Episode 18 of The Joe McNeil Podcast features one of the most requested guests yet, Elijah McNeil. As Joe McNeil’s oldest son, Elijah brings a unique perspective to the podcast, sharing stories about growing up in a large homeschooling family, earning a mechanical engineering degree, and now helping lead instruction at Short Game in South Texas.
Watch Episode 18 Here:
https://youtu.be/4SUeLsxuURk
Listen to The Joe McNeil Podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318
Learn More About Short Game:
https://www.shortgameusa.com
Growing Up in a Large Homeschooling Family
One of the major topics throughout the episode is what it was like growing up in a household with seven kids. Elijah reflects on life in Indiana before the family moved to Texas and explains how there was never a shortage of chaos, competition, or entertainment.
Unlike many modern families where children spend most of their time isolated behind screens, the McNeil household was full of interaction, outdoor adventures, sports, wrestling matches, fishing trips, and nonstop sibling rivalry.
Elijah jokes that growing up often meant being outnumbered by younger siblings who constantly challenged authority. Joe and Elijah laugh about stories involving broomstick fights, Christmas tree disasters, BB guns, paintball guns, and even one infamous story where Jehu was accidentally choked unconscious by Abbey during a sibling fight.
While much of the conversation is humorous, there is also an underlying theme throughout the episode about the value of family closeness and shared experiences. Growing up in a large family forced the kids to learn conflict resolution, teamwork, responsibility, and resilience.
The conversation also touches heavily on homeschooling and the misconceptions people often have about it. Elijah explains that he genuinely enjoyed being homeschooled and believes it prepared him well for adulthood. He discusses how homeschooling allowed flexibility, stronger family relationships, and opportunities to pursue golf and other interests outside of a traditional classroom setting.
Joe points out that despite common stereotypes surrounding homeschooling, Elijah successfully graduated from college with a mechanical engineering degree and zero student debt.
Mechanical Engineering and Problem Solving
Another major theme in Episode 18 is Elijah’s background in mechanical engineering and how that analytical mindset now applies to golf instruction and club fitting.
Elijah graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with a degree in mechanical engineering. He explains that while he originally considered civil engineering, he eventually found himself drawn toward the hands-on problem-solving aspect of mechanical engineering.
Joe jokes throughout the episode that Elijah became the family’s designated “figure it out” person. Whether it was assembling furniture, troubleshooting electronics, or solving technical issues around Short Game, Elijah became the go-to problem solver.
That engineering mindset now plays a major role in how Elijah teaches golf and performs club fittings. Rather than relying solely on feel or opinion, Elijah naturally gravitates toward understanding the physics and mechanics behind ball flight, swing dynamics, and equipment performance.
At Short Game, Trackman technology allows instructors to measure launch angles, spin rates, ball speed, club path, and countless other variables. Elijah explains that his engineering background helps him interpret that information and communicate it clearly to students.
The discussion also highlights the increasing overlap between technology and modern golf instruction. Data-driven coaching has become one of the biggest developments in golf over the last decade, and facilities like Short Game have embraced that evolution fully.
Working in a Family Business
The episode also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into what it is actually like working in a family business.
Today, multiple McNeil family members help operate Short Game, each with different responsibilities. Elijah oversees much of the instruction and club fitting side of the business, while other siblings handle operations, marketing, fitness, events, and customer service.
Joe asks Elijah how the sibling dynamic changes once everyone becomes adults working together professionally rather than simply brothers and sisters at home.
Elijah explains that maturity and respect become increasingly important. While sibling arguments still happen occasionally, adulthood has brought a greater appreciation for what each family member contributes to the business.
One interesting point throughout the conversation is how everyone at Short Game still wears multiple hats. Even though they have specialized roles, family members are constantly helping with maintenance, repairs, cleaning, operations, technology, customer support, and instruction.
Joe describes Short Game as a “giant organism” that constantly needs attention and upkeep. From changing air filters to washing range equipment and troubleshooting technology, running a golf facility requires far more than simply teaching golf lessons.
Teaching Junior Golf at Short Game
A major portion of Episode 18 focuses on junior golf instruction and the programs Elijah now leads at Short Game.
Elijah has been involved in teaching junior golf camps for nearly a decade and now oversees many of the academy’s US Kids Golf programs.
He explains how the US Kids Player Pathway system works by using games, skill challenges, and achievement pins to help kids stay engaged while learning golf fundamentals. Rather than simply standing on a range hitting balls endlessly, the programs are designed around interactive learning and measurable progress.
The conversation highlights how kids often learn better in groups because they feed off each other’s energy and competitiveness. Elijah explains that the goal is not just creating technically sound golfers but also helping kids genuinely enjoy the game.
Joe emphasizes that summer camps are intentionally built around fun first. The goal is for kids to leave excited about golf and wanting to continue playing long after camp ends.
The Trackman-powered range at Short Game also creates a unique environment for junior golfers. Since the facility can pull up virtual golf courses and games directly on the range, kids can experience course play, target practice, and scoring challenges even without being on a traditional golf course.
This technology makes golf more accessible for families while removing some of the pressure parents often feel about constantly needing to get their children onto a full golf course.
Golf Memories, Parenting & Looking Ahead
As the episode winds down, the conversation becomes more reflective and personal.
Elijah recently became a father himself, and Joe jokes that now Elijah will finally understand what it is like raising competitive, energetic children.
They discuss how golf has always been deeply connected to family memories, whether through early morning rounds, drive-chip-and-putt competitions, sibling competitions, or funny moments on the golf course.
One recurring theme throughout the podcast is how golf becomes more meaningful when connected to relationships and shared experiences rather than simply scores and competition.
Episode 18 ultimately feels less like an interview and more like listeners are sitting in the room listening to a father and son genuinely enjoy spending time together.
It is filled with humor, stories, golf talk, parenting lessons, and behind-the-scenes insight into the McNeil family and the growth of Short Game.
If you enjoy golf, family stories, entrepreneurship, homeschooling discussions, or hearing the realities of building a business together as a family, this episode is worth watching.
Watch Episode 18:
https://youtu.be/4SUeLsxuURk
Subscribe to The Joe McNeil Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@coachjoemcneil
Follow on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-joe-mcneil-podcast/id1871753318
Visit Short Game:
https://www.shortgameusa.com
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