The Golf Sit Down

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, we sit down with PGA & LPGA professional Angela Then, Director of Instruction at Indian Creek Golf Club.

Angela shares her incredible journey from competitive junior golf to playing on tour—and now developing elite players through coaching. We dive into what really separates top-level golfers, why “consistency” is misunderstood, and how players (and parents) should approach long-term development.

If you’re a junior golfer, coach, or parent trying to navigate the path to better golf—this episode is packed with insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

🔥 Topi...

In this special LIVE episode of The Golf Sitdown, we sit down with Brent Wilkerson to break down what it really takes to develop golfers over the long term.

From coaching struggles to breakthrough moments, Brent shares how Operation 36 transformed his approach—helping players, parents, and coaches understand the journey beyond just a one-hour lesson.

We dive into:
• Why traditional lessons often fail
• The importance of on-course experience
• What parents should (and shouldn’t) do
• How players actually improve over time
• The mindset shift that changes everything

If you're a paren...

What does it really take to develop junior golfers the right way?

In this episode of The Golf Sitdown, we sit down with Steve Brewer, Director of Instruction at Dubsdread Golf Course and a national ambassador for Operation 36.

Steve shares how he’s built one of the largest junior development programs in the country — serving 150+ juniors and 1,000+ adults annually — while staying committed to a simple principle:

👉 The number is still 36.

👉 Follow Steve on Instagram: @dubsdread_golf_learning_center

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with top coaches and minds in golf.
The Golf Sit...

Golf improvement is usually judged by feel — but what if you could actually measure progress?

In this Real Talk episode of The Golf Sit Down, PGA Professionals Ryan Dailey and Seth Thompson break down the massive milestone of 1 MILLION strokes lost inside Operation 36 and why it matters for players, parents, and coaches.

We dive into:
• Why most golfers think they’re not improving (when they are)
• The psychology of motivation in golf
• How measurable progress keeps players from quitting
• Why traditional lessons often fail beginners
• How junior golfers stay engaged long-term
...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, we’re joined by George Roy, founder of George Roy Golf and creator of the Low Zone Training System, for a deep dive into how golfers should actually practice.

George breaks down:

The adaptive learning model in golf
Why skill development matters more than technique early on
How parents can help juniors practice without burnout
The importance of failure, variability, and exploration
Why most practice ranges are poorly designed for learning
How to create purposeful, game-like practice environments

We also ta...

In this Golf Sit Down Podcast Q&A episode, PGA Professionals Ryan Dailey and Seth Thompson answer real questions from golf coaches, parents, and junior golfers.

We break down:

Why junior golf improvement takes time

How OP 36 creates a clear development roadmap

How many tournaments junior golfers should actually play

Why scores are not linear (and why that’s normal)

The powerful Rule of 20 in junior golf development

How parents can help juniors manage emotions during tournaments

Whether you’re a junior golfer with...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, we’re joined by Kristi Roach, PGA of Canada professional, 2024 PGA Atlantic Teacher of the Year, Operation 36 coach, and former school teacher.

Kristi shares her unique journey from college golf to classroom teaching to full-time golf coaching, and how her background as a middle school teacher and mom shapes the way she develops junior golfers today.

We dive deep into:
-How to properly develop junior golfers long-term
-Why Operation 36 works so well for kids and parents
-Coaching vs parenting on the golf course
-E...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, we sit down with Dan Bubany, PGA Professional, to break down what actually leads to long-term golf improvement — and why traditional one-hour golf lessons often fail players, parents, and coaches.

Dan shares his journey from broadcast journalism to full-time golf coaching, and explains why group coaching, on-course training, and results-based development outperform private instruction in nearly every way. From junior golf development to adult amateurs struggling to break 90, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

We cover:

Why group coaching creates faster improvement
The di...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, Ryan and Seth sit down with Ben Polland, PGA, Director of Golf at Shooting Star (WY) and reigning 2024 PGA Professional Champion. Ben shares his incredible journey from late-blooming high school golfer to competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR events, and representing the PGA of America internationally.

We dig into:

• Why competing often is the fastest way to grow
• The mental game shift that changed Ben’s career
• How to pick a great coach (and when to move on)
• Why junior golfers MUST play more...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, Ryan Dailey and Seth Thompson sit down with Randall Henry, CEO of Henry-Griffitts, one of golf’s most respected custom-fitting companies.

Randall shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from decades in the golf industry — from tour players in the 1980s to revolutionizing how juniors and beginners get fit today.

We break down:

Why most golfers are using clubs that are too strong

How ill-fitting clubs create lifelong swing flaws

Why lie angle matters more than you think

How Henry-Griffitts and Op36 are...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, Ryan Dailey and Seth Thompson welcome Ty Gosnell, founder of The Players Golf Academy of Charleston and Director of Instruction at Rivertown Country Club.

Ty shares his journey from a multi-sport athlete to a seasoned PGA coach, the lessons he’s learned about player development, burnout, and the importance of helping kids fall in love with the grind—not just the game.

He discusses:
How playing multiple sports builds better golfers
Why travel sports can lead to burnout
The key ages when young golfers stru...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, hosts Ryan Dailey, Seth Thompson, and AJ Reimann welcome world-renowned coach David Orr.

With over 30 years of coaching experience and 16 years of putting research, David has worked with more than 85 Tour players — including Justin Rose, Suzanne Pettersen, Paul Casey, and multiple Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup players.

We dive deep into:

How juniors actually develop golf skills on the course, not the range
The importance of reps, emotional regulation, and “fear loops” in golf
Lessons David learned coaching college players, tour players, and junior...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down Podcast, we chat with Maggie Simons, Director of Instruction at Oregon Golf Club, about her incredible journey from a late start in junior golf to playing Division I at Wake Forest, competing professionally, and ultimately becoming one of the most respected coaches in the Pacific Northwest.

Maggie shares her insights on:
⛳ Why early specialization can hurt more than it helps
🏀 The value of multi-sport participation for juniors
📈 How to manage expectations through growth spurts and development
💡 Creating a fun, welcoming culture that retains golfers for life
🏆...

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down Podcast, we sit down with Andreas Kali, head coach of the Danish Junior Golf Academy. Andreas shares his journey from junior golf in Denmark to competing in college and turning professional, before finding his true passion in coaching.

We discuss the importance of mentorship, group training, player accountability, culture, and long-term development. Andreas emphasizes how fostering a love for the game, rather than focusing only on early results, creates players who not only succeed on tour but also stay connected to golf for life.

From stories about...

In this conversation, Wendi Wiese shares her journey in golf, from her early experiences to her innovative teaching methods at Texas Team Junior Golf. She emphasizes the importance of play in learning, emotional intelligence in coaching, and the role of parents in supporting young golfers. Wendi provides valuable insights for aspiring players and discusses how to foster a positive learning environment that encourages self-discovery and resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Test Call Feedback
00:28 Long-Term Development in Golf
00:55 Wendi's Journey in Golf
08:12 Traditional vs. Modern Golf Instruction
10:51 The Importance of Community in Golf<...

In this episode, coach Andrew Kiger shares his journey from baseball to golf and how mentorship and a service mindset shaped his approach to youth sports. He dives into common developmental mistakes, the importance of practice plans, discipline, and fostering a positive culture where young athletes thrive. With a focus on accountability and long-term growth, Kiger explains how coaches can inspire love for the game—and how that passion leads to real success.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:08 Mentorship and the Service Mindset
07:14 Parental Expectations and Their Impact
12:39 Keys to Success in College Go...

In this engaging conversation, Yu-kai Chou, a renowned gamification expert, discusses the principles of gamification and its application in various fields, including sports and education. He introduces the Octalysis framework, which breaks down human motivation into eight core drives, and shares insights on how these drives can be leveraged to enhance engagement and performance. The discussion also touches on the importance of intrinsic motivation, the impact of burnout, and the need to reinforce identity beyond performance metrics, especially in young athletes.

Hosts: Ryan Dailey, PGA & Seth Thompson, PGA

Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann

...

In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of golf coaching and development with guest Iain Highfield. They explore the importance of focusing on the process rather than just outcomes, the role of self-doubt in performance, and the significance of grit and resilience in young athletes. The discussion also touches on effective praise strategies, the balance between technical skills and mental performance, and learning from other sports. Ian shares insights on creating a supportive environment for athletes and emphasizes the need for variability in practice to enhance learning and retention.

Takeaways

Happiness comes from engaging...

In this conversation, Ryan Dailey and Seth Thompson discuss the PGA Junior League, emphasizing its role in the long-term development of young golfers. They explore the transition from the Op 36 program to Junior League, highlighting the benefits of team dynamics, confidence building, and the importance of playing different courses. The discussion also touches on the readiness of players for Junior League and the overall fun and social aspects of participating in the program.

Takeaways

PGA Junior League is a key step in developing young golfers.
The transition from Op 36 to Junior League is crucial.<...

In this conversation, Ryan Dailey, Seth Thompson, and AJ discuss the key mistakes often made in youth sports, particularly in golf. They explore the importance of the right environment for development, the pitfalls of early specialization, the significance of proper equipment, the role of competition, and the impact of parental involvement. The discussion emphasizes the need for balance and communication between coaches, parents, and young athletes to foster a positive and productive sporting experience.

Takeaways

We can't lose the listener in the first 10 seconds.
Environment is crucial for motivation and development.
Kids should...

This conversation delves into the 615 system, a method designed to help golfers improve their game by focusing on two key statistics: greens in regulation and putts. The discussion highlights the importance of these metrics in coaching, player development, and parental involvement in a young golfer's journey. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how the 615 system has transformed their approach to teaching and learning golf, emphasizing the need for immediate feedback and the role of statistics in fostering a positive mindset among players.

Takeaways

The 615 system focuses on two key stats: greens and putts.<...

In this episode, the hosts recap their conversations with four guests who have made significant contributions to the world of golf coaching. They discuss the importance of enthusiasm, persistence, and structured learning in growing the game, particularly among juniors. Each guest brings unique insights into coaching, mentorship, and the impact of a supportive environment on player development. The conversation emphasizes the need for passionate coaches who genuinely care about their students' growth and success.

Takeaways

Craig Brown's initiative in Bermuda shows the importance of motivation in growing junior golf.
Persistence is key in achieving...

In this conversation, Meg Donohue shares her journey in golf, discussing her early experiences, the influence of her father, and the importance of having fun in the game. She emphasizes the role of parents in supporting their children's development in golf, highlighting the value of failure as a learning tool. Meg also reflects on her coaching philosophy, focusing on self-discovery and empowering students to find their own solutions. The discussion touches on the benefits of participating in other sports and how they can enhance golf skills. Finally, Meg shares insights on managing time and expectations in both sports and...

In this episode, Ryan Dailey, PGA,  Seth Thompson, PGA, and AJ discuss the intricacies of golf training, particularly focusing on the concept of 'At Least 20' attempts needed to achieve proficiency in passing your yardage in Operation 36, once you have reached your challenge point. They explore the importance of managing expectations for both players and parents, the process of skill acquisition, and the emotional resilience required in the journey of learning golf. The conversation emphasizes the significance of parental support and the need for patience in the development of young golfers, while also celebrating perseverance through challenges.

W...

In this conversation, Ryan Dailey and Seth Thompson engage with Evan Lambert, a golf coach from Connecticut, discussing his approach to long-term golfer development. They explore the daily routines of a golf coach, the importance of building lasting relationships with students, and adapting coaching strategies for different age groups. Evan emphasizes the significance of purposeful coaching, creating a positive learning environment, and engaging parents in the process. He shares insights on identifying traits of successful students and the challenges he faces as a coach. The conversation concludes with Evan's vision for the future of coaching and mentorship in the...

In this conversation, Ryan Smith, an elite golf coach, shares insights into long-term player development in golf. He discusses his daily routine at Sea Island, the structure of player development programs, and the importance of mentorship in coaching. Ryan emphasizes the need for effective communication, the role of parents in supporting young golfers, and the significance of maintaining a love for the game while transitioning from casual play to competition. He also highlights the importance of access to golf courses and structured training for junior golfers.

Takeaways

Each day as a coach is different and...

In this conversation, Paul Brown, Academy Director at Cypress Lakes Golf Course, shares his unique journey from a military career to becoming a golf coach. He discusses the importance of understanding students, building connections, and inspiring the next generation through golf. Paul emphasizes community engagement, the challenges of transitioning to coaching, and the significance of fostering confidence in his students. He reflects on the lessons learned throughout his coaching journey and outlines his aspirations for the future, focusing on growth and making a positive impact in the community.

Takeaways

Paul transitioned from a military career...

In this episode, Craig Brown, president of the Bermuda Golf Association, discusses his journey in golf, the challenges faced in junior golf development, and the initiatives being implemented to revitalize the sport in Bermuda. He highlights the importance of community support, the role of coaches, and the success of programs like Operation 36 and Turtle Hill Golf Academy. Craig shares his vision for the future of golf in Bermuda, aiming to create pathways for young players to excel and foster a love for the game.

Takeaways

Craig Brown has been president of the Bermuda Golf Association...

Welcome to The Golf Sit Down Podcast.  Join us as we explore the world of long-term development for golfers.  What lessons can we learn from discussions with players, parents, and the best coaches in the world to help you on your journey?

Hosts: Ryan Dailey, PGA & Seth Thompson, PGA

Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann