The Golf Pro Show

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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David Ruddy:
https://www.instagram.com/davidruddygolf/
Gary Shaw:
https://www.instagram.com/garyshawgolf/
Liam Grehan:
https://www.instagram.com/lg_golfpro/

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

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.

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