Gary and Liam welcome Jamie McConnell, a seasoned golf instructor who started out near our home club in the midlands of Ireland, now based in Dubai and Portugal. Jamie shares his journey from aspiring professional golfer to a successful coach, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The conversation delves into the role of technology in golf coaching, the importance of enjoyment in the game, and insights gained from working with elite players. Jamie emphasises the diversity of coaching styles and the necessity of adapting to individual player needs, highlighting the evolving landscape of indoor golf training and the significance of effective communication in coaching. In this conversation, Jamie McConnell shares his journey as a golf coach, detailing his experiences with young golfers and the influence of coaching legends like Butch Harmon. He discusses the importance of adapting coaching techniques, integrating sports psychology, and the value of continuous learning in the field. Jamie reflects on his transition to Discovery Dunes, emphasising the importance of creating enjoyable experiences for players and the significance of travel and networking in personal and professional growth. He concludes with insights on success, coaching philosophy, and the joy of teaching golf.

Takeaways

• Jamie McConnell shares his journey from aspiring player to golf instructor.
• The importance of technology like Trackman in modern golf coaching.
• Coaching is about understanding individual needs and preferences.
• Enjoyment in golf is crucial for player development.
• Different players have unique practice habits and approaches.
• The role of communication in effective coaching.
• Indoor golf training is evolving with technology.
• Coaching systems can vary, but effective communication is key.
• Elite players exhibit diverse practice routines and mentalities.
• Finding the right coaching style is essential for each individual. The journey of a young golfer can be unpredictable.
• Coaching is about adapting techniques to fit the player.
• Influence from coaching legends shapes one's philosophy.
• Continuous learning is essential in coaching.
• Travel broadens perspectives and enhances coaching skills.
• Creating enjoyable experiences for players is key.
• Sports psychology plays a significant role in coaching.
• Every lesson should be as good as the first.
• Networking with other professionals enhances coaching.
• Success is about enjoying the process, not just the results.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Golf Pro Show

03:01 Jamie McConnell's Journey in Golf Instruction

06:00 Transitioning from Player to Coach

09:07 The Role of Technology in Golf Coaching

12:01 Understanding the Student's Needs

14:51 Balancing Enjoyment and Improvement in Golf

18:04 The Passion for Golf and Coaching

19:36 The Evolution of Indoor Golf Coaching

23:53 Diverse Approaches to Practice and Training

28:03 The Role of Coaching Systems in Golf

34:31 Influences from Top Coaches

42:36 Transitioning to Member-Focused Coaching

46:49 Transitioning to a New Coaching Environment

48:30 The Role of Psychology in Coaching

50:09 Understanding Body Language and Empathy

52:53 The Importance of Perspective in Coaching

54:51 The Value of Continuous Learning

56:47 Structuring a Holistic Coaching Academy

01:00:14 Reflections on Personal Growth and Success

Follow us individually:Gary's websit: garyshawgolf.com

Gary's Instagram: @garyshawgolfGary's Twitter/X: @garyshawgolf

Liam's Instagram: @lg_golfpro

Liam's Twitter/X: @liamlggrehan

Summary

In this episode of the Golf Pro Show, Gary Shaw and Liam Grehan reflect on their personal journeys in professional golf, discussing the transition from amateur to professional status, the pressures of Q School, and the experiences that shaped their careers. They delve into the mindset required for success, the importance of strategy in tournaments, and the challenges of navigating the Sunshine Tour. The conversation also touches on coaching techniques, the impact of technology in golf, and the evolving landscape of the sport.

Takeaways

• Liam secured his Sunshine Tour card, marking a significant career milestone.

• The journey from amateur to professional golf involves various challenges and learning experiences.

• Q School is a high-pressure environment that tests players' mental and physical abilities.

• Breath work and mental strategies are crucial for managing stress during tournaments.

• The importance of having a growth mindset in pursuing professional golf.
• Navigating the Sunshine Tour requires understanding its unique challenges and opportunities.
• Coaching techniques should focus on real golf scenarios rather than just numbers.
• Technology, like Trackman, is changing how golfers practice and improve their game.
• Players must adapt their strategies based on the conditions and courses they play.
• The journey in professional golf is ongoing, with continuous learning and adaptation required.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journeys

02:57 Transitioning to Professional Golf

06:02 The Pressure of Q School

08:55 Experiences and Strategies in Q School

12:08 Mindset and Performance Under Pressure

15:00 Building Golf IQ and Experience

17:54 Looking Ahead: The Sunshine Tour

20:59 Navigating New Challenges in Professional Golf

23:09 Navigating the Tour Life

24:21 Experiencing New Cultures Through Golf

26:52 Adjusting to Different Playing Conditions

28:39 Balancing Practice and Tournament Preparation

30:16 Advice for Aspiring Professional Golfers

32:45 The Importance of a Growth Mindset

33:51 Managing Swing Changes During Competitions

35:10 Life as a Golf Coach in London

39:32 The Challenge of Balancing Data and Play

42:30 The Future of Golf in Urban Environments

Follow us individually:

Gary's Instagram: @garyshawgolf

Gary's Website: garyshawgolf.com

Liam's Instagram: @lg_golfpro

PGA Professionals Gary Shaw and Liam Grehan sit down with fellow Mullingar man - Elan Darcy, also known as Coach Elan!

Elan, with a strong golfing history of his own, decided to followed his passion for strength & fitness after university. After qualifying as a Personal Trainer, Elan built up a successful online coaching business and currently employs multiple trainers.

If setting up an online business is of interest, get ready to take notes!

Discover more about Elan on his very own podcast - Holistic Health Podcast, or on his website - www.coachelan.com.

Enjoy,

Gary & Liam

Gary's website: www.garyshawgolf.com

Liam's Instagram: www.instagram.com/lg_golfpro

Welcome back!

After a hiatus, 2024 brought about big changes and events for us both, (will be explored in another podcast!).

Today, we are joined by the very talented Dylan Beirne (of Quantum Sports Data), the man behind the statistics that drove captain decisions at the most recent President’s Cup, and The Ryder Cup of 2018 in Paris.

Outside this, Dylan has worked with individuals such as Matt Fitzpatrick and the Torque GC LIV team.

Dylan's knowledge and advice is applicable to players of all levels - boil the kettle, sit back and enjoy!

Gary & Liam - The Golf Pro Show.

Follow us individually:

Gary's Instagram - @garyshawgolf

Liam's Instagram - @lg_golfpro

Gary's website - garyshawgolf.com

Peter Arnott, a Practice Coach at Practice Thinkers and co-author of two fantastic books: Tiger Practice Guide & A Constraints-Led Approach to Golf Coaching, joins us for an in-depth conversation around practice design, motor learning and much more.

Liam has been working closely with Peter, it is interesting to hear how they are applying different methods to Liam's practice and learning, to solve the transfer problem.

Sit back and enjoy the chat, this one will be particularly interesting for those wishing to improve their practice and learn how to not only practice well, but play well too.

Michael is a recently qualified PGA Professional, based at Glenlo Abbey GC in Galway. Having tremendous success with his coaching at a very young age, we were keen to sit down and discover what makes Michael tick and how we can all learn from his approach to coaching.

In this solo podcast, Gary discusses a recent coaching group that he has started at Naas Golf Club, with thanks to Sarah Banville of Golf Ireland and Fiach Andrews of Kildare Sports Partnership/Kildare Co Co.

It is a first of its kind in Kildare, and very thankfully some groundwork had been done by Naas GC member/volunteers pre-Covid. Their training and help each week has been invaluable. After many courses and training days/evenings, Gary began the 6-week "Inclusive Golf Kildare" at Naas Golf Club in February 2023 and the 6th/final week will be taking place soon. If you, or your club/organisation are considering running an inclusive course like this, feel free to reach out to me at gary@garyshawgolf.com or contact Golf Ireland, we can help point you in the right direction! Remember to follow The Golf Pro Show on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to the podcast 🎧