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Parent’s Guide: Without Trust, All Else Fails

By Brendon Elliott, PGA

Published on Thursday, November 4, 2021

For as long as the game has been around, there has been an understanding that in order to get better at golf, one needs to spend time sharpening skills; both technical and mental. Because the game is so diverse, with so many moving parts and areas of focus to try and become proficient in, golfers learn pretty quickly that there must be a process in order to manage all that needs to be worked on.

Parents will often choose to bring on a PGA Coach for their junior golfer to help navigate the process of learning and improvement. Once this decision is made, a bond of Trust must be formed in order for the coach-student, student-coach and parent and coach relationships to work.

When a PGA Coach is brought into the picture, a parent and student will see this person as “one in which confidence is placed” which is part of the expanded definition of Trust. In addition, “An assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something” will be necessary for a coach to be effective in this newly formed relationship.

Parents should do their research on coaches before a decision is made on retaining their services. It is critical to find a coach that you can fully Trust. At the same time, it is critical for a coach to be able to Trust that their student will follow their lead and put in the required work necessary for good outcomes to be the result of them working together.

Finally, something often overlooked in terms of Trust, is this further expansion by Merriam-Webster on the word…“Dependence on something future or contingent : HOPE.” Because golf is so complex, and a process must be put in place to tackle that complexity, students and parents MUST learn to Trust the Process.

Competent coaches lay things out in a way that helps ensure future successes and makes sure that success is sustainable over time. A student and parents’ patience and Trust are essential with this.

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Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

Meet Brendon