Letters From the Fairway: Dad, I See Everything You Do
Inspired by Kayla Li, a 9-year-old junior golfer from Merced, California.
Behind every round of junior golf, there is someone quietly walking beside the player.
Someone wakes up early, checks the tournament schedule, packs the snacks, loads the clubs and makes sure everything is ready. Someone watches every shot, celebrates the victories and helps carry the disappointment when the round doesn’t go as planned.
For 9-year-old California junior golfer Kayla Li, that person is her dad.
He is more than the person carrying her golf bag. He is her caddie, her biggest supporter, her teacher and the person standing beside her through every part of the journey—including the difficult moments.
And like many junior golfers and their parents, they don’t always agree.
“Dad, I See Everything You Do for Me”
Dad is my caddie, my biggest supporter and, sometimes, the person I argue with the most.
We don’t always agree. We both get frustrated. But no matter how the round goes, he is always there—carrying my bag, watching every shot, giving me advice and reminding me to keep going.
I know I don’t always say it, and I definitely don’t always show it, but I see everything you do for me.
Thank you, Dad, for always being by my side.
I love you.
— Kayla Li, age 9 Merced, California
Follow Kayla’s golf journey at @kayla_li_golf
The Relationship Behind the Round
The relationship between a junior golfer and a parent-caddie can be incredibly special, but it but it isn’t always simple.
During a tournament, emotions are often high. A junior golfer may be trying to manage pressure, disappointment and expectations while a parent is doing everything possible to help.
Advice offered with love may not not always feel helpful in the moment. A parent may see something the child cannot yet see. A child may need encouragement but not know how to ask for it. Both may become frustrated, even though they ultimately want the same thing.
Sometimes there are disagreements over club selection.
Sometimes a parent says too much.
Sometimes a child doesn’t want to hear anything at all.
And sometimes the best thing a parent can do is simply continue walking beside them.
These moments are real. They are also part of what makes the junior-golf journey about so much more than golf.
The Things Junior Golfers May Not Say
Children do not always have the words to express what their parents’ support means to them.
They may not thank Mom or Dad after every practice. They may not recognize every early morning, long drive, registration fee, hotel stay or personal sacrifice. They may roll their eyes at advice or become frustrated during a difficult round.
But that does not mean they are not noticing.
They notice who carries the bag when it feels heavy.
They notice who stays beside them after a bad shot.
They notice who celebrates their effort instead of only their score.
They notice who believes in them when they are struggling to believe in themselves.
Kayla’s message is a beautiful reminder that appreciation does not always appear in the moment. Sometimes it comes later, after the emotions settle and a child has time to understand just how much support has surrounded them all along.
More Than a Score on the Card
Junior golf gives children opportunities that extend far beyond competition.
With every round, young golfers are learning how to manage their emotions, make decisions, accept responsibility and keep going when something feels difficult. They are learning patience, resilience and confidence.
Parents are learning, too.
We are learning when to give advice and when to remain quiet. We are learning how to encourage without adding pressure. We are learning how to separate our own emotions from our child’s experience.
Most importantly, we are learning how to protect the relationship while helping our children pursue something they love.
The score from a particular tournament may eventually be forgotten. But children will remember how they felt walking off the course. They will remember whether they felt supported, understood and loved—regardless of the number written on the scorecard.
A Reminder for Golf Parents
Your junior golfer may not thank you after every round.
They may become frustrated with your advice. They may insist that you do not understand. They may need more space than you expected or more reassurance than they know how to request.
Keep showing up.
Keep making room for honest conversations.
Keep learning how your child receives support best.
Keep reminding them that your love is never determined by their score, their finish or the quality of their last shot.
You are helping carry much more than a golf bag. You are helping your child navigate the emotions, challenges and lessons that come with pursuing a dream.
Even when they do not say it, there is a good chance they see more than you realize.
Written by Alesha Nicole - Golf Mom Mindset
LETTERS FROM THE FAIRWAY
Real words. Real families. The heart behind junior golf.
Submission invitation:
Every junior-golf family has a story that is uniquely their own—yet so many of us share similar experiences, emotions, challenges and unforgettable moments along the way.
Letters From the Fairway is a new Golf Mom Mindset series sharing honest, heartfelt messages between junior golfers and the people walking beside them.
We invite players, parents, coaches, caddies, siblings and grandparents to submit a letter for an opportunity to be featured.
Email golfmommindset@gmail.com with the subject line Letters From the Fairway to share your story.
