A prominent Filipino coach wants parents to take it easy and just enjoy the golf journey of their children.
In the latest episode of Off the Court on Thursday, swing guru Norman Sto. Domingo reminded parents to let their young athletes learn and commit mistakes to further hone their craft.
Sto. Domingo knows what he’s talking about.
Sto. Domingo started his golf journey at 10 years old and joined various international tournaments, including the Junior World Championships in San Diego, California when he was 16 years old.
But his biggest win was on home soil when he ruled the Asian Junior Championships in Canlubang in 1982 while serving as team captain of the San Beda College Golf Team from 1978 to 1986.
Now, Sto. Domingo is a co-owner and coach at Quantum Golf Inc., an indoor course that features mini-golf and virtual golf.
He also mentors a handful of prominent young golfers like Rianne Malixi, who made history when she won the US Girls’ Junior and the US Women’s Amateur in 2024.
“I want to share this: Kids always want to improve. They want to do their best, but sometimes they can’t do that, especially under pressure,” Sto. Domingo said during the weekly online sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE.
“I have a suggestion, especially to the parents whose kids are already good — just let them be. Let them fail. Let them lose. That’s when you’ll realize that ‘these are my weaknesses, so I need to improve.’”
Sto. Domingo, who trained in the prestigious Jack Nicklaus & Jim Flick Golf Academy in the United States, said parents putting unnecessary pressure not only affects their kids but also their relationship with other parents of junior golfers.
“If your parents can help, you go for it. I mean, let’s see what happens but don’t think that your child will become Tiger Woods right away,” Sto. Domingo said.