Padraig Harrington on Parenting

This video was excellent. And it seemingly went viral on the internet, even outside of golf circles. 

I’m posting it here as a reminder to myself. I’m a couple of weeks away from becoming a father. 

The love of the game should be first. It’s about quality time spent together. 

Padraig’s tips:

• Don’t make everything easy for your kids. When it’s too easy they are less interested.

• Bring kids somewhere where you aren’t stressed. Not the tense country club. 

• Bring them home before they get tired. 

• When finished spend some fun alone time, present, one on one. Even if just 10 minutes and have a drink or ice cream.

• It’s about creating some happy time / “big boy” time together. 

Golf is an incredible outlet in life and a conduit for building relationships, learning about yourself, connecting with a natural place, and enjoying the benefits of healthy outdoor activity. As much as the experience can be focused on those aspects, and less on the result of a swing, the score, or following a set of rules, the better.