiple sports creates more athletic, creative golfers
What 121 travel baseball games taught Ty about burnout and balance
The two key ages when juniors often drift from golf—and how to keep them engaged
Why his players spend more time on games and short shots than swing mechanics
The “Top-Third” mindset that keeps competition fun and pressure low

No matter where your junior is in their golf journey, this episode will help you nurture their love for the game—without burning them out along the way.

“If they don’t love showing up, you’ve already lost them. Make them fall in love with the game first.” - Ty Gosnell

From backyard buckets to tournament tee boxes, Ty reminds us that real development starts with passion. Whether you’re a coach shaping future players or a parent walking beside your junior, this episode is a refreshing reminder that the best golfers are the ones who love the game the most.

Key Takeaways for Golfers, Parents & Coaches

Love comes before skill. Kids who enjoy the game stick with it—and improve faster.
Balance beats burnout. Let juniors play multiple sports and keep golf fun, especially before high school.
Make practice playful. Use games, targets, and short-game challenges to build engagement.
Watch the “drop-off” ages. Keep communication open during the 9–11 and 15–17 windows.
Focus on progress, not perfection. Encourage routines and consistency over results.

Listen to the full conversation on The Golf Sit Down Podcast for more insights from coaches shaping the future of junior golf.

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