The JOLF Man

Owen Thomas officially joins the JOLF team, and we're recording this on his very first day, sitting in the van, ready for Year One PE at Holbrook School. Owen's moved down from Durham, studied Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough, plays off scratch, and brings a serious love for the game. But more importantly, he connects with people. Coaching isn't just about golf swings—it's about communication, emotion, and leadership. Over the coming weeks, we'll see how Owen develops in schools, learns the craft, and helps young players fall in love with the game. Welcome to JOLF, Owen. Bonus section – this is absolute gold. We asked the children at our after school club what Owen needs to know to be a JOLF coach… and their answers are priceless.

Continuing our series on “going to” golf experiences with children. This episode we're talking about one of the most popular family activities around: crazy golf. Whether it's on holiday, at the beach, or at one of the amazing new glow-in-the-dark indoor courses, crazy golf is often a child's first taste of golf. But it also raises big questions for parents—especially around rules, scoring, and that dreaded word: “cheating.” So let's break it down. How should families approach crazy golf, what really matters, and how do we make sure everyone leaves smiling and wanting to play again?

Today we're recording from South Bersted Primary School at lunchtime on the final day of the spring term. I'm here with Lewis as we reflect on what's been a busy and eventful six-week half term. From nurture sessions and SEND family sessions to PE, play days, and large group coaching, Lewis has experienced it all. We'll be talking about the biggest learning curves, the importance of predictability, managing expectations, and what it really takes to grow as a coach. Because in this job, does probation ever really end?

Today we're continuing our series on families, children, and parents finding ways to keep playing golf after those first experiences in school or the local community. And with the weather here in Sussex being absolutely soaking wet, it's not exactly ideal conditions for getting out on the course.So this episode is all about golf simulators — indoor golf, TrackMan-style tech, and whether simulators might actually offer a brilliant, safe, engaging way for children and their families to play together.I'll be honest, I don't have loads of experience with simulators, and sometimes the amount of options can feel overwhelming… but that's exactly why I wanted to explore it. What should families expect? How do you make the most of your time? And how do you keep it fun and simple for children?

This week on the JOLF Man Podcast, we're heading to the putting green — and it's all about keeping golf enjoyable and repeatable for children. After last week's episode on the first trip to the driving range, I've been thinking about what comes next. Because one visit isn't enough… children thrive on repetition and routine. On the putting green, we slow everything down: hold it, tap it, watch it until it stops. No pressure, no perfect technique, and definitely no worries if they putt croquet/hockey-style or use their hands! This is where confidence grows — one gentle roll at a time.

A friend of mine texted me the other day. He'd taken his five-year-old son to the driving range for the first time—pictures on Facebook, proud as punch. Then came the question: what do I do next? Lessons? Coaching? And it really got me thinking about the children we introduce to golf in schools, the parents who regularly ask for advice, and our own 14-plus years working in this space. Because maybe—just maybe—the best way to start a child in golf isn't lessons/coaching, but more play, more discovery, and more time together. That's what today's episode is about.

As Lewis and I were waiting to head into another school to deliver a JOLF nurture session, it felt like the perfect moment to hit record. In this episode, we reflect on Lewis's first couple of weeks in JOLF life – what he's noticed, what's surprised him, and what really matters for the children we work with. We talk enjoyment over “fun”, the power of quiet focus, and why sometimes the most important thing adults can do is say less. Honest reflections, real observations, and plenty to think about if you work with children.

Get to know our newest JOLF Coach, Lewis Mamoany

A review of 2025, looking back on 4 years of "The JOLF man in the JOLF van" where we have put clubs in the hands of 50000+ children. And then looking forwards to 2026 and beyond

Following a meeting of "Play Their Way" coaches last week i have a had a few thoughts rumbling around that i thought i would share. Let me know what you think...

A quick review of playing in lots of different places playing with lots of different people, we LOVE it :)

Rob Spurrier, CEO of Orbis Golf. Great to catch up and chat about the junior golf "industry" as well as our thoughts following the PGA junior golf CPD day last week.

A few thoughts shared after a superb day at the PGA Junior Coaching CPD event at the Belfry on Tuesday 18th November. A great line up of speakers, a great group of people attending and it got me thinking...

ANNOUNCEMENTFree JOLF Nurture Sessions for Mid Sussex Schools provided by the Kate & Justin Rose FoundationMid Sussex JOLF Nurture Project, a brand-new initiative bringing the joy of golf, movement, and play to local schools — fully funded and free to take part in.About JOLFJOLF works with schools across the south east to deliver inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable golf experiences for children of all ages and abilities. Our sessions are designed to help every child move, play, and learn in ways thatbuild confidence, connection, and enjoyment.About JOLF NurtureJOLF Nurture is a programme designed specifically to support children's social, emotional, and physical well-being through golf. Using adapted equipment, small-group tasks, and positive interactions, we create a calm, safe, and enjoyable environment where children can thrive, buildself-esteem, and develop essential life skills.About the Kate & Justin Rose FoundationWe're proud to be partnering with the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation, whose generous support has made this project possible. The Foundation is dedicated to helping young people thrive by improving access to golf and golf relatedactivities to allow young people to engage with the sport, giving them the chance to access wider educational and well-being opportunities.  What Schools Will Receive. Each participating Mid Sussex school will receive, free of charge:5 weeks of ½-day JOLF Nurture sessions, delivered by our experienced coaches, focused on supporting children's wellbeing, confidence, and connection throughenjoyable and meaningful play-based activities. We'd love to include your school in this exciting local project and bring the JOLF Nurture experience to your pupils.

I have said it before, I am saying it again, and I know i will say it again in the future :) It has been fascinating to see this in action over the last 8 weeks in a school i visit each Tuesday.

I LOVE all the chats that I record and say that on every one! This one was great. I love what Pete does and has done over the last 10 years at his facility, Dunes Golf Centre, in Scotland. He has created a wonderful community of golfers (and customers) and really cares about the experience they have when visiting his facility. As always, so much good stuff in this chat for coaches, parents, and anyone involved in golf and grass roots sport.

It was great to catch up with Joe Russell from the "Football Fun Factory" He absolutely "gets" what a fun experience should be for children and i am sure the children that attend and parents that send their children know that Joe is interested in every child's all round development. I don't know a huge amount about football, and have some thoughts on children's football, but this chat got me thinking.

Great to catch up with Jack Cole from "The School of Golf" based in Essex. I love Joe's passion and enthusiasm for junior golf and supporting coaches and academies.

This might be my favourite episode EVER. I loved listening to the thoughts of everyone and it makes me feel that we are doing lots of things well.

I love chatting with Travis; it has been a LONG time since we last recorded something and shared some thoughts. No plan to the chat, lots came up and plenty to listen again to. 2 things continue to come up in chats over and over again, connection and community.

Paul and I chat, a LOT :) So to get something recorded and shared was great. We discuss Paul's new ventures, which are very exciting, and how they develop. Lots about building connection, trust and relationships in coaching. Finishing with the question of what is fueling your purpose???

A few thoughts on how as coaches/adults we MUST involve and include EVERYONE in the activities and experiences we offer

Our 4th time sharing thoughts on the podcast, love catching up and hearing what Aaron is up to and has to say. We cover a lot of ground here...

It's JOLF's birthday. A bit of a ramble to think about and share the journey of the last 14 years.

It has been a while! I am committed to getting a podcast out each week from now and this is a short review of the last 12 months of JOLF

Just like an iPhone we have had an update. As we celebrate our 13th birthday today it is a great time to share our upgrade and conversion to a CIC. Thinking about our plans for JOLF 4.0

End of the summer and will be taking a break for the next few weeks.

A few thoughts as this is my first Friday with no cricket for a long time. It has been an amazing learning journey being involved with Burgess Hill Cricket Club this year #teamBHCC

Something someone said yesterday got me thinking

A few thoughts after a fascinating whole school JOLF day yesterday

Statements that I regularly read and hear “juniors are the future of the game” “inspire the next generation” “growing the game” Just a few thoughts

A busy week, a few thoughts and observations of what I have seen, heard, experienced.

I ponder over the fact my daughter finished her education journey this week

2.5 hours after I posted the pod about watching a session where 9 children bowled to 1 adult who was batting and I had 12/15 children waiting in lines to play JOLF

Difficult not to be judgemental and critical when you see a session when 9 bowlers (the children) are waiting in line bowling one at a time at one batter (the adult)

A week of playing on Astro, music studio floors, a field with long grass, concrete playground, a field with short cut grass and a very fast sloping putting green.

A few thoughts after attending a Sussex Cricket Neurodiversity Workshop this week

Love the analogy of the snow globe, got reminded about it during a session yesterday

Just getting a few thoughts out of my head

A random ramble that found a point in the end

Hayden has been with me on work experience this week, was keen to get his thoughts from his experiences

What an experience

A few thoughts after starting a series of JOLF PE sessions in a school this week. Don't start with the end in mind, start with each child in mind!

Moving to Sussex 25 years ago today and yesterday completing a 50 mile race. A few thoughts

I realised this week, allowing children to play their way, letting them fail, struggle, make mistakes is HARD!!!

This drives me to distraction, makes me nervous, worries me, keeps me on my toes and is the thing that drives me to do my best

10 weeks of delivery in Woodlands Meed school, I have LOVED it. Just a few thoughts and feelings from the 10 weeks

A few thoughts around what i have experienced and observed this week

A bit of a ramble and some commentary following on from a post I shared on social media this week. It has been great to reflect on the comments people have shared.

Something that children are born with and a muscle to grow and develop?

Lucky to share time with Jim Wallis and his students at Brighton Uni, just a few thoughts on our chat