4-Year-Old Golfer Teaches Dad How to Coach Him Better

A four-year-old named Cam just gave the internet a masterclass in speaking up for yourself, and his dad's response is exactly what we all need to see.

During a golf simulation practice, Cam's father JD Craigman was coaching him through a putt when things got a little intense. "Wait…wait, wait, wait, wait," JD called out, trying to help his son adjust his aim.

Cam paused and looked up calmly. "But Daddy, I don't want you to say 'wait' so many times. I just want you to say it once."

JD immediately listened. He repeated Cam's words back and adjusted his approach on the spot.

A few minutes later, JD caught himself again after giving a firm instruction. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to yell at you, son."

Here's where Cam really shined. "It's okay. Only when you're talking to me when I'm trying to do golf, you can do that, okay? I like when you're a little bit louder, but not so loud that it makes my ears hurt."

The specificity is remarkable for a preschooler. Cam wasn't just saying "stop yelling." He was explaining the exact volume and tone that helps him learn best.

JD responded with equal grace. "I don't want to yell too much. I don't like yelling at you, period."

Understanding the nuance, Cam smiled and said, "I'm just gonna let you yell at me cuz you're so nice." His father gently replied that he could talk softer and still get the same result. They sealed it with fist bumps and big smiles.

The video went viral across social media, with one person commenting, "Came for the golf, stayed for the family therapy."

JD told Upworthy that Cam has always been communicative. "We've always talked to him like a person, even when he was just babbling. Looking back, I think all of that constant interaction gave him a strong foundation for communicating his thoughts and feelings."

The exchange taught JD something important too. "I naturally speak loudly. I was raised in a Trinidadian household where being loud and expressive was completely normal. But I've learned that what works for me isn't always what works for him."

Sunny's Take

What makes this moment so special isn't just that a four-year-old can articulate his needs. It's that his father created a space where Cam felt safe enough to speak up in the first place.

JD practices with Cam for just 15 minutes a day before letting him be a regular kid with Legos and Hot Wheels. "At this age, my goal isn't to create a golfer, it's to help him develop a love for the game."

The response has been overwhelming, with parents reaching out about introducing their own kids to golf. JD's company, 7 Iron Golf, is now planning to launch junior golf gloves in 2026 based on the feedback.

Communication like this doesn't happen by accident. It grows from thousands of small moments where adults listen, adjust, and show kids that their voices matter.