Interview with a Coach: Chip Ridley, Junior Golf Coach

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How long have you coached golf?

I have been in instructional space since 2011. When I started with the first spark and then transitioned into private and trucks and only in 2017.

What made you decide to teach golf?

You know that quote, “Those who can't do, teach”, right? I realized my playing career wasn't going to take off the way the I wanted it to, but I couldn't see myself working on a desk or even working behind a pro shop. So, I went into some PGM program, then decided when I graduated that I wanted to work with kids and do some sort of coaching or instructional work. It’s just really rewarding.

What was your first lesson as a teacher like?

I remember it very well actually. When you're starting out teaching clinics, you’re going to get thrown out there on the instructional babysitting side. In my first private lesson, there was a brother and sister twin that charged $40 to teach two kids for an hour. My first lesson, I remember pulling into the parking lot wondering what in the world was I going to do. I just wasn't confident that I knew that I could even identify issues or be able to convey to someone why what I was teaching mattered. So, my first lesson was trepidatious, I was so nervous. I feel like I had to pretty much kind of fake it till I made it.

I do remember that I wanted to keep doing it. And those that, especially with children, when they looked up at you and wanted to know the answer and wanting to tell them how to help that was a feeling that I'll never forget.

Other than working with a good coach, what advice would you give parents getting their kids started with golf? Any cautionary tales?

I think the most important thing is in addressing the elephant in the room— the fact that golf is hard. Mistakes are okay. I think that there are so many factors that go into golf. Parents have to be very careful not to assume that it's just going to go well. And when it does go well, I’d love to remind them to really celebrate any of the mini or major victories.

And if your child moves into competitive golf, as a parent, you need to be able to clearly identify the situations that are going on—physical, mental and technical, and address those right away. Golf is very difficult—it might not always be a lot of fun and there will be plateaus in learning. So just be able to make sure that kids enjoy it even while they struggle.

What’s your favorite memory as a junior golf coach?

I uniquely coach a lot of competitive juniors so many of my favorite memories involve tournaments where I’m being able to see how far my juniors have come and how they experience victories.

My favorite memory recently is actually captured in a photo and even had artwork made of it. We’re sitting on the first tee box of the 2020 US Kids World Championships. One player is looking over our yardage book, sitting on a towel, legs crossed, and my player has his arm on my back, as if to say, ‘Hey, we’re in together’. After that photo was taken, we went out and played the final round of the World Championships and won that tournament. It’s my favorite memory because it really was the culmination of a lot hard work. But to be honest, as a junior golf coach, you get to have so many great moments, whether it’s seeing a player putting to finish 15th, qualifying her for another World Championship, or even just all the phone calls you get when your kids make five birdies in a round. As a coach—and I love that word—you have players that trust you, you’re always making new memories with them.

What do you think the future of golf will look like?

I'm somewhat skeptical about the future of junior golf because today's kids are becoming bigger, better, stronger, and faster with each generation. Golf has become both widespread and highly competitive, and I hope there will be avenues for both beginners and competitive players alike. Given that golf courses are now designed to be challenging, lengthy, and difficult, it might be tough to ensure that kids can learn the game without becoming discouraged. Programs like Operation 36 and PGA Junior League will be crucial in providing opportunities for kids to engage with this challenging sport. Lessons and coaching should become integral from an early age to help kids navigate the complexities of golf. I foresee golf becoming more specialized, making early engagement in the sport critical for those looking to develop their skills further in their youth.

The future of golf should focus on making the sport as interactive and accessible as possible. With the inherent difficulty of golf, there's a risk of deterring kids unless the game becomes more engaging and enjoyable, akin to their experiences with screens and video games. The more interactive we can make golf, incorporating technologies and apps to bring the game to their fingertips, the better we can preserve its appeal and encourage continued participation among the youth. Making the game fun and easily accessible will be key to its growth and sustainability.

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