The Golf Pro Show

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.TakeawaysJamie 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Golf Pro Show03:01 Jamie McConnell's Journey in Golf Instruction06:00 Transitioning from Player to Coach09:07 The Role of Technology in Golf Coaching12:01 Understanding the Student's Needs14:51 Balancing Enjoyment and Improvement in Golf18:04 The Passion for Golf and Coaching19:36 The Evolution of Indoor Golf Coaching23:53 Diverse Approaches to Practice and Training28:03 The Role of Coaching Systems in Golf34:31 Influences from Top Coaches42:36 Transitioning to Member-Focused Coaching46:49 Transitioning to a New Coaching Environment48:30 The Role of Psychology in Coaching50:09 Understanding Body Language and Empathy52:53 The Importance of Perspective in Coaching54:51 The Value of Continuous Learning56:47 Structuring a Holistic Coaching Academy01:00:14 Reflections on Personal Growth and SuccessFollow us individually:Gary's websit: garyshawgolf.com Gary's Instagram: @garyshawgolfGary's Twitter/X: @garyshawgolfLiam's Instagram: @lg_golfproLiam's Twitter/X: @liamlggrehan

In this episode Gary and Liam 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Journeys02:57 Transitioning to Professional Golf06:02 The Pressure of Q School08:55 Experiences and Strategies in Q School12:08 Mindset and Performance Under Pressure15:00 Building Golf IQ and Experience17:54 Looking Ahead: The Sunshine Tour20:59 Navigating New Challenges in Professional Golf23:09 Navigating the Tour Life24:21 Experiencing New Cultures Through Golf26:52 Adjusting to Different Playing Conditions28:39 Balancing Practice and Tournament Preparation30:16 Advice for Aspiring Professional Golfers32:45 The Importance of a Growth Mindset33:51 Managing Swing Changes During Competitions35:10 Life as a Golf Coach in London39:32 The Challenge of Balancing Data and Play42:30 The Future of Golf in Urban EnvironmentsFollow us individually: Gary's Instagram: @garyshawgolfGary's Website: garyshawgolf.comLiam'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 & LiamGary's website: www.garyshawgolf.comLiam'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.

Liam is back, for Episode 4! First, we go through the latest news and happenings around the world of PGA Trainees in Ireland. Before Liam shares his experience of playing with 2022 PGA Tour Champions Rookie of the Year, three-time Major Champion, Ryder Cup Captain, and Irish golfing legend, Pádraig Harrington! Liam teed it up in the Island Golf Club the morning of this podcast, it's great to hear all of the stories and experiences fresh after it happened! ___________ Follow us on social media - ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

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

Gary Shaw (PGA Trainee Golf Professional at Naas Golf Club) and Liam Grehan (PGA Trainee Golf Professional at The K Club) discuss the exciting upcoming golf Netflix series, "Full Swing", which takes viewers behind the scenes of the world's top tour professionals, including Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and more. This leads us to a discussion about our own journey into golf as kids and the likelihood that more will find interest in golf after seeing this Netflix series. And finally, we share our tips on how to get started on your own journey into golf, how you could become a member and enjoy all the benefits of this wonderful game! Sit back, pop on the kettle, and if it's past February 15th 2023, watch the Netflix series "Full Swing" after this episode! Cheers, Gary & Liam

Welcome to The Golf Pro Show! In our first episode, enjoy a quick introduction to who we are, and our history as friends and golfers. We discuss our differing daily lives, goals and the general life of an Assistant PGA Professional here in Ireland. This one might be of particular interest if you are considering a career with the PGA. Enjoy!