Introduction
At 67, some might expect me to slow down, to retire, or to let go of the relentless drive that’s defined my career. But the reality is, age has only added fuel to my fire. I see every year as a badge of honor, not a barrier. And I’ve come to understand that experience isn’t something you can rush or replicate. Wisdom, after all, is a gift earned through life, and that’s what fuels my passion for golf coaching and sharing everything I’ve learned over decades.
The great thing about getting older is that your knowledge and skills become part of who you are. They’re things you own. And they’re things that help you navigate the world with a certain curiosity, which I believe is key to becoming your best. I’ve learned that there’s no limit to what I can learn and contribute as I age. Every new day brings a chance to understand the game of golf better, and to pass on what I’ve learned to others.
I’m more passionate about golf coaching and the game of golf than ever before. While many might see age as a limitation, I see it as a unique advantage. Every year I get older adds to the wisdom and knowledge I can share with others. Whether it’s coaching new golfers or refining the skills of seasoned players, there’s no age at which learning and growth stop.
Problem
But even with all that accumulated experience, I’ve realized that many people, especially as they age, feel that they’ve reached their peak. They worry that they’ll never be able to improve or learn as they once did. This fear of stagnation is often magnified in a competitive sport like golf, where youth and agility seem to dominate.
Promise
In this blog, I’m here to tell you that age isn’t a barrier—it’s an advantage. Through decades of experience in golf coaching and my own personal journey, I’ve come to understand that curiosity and continuous learning can sustain and even enhance your game. I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned along the way and show you how embracing growth at any stage of life can take your game—and your confidence—further than you ever imagined.
The Core Principles of Golf Coaching: Belief, Technology, and Evolution
The Power of Belief and Conviction
One of the most important things I’ve learned throughout my career is not to adopt anything until I truly believe in it. You have to believe in what you do. Without belief, there’s no purpose and no drive. Whether it’s a new drill, a new piece of technology, or a coaching approach, I don’t incorporate it into my practice until I’ve put it through my own rigorous test. Every lesson I teach and every drill I use has a purpose. They’re not gimmicks; they’re things I understand deeply and believe will make a difference.
In this respect, I’m smart enough to know that I invented nothing. I took in everyone’s ideas, distilled them, researched them, and shaped them in a way that made sense to me and my students. What sets me apart isn’t a secret recipe—it’s my ability to break down complex ideas and make them digestible. I have a knack for articulating concepts in their simplest form. That simplicity is what my students need to succeed, and it’s why they come to me for guidance.
Technology in Coaching: Blending the Old with the New
I’ve always been a tech guy at heart. In fact, I was the first coach in New Zealand sport to use video technology in my training. Back then, it was revolutionary. Golf was actually the first sport to bring computers on board in 1995. But, of course, technology was clunky back then. What took days to analyze—like breaking down a single swing—would take mere seconds just a few years later.
The advancement of technology sped up processes and gave us new ways to analyze performance. But I never saw technology as a replacement for intuition, knowledge, or insight. Instead, I saw it as a tool to enhance what we, as coaches, could offer our players. I like to think outside the norm; I do want to reinvent the wheel when it matters. But in the end, my goal has always been simple: to empower players to be better, to give them the tools and knowledge to improve with confidence.
Evolution as a Constant
I once asked the National Coach of New Zealand what he’d changed in his approach over the past 30 years. His answer stunned me: “Nothing.” To me, that’s the most misguided response anyone could give. If you aren’t evolving, you aren’t learning, and without growth, you’re stagnant. For me, evolution is a constant. Every day, I strive to learn something new, whether it’s answering the 50 hardest questions about golf or exploring the latest advances in sports science. Knowledge is always moving forward, and I believe we must move with it.
No one has a copyright on knowledge, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to learn from others, to refine my ideas, and to share what I know. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that knowledge is most valuable when it’s shared. I’ll keep evolving as long as I can, and I hope others—young or old—can see that age isn’t something that holds you back. It’s an advantage that drives you forward.
Golf Coaching and the Mindset of Lifelong Learning
A Relentless Pursuit of Knowledge and Mastery
Golf is a game that’s consumed me for decades, and it’s not something you can approach half-heartedly if you’re serious about it. The sport demands everything from you. My own journey has been a relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you want to succeed in this game, you have to be even more relentless than the challenges it throws at you.
I’ve dedicated my life to golf, not just to playing it, but to understanding it deeply and sharing what I know with others. My advice to those who want to take on the game at the level I have is straightforward: don’t dive in as deeply as I have unless you’re prepared to go further than everyone else. Building a golf game, whether it’s for yourself or as a coach, is a massive commitment. And as a coach, you’re completely reliant on the student’s dedication. Each golfer is unique, and it’s our job to help them match their abilities with their goals.
Confidence Built on Mistakes
Confidence is one of the greatest gifts you can have as a golfer or as a coach, but it’s also one of the hardest things to hold onto. Through all the ups and downs, I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from getting everything right; it comes from being able to pick yourself up after getting things wrong. Mistakes are not setbacks—they’re essential steps on the path to improvement.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that if you’re doing something wrong, that’s okay. Because to get to the right answer, you’ll have to get it wrong many times over. Mistakes are part of the learning process. They refine you, shape you, and give you perspective. Through all the mistakes I’ve made, I’ve always backed myself. That confidence has been my compass, guiding me through the challenges and helping me grow.
Embracing Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Curiosity has been my guide throughout my career. I’m genuinely interested in every new idea, technique, and approach. And I believe that as long as you stay curious, you’ll keep improving. Curiosity is what keeps the mind sharp, what keeps us from settling into comfortable routines and outdated methods. It’s what makes each day feel like a new adventure, and it’s why I wake up excited to keep learning and to keep sharing.
For me, golf isn’t just a sport; it’s a craft. And as with any craft, it takes dedication, resilience, and a willingness to keep pushing boundaries. I want to encourage other golfers to adopt this mindset, to embrace the idea that learning doesn’t stop, no matter how much you think you know. And above all, I want people to understand that there’s no one “right” way to learn. Golfers are all different, and we need to meet them where they are, helping them develop a style and approach that works for their individual needs and strengths.
Final Thoughts: Age, Confidence, and the Gift of Golf
Building Games, Building Relationships
Building a golf game, especially as a coach, is hard work. As a coach, you’re totally reliant on your student’s willingness to learn and engage with the process. Golfers come to you with different backgrounds, different goals, and different challenges, and it’s up to you to help them make sense of it all. I see my role as part guide, part collaborator. I’m not just building a swing or teaching a technique—I’m building a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared love of the game.
The satisfaction of seeing a player grow, improve, and gain confidence is what keeps me coming back, year after year. Each player’s journey is unique, and that’s what makes golf coaching so rewarding. No two lessons are ever the same, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ego!
Don’t let your ego outpace your ability. In golf, as in life, confidence is essential, but when ego grows unchecked, it can become a barrier to improvement. Ego may make you believe you’re ready for challenges you haven’t fully prepared for, or dismiss constructive feedback that could actually help you grow. The best players—and learners—know that humility is a strength. They recognize their current limits and work hard to expand them. When ego and ability don’t match, it’s often the ego that needs adjusting. True progress comes when you focus on learning, not proving.
Conclusion
Point
Golf is a lifelong journey, and age should never be viewed as a roadblock. With experience comes clarity, insight, and the ability to teach others in a way that’s both effective and meaningful. As I continue to grow in my craft as a coach and golfer, I am reminded that the key to success isn’t the number of years behind you, but the number of lessons you’re willing to embrace moving forward.
Action
I encourage anyone, regardless of age, to take up the mantle of lifelong learning. Seek out new techniques, ask questions, challenge your own assumptions, and—above all—never stop playing the game. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, there’s always room for improvement, and golf coaching can be a powerful tool in unlocking your potential.
Final Thought
The game of golf has given me far more than I could ever give back, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. It’s my hope that by sharing my journey, others can feel empowered to keep pushing boundaries, regardless of where they are in their own game. Age isn’t a limitation—it’s a gift. Let’s keep learning, evolving, and enjoying the journey together. The best is yet to come.
FAQ'S
Why is golf coaching important for players of all ages?
Golf coaching is important for players of all ages because it provides guidance, structure, and personalized feedback to help players improve their game. No matter how experienced a golfer is, there’s always room to refine techniques and elevate performance.
How can age be an advantage in golf coaching?
With age comes experience, patience, and wisdom. Older coaches, like myself, can offer a perspective grounded in years of trial and error. This allows us to break down complex concepts in a way that resonates with players, regardless of their skill level.
What makes a good golf coach?
A good golf coach not only has a deep understanding of the game, but also the ability to communicate clearly and motivate players. The best coaches, like me, are always learning, evolving, and adapting their teaching methods to fit each individual’s needs.
Can technology improve my golf game?
Absolutely. As a coach, I’ve seen the power of technology in breaking down swings and improving performance. From swing analysis tools to performance tracking software, technology enhances the coaching process but should always complement, not replace, intuition and experience.
How can I improve my golf confidence and performance?
Confidence in golf comes from experience, mistakes, and learning from both. As a coach, I emphasize the importance of patience and persistence. Mistakes aren’t setbacks; they’re essential steps on the path to mastery. Keep practicing, trust the process, and keep challenging yourself to grow.