In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Casey VanDamme, head coach of the Kent State women’s golf team, to uncover what it really takes to thrive in junior and college golf. Casey shares how self-belief, resilience, and effective practice habits shape great players, and why building a championship culture is about far more than just talent.

In this episode of The Golf Parent Podcast, Ryan Addams sits down with Casey VanDamme, head coach of the Kent State women’s golf team, to uncover what it really takes to thrive in junior and college golf. Casey shares how self-belief, resilience, and effective practice habits shape great players, and why building a championship culture is about far more than just talent.

He breaks down the recruitment process step by step, explains the differences between college golf divisions, and sheds light on how the transfer portal has reshaped opportunities for players. Parents will gain practical advice on how to guide their juniors, from setting realistic goals to finding the right program fit, while juniors will hear firsthand why pressure should be viewed as a privilege and why golf’s failures can actually fuel success.

Whether your child dreams of playing college golf or simply wants to grow through the game, this episode offers invaluable lessons on mindset, preparation, and finding alignment between player aspirations and program vision.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Building a strong culture requires recruiting players with self-belief

- Pressure in sports can be viewed as a privilege

- Golf is fundamentally a game of failure and resilience

- Effective practice habits are crucial for improvement

- Understanding the recruitment process is key for aspiring golfers

- Different college divisions offer varying opportunities for golfers

- The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college athletics

- Parents should help their children identify their goals in golf

- It's important for players to find a program that aligns with their aspirations

- Everything in a player's life can impact their performance in golf

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Building a Championship Culture

02:54 – The Role of Self-Belief in Golf

05:47 – Developing Grit and Resilience

09:01 – Effective Practice Habits

12:00 – Navigating the Recruitment Process

14:39 – Understanding College Golf Divisions

18:04 – The Transfer Portal and Its Implications

20:58 – Advice for Parents of Aspiring Golfers

💥 Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode is sponsored by IJGA, the world’s premier junior golf academy trusted by families who want to unlock their golfer’s full potential.

🔗 Connect with Coach Casey VanDamme:

📸 Instagram: @caseyvandamme

🌐 Email: cvandam1@kent.edu

🔗 Connect with The Golf Parent:

🌐 Website: https://www.thegolfparent.com/

📸 Instagram: / thegolfparent

📺 YouTube: / @thegolfparent

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