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Meet Ro Thompson: The Voice Behind The Junior Golf Podcast

May 29, 2026 6 min read

The Junior Golf Podcast by Ro Thompson

Ro Thompson has spent years making the junior golf world less overwhelming — one honest conversation at a time. In this feature, the host of The Junior Golf Podcast shares what inspired him to start the show, the biggest mistakes he sees parents make, and the advice he wishes every junior golfer and family could hear.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out the right path for your junior golfer — the tournaments, the training, the college recruiting timeline, all of it — then you’ve probably wished someone would just sit down and break it all down for you in plain language.

That’s exactly what Ro Thompson does, episode after episode, on The Junior Golf Podcast.

Ro built his show around a simple but powerful idea: junior golf families deserve real guidance, not just scattered information. Whether you’re a parent who just signed your 8-year-old up for their first clinic, or you’re deep in the college recruiting process wondering when to start emailing coaches, Ro has sat down with the people who can help — coaches, mental game experts, fitness trainers, college players, and families who’ve already been through the journey.

The Junior Golf Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. It’s one of the resources we point families to when they first find Junior Golf in Florida, and Ro’s approach to the game — patient, honest, and family-first — is exactly why. You can also find his full listing in our Junior Golf Podcasts directory.

We sat down with Ro to learn more about what drives him, what he’s seen work for families, and what advice he’d give to every junior golfer and parent in the game today.

🎙️ A Conversation with Ro Thompson

1. What inspired you to start The Junior Golf Podcast?

I started The Junior Golf Podcast because I saw how overwhelming the junior golf world can be for families. There’s so much information out there, but not enough clear guidance. I wanted to create a platform that simplifies the journey, highlights real stories, and gives parents and players the insight I wish more people had access to.

2. What is the mission of your podcast when it comes to helping junior golfers and their families?

My mission is to educate, inspire, and support families so junior golfers can grow with confidence — not confusion. I want to bridge the gap between parents, coaches, and players by sharing honest conversations, expert advice, and practical steps that help kids succeed both on and off the course.

3. Who is the primary audience for your show?

The podcast is for everyone in the junior golf ecosystem — parents, junior golfers, coaches, and even college recruiters. Each episode offers something valuable no matter where you are in the journey.

4. What are some of the most common challenges junior golfers face today?

The biggest challenges are pressure, comparison, and lack of structure. Kids often feel like they need to be perfect, parents feel unsure about the “right path,” and many families don’t know how to balance training, tournaments, and school.

5. What types of guests do you enjoy interviewing the most?

I love talking to people who bring real value — coaches, mental game experts, fitness trainers, college players, and parents who’ve been through the process. Anyone who can give families clarity and perspective is a great guest.

6. What advice would you give to parents just getting started?

Start slow, stay patient, and focus on fun. Junior golf is a marathon, not a sprint. Let your child’s interest lead the way, and avoid comparing your journey to anyone else’s.

Start slow, stay patient, and focus on fun. Junior golf is a marathon, not a sprint. Let your child’s interest lead the way, and avoid comparing your journey to anyone else’s.

Ro Thompson

7. At what age should kids begin competing in tournaments?

There’s no perfect age. Some kids start at 6 or 7, others at 10 or 12. What matters most is emotional readiness — can they handle frustration, follow rules, and enjoy the experience?

8. What separates successful junior golfers from those who struggle?

Consistency, mindset, and support. The most successful kids aren’t always the most talented — they’re the ones who stay patient, work smart, and have parents who encourage rather than pressure.

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9. What role should parents play in their child’s golf development?

Parents should be the emotional anchor — supportive, steady, and positive. Coaches handle the technical side; parents handle the environment that allows kids to thrive.

10. What are some mistakes you see parents make?

The biggest mistakes are over-coaching, focusing too much on scores, and comparing their child to others. Kids need encouragement, not pressure.

11. How important is tournament experience for improvement?

Tournament experience is huge. It teaches kids how to manage nerves, make decisions, and handle adversity. Practice builds skill — competition builds character.

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12. What areas of development do junior golfers often overlook?

The mental game, fitness, and short game. Everyone loves hitting drivers, but scoring comes from discipline, confidence, and the ability to recover from mistakes.

13. How should junior golfers balance practice, tournaments, school, and other sports?

Balance comes from planning and communication. Kids should have an off-season, a tournament season, and time for school and rest. Multi-sport athletes often develop better coordination and avoid burnout.

14. What should junior golfers focus on during practice to improve faster?

Quality over quantity. Structured practice with purpose — short game reps, pressure drills, and simulated tournament situations — leads to real progress.

Quality over quantity. Structured practice with purpose — short game reps, pressure drills, and simulated tournament situations — leads to real progress.

Ro Thompson

15. What advice would you give to junior golfers who want to play college golf?

Focus on development, not just scores. Coaches want athletes who are coachable, disciplined, and improving year after year. Build a strong foundation and let your game speak for itself.

16. When should families start thinking about the college recruiting process?

Around freshman or sophomore year is ideal. Early enough to prepare, but not so early that it becomes stressful. The key is understanding the timeline and staying organized.

17. What should junior golfers focus on besides scores when trying to get recruited?

Coaches look at attitude, work ethic, communication, academics, and how players handle adversity. They want good people as much as good golfers.

18. What has been one of the most inspiring guests or stories on the podcast?

There have been so many, but the stories that stand out are the ones where kids overcame setbacks — injuries, confidence issues, or financial challenges — and still found success through perseverance and support.

19. What do you love most about the junior golf community?

The passion. The families, coaches, and players all share a genuine love for the game. It’s a community built on growth, discipline, and opportunity.

20. Where can parents and junior golfers listen and follow your work?

The Junior Golf Podcast is available on all major platforms — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Families can also follow our social media pages for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.

🎬 Watch The Junior Golf Podcast on YouTube

Ro’s podcast isn’t just audio — you can watch full episodes on YouTube. Check out one of his recent episodes below, or head over to his channel at @thejuniorgolfpodcast to browse the full library.

https://www.youtube.com/@thejuniorgolfpodcast

Where to Find The Junior Golf Podcast

Looking for more resources to support your junior golfer’s journey? Browse our full directory of junior golf coaches, tournaments, golf schools, and junior golf podcasts at JuniorGolfInFlorida.com.