What do great ball strikers do differently?

Gary Shaw and Liam Grehan welcome Bradley Hughes to The Golf Pro Show for a conversation about ball striking and the golf swing.

Watch the full conversation here on Spotify, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Golf Pro Show for more conversations with players, coaches and people working inside the game.

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Irish PGA Professional David Ruddy joins PGA Coach Gary Shaw and Sunshine Tour professional Liam Grehan on The Golf Pro Show to reveal how he helped Stuart Grehan win the 2026 Amateur Championship and prepare for his major championship debut at The Open at Royal Birkdale.

David takes us inside the decisive moments of Stuart’s Amateur Championship victory—including the crucial reset when the 36-hole final appeared to be slipping away, what he said and why their relationship allowed him to deliver the right message under pressure.

He also shares how they prepared for Stuart’s first major championship, what he learned from observing the world’s best players and coaches at The Open, and how the experience will shape their preparation for the Masters and US Open.

The conversation explores how David and Stuart began working together, David’s development as a coach, and how he has learned from Dana Dahlquist, Andy Plummer, Pete Cowen and Alex Buckner while building a coaching approach of his own.

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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

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