Standing on the first tee of the Old Course at St. Andrews, a strange calm washed over me. The nerves that typically plague my game had vanished. Six holes later, after holing out an eagle on the ninth, I turned to where my father would have stood and whispered, "That's for you, Dad." Twenty years after his passing, I broke down in tears on golf's holiest ground, feeling his presence in a way I hadn't experienced since losing him.

This transformative journey through the UK revealed the stark differences between American and Scottish golf cultures. While American courses often emphasize manicured aesthetics and cart-based play, Scottish links golf embraces the natural terrain and walking. At Carnoustie, I watched children and women casually enjoying the same championship courses the pros struggle with during major championships. The local clubs function as community centers where golf is accessible to all – with memberships at world-class venues costing a fraction of American prices and programs ensuring every child receives free lessons and equipment.

Course design philosophy differs dramatically as well. Conversations with architect Mike DeVries reinforced that great courses should be playable and engaging for everyone, not just elite players. This contrasts sharply with American golf's obsession with length and difficulty that caters to professionals while forgetting that most golfers shoot in the 90s and drive the ball modest distances. The Scottish approach treats golf as more than a game – it's a communal experience, an honor code, and a way of life connecting generations.

After playing 169 holes in seven days (all rounds under four hours while walking!), I've returned with a renewed connection to why I love this game. The experience at St. Andrews wasn't just about golf – it was about reconnecting with joy on the course and feeling my father's influence once more. If you have the means to take the person who introduced you to golf to St. Andrews, do it. There simply isn't a better way to honor what this game truly means.

Unlock the secrets to enhancing your golf game by tuning into a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mark Bolt, a trailblazer in golf performance and physiology. Broadcasting from Lisbon, Portugal, Dr. Bolt sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of golf training, including the impact of growth cycles, inherited beliefs, and the normalization of injuries among young athletes. Discover how his innovative Bowl 3D capture system revolutionizes the analysis of movement patterns in adolescent collegiate golfers, offering insights that challenge conventional approaches to coaching and development.

Explore the evolution of technology in golf training and its dual-edged influence on player skill acquisition. With insights from the origins of Advanced Motion Measurement software to its integration into modern systems, we delve into the balance between data-driven coaching and intuitive skill development. Uncover how excessive reliance on analytics can lead to "de-skilling," and learn about the critical importance of physiological buffers that help manage stress and optimize performance, particularly in high-stakes environments.

Our discussion also ventures into unexpected territories, such as the influence of dental health on physical performance and the profound impact of visual systems and ground reaction forces. Embrace the art of inquiry and curiosity, fostering a safe environment for exploration and failure, much like how early sports pioneers intuitively understood performance principles that are now validated by modern science. Join us as we redefine the responsibility of golf practice, emphasizing intention and personal accountability, while championing a shift in mindset that prioritizes wellness and continuous learning in the dynamic world of golf.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be recognized as one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers? This solo episode of the Measured Golf Podcast gives you an inside look at my personal journey to earning that accolade. Embarking on this path wasn't easy, especially running Measured Golf, an independent facility without the luxury of a built-in customer base. The unwavering support of my wife, Buffy, and the collaborative push from my business partner, Paul, and trusted advisor, Aram Kushigian, have been essential in overcoming these challenges. Their belief and partnership have allowed me to focus on what I love most—coaching golf and making the sport accessible to everyone.

Rediscovering my passion for coaching has been a journey fueled by continuous learning and teamwork. I share how collaborating with industry professionals like Aram Kushigian from Smash Factor Performance has elevated our approach, aligning strategies to enhance clients' physical and golf skills. This episode also touches on the importance of understanding human biomechanics and how our offseason in Michigan serves as the perfect opportunity for players to grow and prepare. My unexpected partnership with Aram, forged amidst the pandemic, further exemplifies the power of building strong relationships within the golf community.

Transitioning from a prestigious career to follow my passion for golf coaching was a leap of faith, but it has been worth every risk. The financial strain of acquiring advanced tools like force plates and the quest for more affordable coaching resources highlight the challenges faced by coaches today. Join me as I express gratitude to all who've been part of this journey, and reflect on our shared mission to grow this incredible game by breaking down barriers and fostering enjoyment for all.