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 -Early specialization vs multi-sport development -Helping kids handle frustration, emotions, and pressure -The importance of nutrition and hydration during tournaments -Why coaches should still play and compete -How parents can best support young golfers without overstepping

This episode is packed with practical advice for golf parents, coaches, and junior players looking to build confidence, resilience, and a love for the game.

📍 Follow Kristi Roach on Instagram @kristi_roach 📍 Learn more about Operation 36 junior golf development 📍 Perfect for parents, coaches, and competitive junior golfers

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on long-term golf development, coaching, and player growth.

The Golf Sit Down: https://linktr.ee/TheGolfSitDown Host: Ryan Dailey, PGA @ryandaileygolf Co-Host: Seth Thompson, PGA @seth_thompsongolf Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann @a.j._reimann

Chapters

00:00 Christie's Journey in Golf Coaching 03:44 A Day in the Life of a Golf Coach 13:20 The Importance of Finding the Right Coach 14:04 Classroom Management Techniques for Coaches 18:36 Seth's Journey in Coaching 19:33 Characteristics of Successful Young Golfers 21:16 The Importance of Peer Influence in Golf 22:26 Navigating Motivation and Commitment in Young Athletes 27:43 Coping with Emotional Upset in Young Golfers 33:37 Nutrition and Hydration for Young Golfers 39:27 The Role of Coaches in Continuous Learning

#JuniorGolf #Operation36 #GolfParents #YouthGolf #GolfCoaching #JuniorGolfDevelopment #GolfInstruction #GolfPodcast #WomensGolf #PGAofCanada #GolfCoach #YouthSports #GolfLife #GrowingTheGame

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 difference between a golf coach and an instructor How parents can best support junior golfers (without pushing) Why training on the driving range doesn’t translate to the golf course How accountability, process, and results all work together What traits the best golf students share How coaches can shift toward modern, sustainable coaching models

If you’re a parent of a junior golfer, a golf coach, or a player frustrated with slow progress, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about golf instruction.

📩 Learn more about Dan Bubany: Instagram: @danbubanygolf Website: danbubanygolf.com

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on long-term golf development, coaching, and player growth.

The Golf Sit Down: https://linktr.ee/TheGolfSitDown Host: Ryan Dailey, PGA @ryandaileygolf Co-Host: Seth Thompson, PGA @seth_thompsongolf Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann @a.j._reimann

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dan Bubany 00:13 Transitioning from Broadcasting to Golf Coaching 04:53 The Importance of Group Coaching in Golf 09:53 Engaging Parents in the Coaching Process 14:33 Cultivating Intellectual Curiosity in Players 19:14 Supporting Junior Golfers and Their Development 24:11 The Importance of Accountability in Coaching 27:05 Results-Based Coaching: Balancing Outcomes and Process 32:02 Navigating Coaching Relationships: When to Move On 35:40 The Future of Coaching: Group Dynamics and Community 39:33 Transforming Golf Instruction: From Lessons to Play 44:01 The Evolution of Coaching Philosophy

#GolfCoaching #JuniorGolf #GolfDevelopment #GolfParents #GolfPodcast #ModernGolf #GroupGolfCoaching #PGACoach #GolfInstruction #Break90 #YouthGolf #GolfTraining

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 tournaments • What Ben learned playing with Scottie Scheffler • How to practice with purpose — even while working full-time

If you're a junior golfer, parent, coach, or competitive golf nerd, this episode is packed with insights you can use TODAY.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more elite-level conversations! Hosts: Ryan Dailey, PGA & Seth Thompson, PGA Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann Find The Golf Sit Down: https://linktr.ee/TheGolfSitDown

⏱️ Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro: Welcome Ben Pollin, PGA 00:09 – Ben’s background & growing up in Minnesota 02:00 – Choosing golf over baseball 03:00 – Why Ben chose Campbell University 04:10 – Early struggles & learning modern instruction 06:00 – Internships at Sebonack & Deepdale 07:30 – First major success & qualifying for nationals 09:40 – Turning pro & chasing the tour dream 11:00 – Competing to get better 14:00 – Playing with Scottie Scheffler 17:00 – Learning from elite players 19:00 – When self-belief finally clicked 21:00 – Pressure on tour vs. freedom now 23:00 – Managing a team while competing 24:30 – The importance of good coaching 27:20 – How to know if coaching is working 30:20 – Grip changes & experimentation 32:38 – Junior golf challenges & building programs 33:49 – How tournaments shape young players 35:49 – The Catherine Andino story 37:30 – How many tournaments juniors should play 38:52 – Mental freedom & pressure 39:50 – Why nerves are GOOD 41:38 – Big takeaways for parents & juniors 42:47 – Growth & comfort don’t coexist 43:26 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

#GolfPodcast #PGA #BenPollin #GolfTips #JuniorGolf #GolfImprovement #PGAProfessional #GolfMindset #GolfTraining #CompetitionGolf #KornFerryTour #GolfParents #GolfJourney