Dan Boisvert Podcast

Helping Junior Golfers Grow: Lessons from Coach Dan Boisvert

If you’re a parent of a junior golfer, you know this game can bring out both smiles and stress. Dan Boisvert, known as “Coach Dan” from Pin High Golf, has spent more than 13 years helping young players grow. He works with juniors, college players, and even a few pros. Along the way, he’s learned what helps kids succeed—and what can get in the way.

The Power of Patience

Dan says the biggest lesson he’s learned as a coach is to slow down.

“As a young coach, I felt like I had to start talking right away,” he says. “Now I ask more questions. I give myself time to feel confident before I tell a player what to work on.”

Parents can learn from that, too. Kids need time to grow, both in skills and confidence. A bad round doesn’t mean your child is failing. Sometimes, it’s just part of the process.

Managing Expectations

One of the biggest challenges Dan sees is pressure—both from kids and parents.

“Some players expect to shoot under 75 every round,” he says. “Even the best players in the world miss greens and three-putt sometimes.”

The truth? Golf is hard. Even pros hit bad shots. Dan often shows kids real stats from the PGA Tour so they can see what top players actually do. It helps keep goals realistic and reduces frustration.

Avoiding Burnout

With so many tournaments, lessons, and training options, it’s easy to overdo it. Dan reminds parents that breaks are important.

“There has to be some type of off-season,” he says. “Kids need time to reset. If they play eight weeks in a row, they get tired—even if they love the game.”

Rest doesn’t mean quitting. It means stepping back so your child stays fresh and excited.

Support Without Comparison

Parents want their kids to do well. But comparing them to other players can backfire.

“I hear parents talk about how their kid’s score stacks up against someone else,” Dan says. “I think there’s too much time worried about other people.”

Instead, he suggests focusing on your child’s own progress. Celebrate small wins. Talk about what they learned, not just what they shot.

The Big Picture

Coach Dan has helped players like Morgan Smith and Matt Hutchins go from local tournaments to college golf. But the lessons he teaches aren’t just about golf swings. They’re about patience, balance, and keeping the game fun.

For parents, that might be the most important takeaway: help your child love the game first. The scores will follow.