The Golf Sit Down

In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, we’re joined by elite junior golfer Oliver Betschart — a 17-year-old who has already competed in a PGA Tour event and some of the biggest junior tournaments in the world. Oliver shares his journey from picking up a club at age 5 to making a hole-in-one at 7, and eventually qualifying for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at just 15 years old. We dive deep i...

Can you shoot par golf without ever hitting a range ball? In this episode of The Golf Sit Down, we welcome Joel Suggs, a third-generation PGA Master Professional who went from shooting a 130 to a 2-handicap in just three years—without ever hitting a bucket of range balls.  Joel shares the wisdom he learned from his aunt, legendary Hall of Famer Louise Suggs, including the "All-Par Golf" mindset: p...

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 parent...

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 f...

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 si...

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)...

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, variabi...

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 j...

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 d...

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 outpe...

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...

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 clu...

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 t...

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 devel...

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 mor...

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 emp...

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 environ...

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...

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 als...

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...

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...

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 commun...

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 transforme...

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...

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...