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

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 reinventing junior club fitting

Personal stories from tour ranges, Bill Russell's clubs, and what REALLY happens with off-the-rack sets

If you're a parent, coach, or golfer wanting to improve faster, this episode is packed with insights that will completely change the way you think about equipment.

Check out the new Operation 36 Golf Clubs Here https://op36shop.com/products/clubs

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with top coaches and educators shaping the future of golf learning.

Hosts: Ryan Dailey, PGA & Seth Thompson, PGA Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann Find The Golf Sit Down: https://linktr.ee/TheGolfSitDown

#GolfPodcast #ClubFitting #HenryGriffitts #Op36 #JuniorGolf #GolfCoaching #GolfEquipment #GolfTips #CustomFitting #GolfSwing

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 struggle to stay engaged Coaching strategies to build passion and creativity His philosophy on learning through fun and process over outcome Whether you’re a golf parent, coach, or player, this episode is full of wisdom about long-term player development and keeping the game fun.

👉 Connect with Ty Gosnell: 📍 Instagram: @tygosnellgolf 📧 tymgosnell@gmail.com

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with top coaches and educators shaping the future of golf learning.

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 & Guest Intro 00:35 – Ty’s Journey from Multi-Sport Athlete to Golf Coach 03:28 – Discovering Operation 36 05:33 – The Problem with Travel Sports & Burnout 09:49 – Learning to Love the Game Again 10:57 – The Two Hardest Ages for Golfers (9–11 & 15–17) 13:24 – First Car & Early Coaching Lessons 15:00 – Sparking Passion in Players 18:22 – Why Ty Hires Tour Players as Coaches 23:40 – What Tour Players Do Differently 25:15 – The Story of “Elizabeth” & Patience in Coaching 30:00 – Falling in Love with the Process 33:50 – Top Third of the Leaderboard Mindset 38:10 – Coaching Philosophy: Swing vs Hit 43:19 – Making Practice Fun at Every Age 47:20 – Trash Can Targets & Gamifying Learning 48:41 – How to Connect with Ty Gosnell 50:15 – Final Thoughts & Rubbermaid Challenge

#Operation36Golf #GolfPodcast #TyGosnell #JuniorGolf #GolfCoaching #GolfParentTips #PGAProfessional #GolfDevelopment #GolfTraining #GrowTheGame #GolfMindset #MasterTheMundane #CharlestonGolf #GolfPassion

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 juniors Why most kids’ putters are too heavy, too long, or just plain wrong The mental game difference between playing and performing Genetics, reps, and the hidden factors that shape golf development

This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and golfers who want to understand the real process of long-term player development.

📢 Learn more about David Orr: 🔗 Flatstick Academy – [https://flatstickacademy.com/]

🎙 Follow Operation 36 Golf: ✅ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in junior golf & coaching 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode

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 David Orr 01:00 – Campbell Days & Mentorship in Golf Coaching 02:30 – Why Juniors Must Learn Golf on the Course, Not the Range 05:00 – No Gimmies in Operation 36: The Importance of Holing Out 06:20 – Four Environments of Learning (Mat, Practice Green, Course, Tournament) 08:30 – David’s Phases: Player → Coach → Putting Specialist 10:30 – Early Playing Career & Transition into Coaching 13:50 – Working with Justin Rose & Coaching on Tour 15:00 – Why Putting is an “Arranged Marriage” 17:00 – Trauma, Fear Loops & Mental Blocks in Putting 20:00 – Mechanics vs Skill: Why Stroke Fixes Aren’t Enough 22:00 – Parents, Pressure & Junior Golf Development 26:00 – Parenting Lessons from Sports & Soccer Coaching 28:30 – Fine Motor Coordination & Putter Fitting for Juniors 32:00 – Why Most Junior Putters Are Too Heavy or Too Long 35:00 – Aim, Roll, Stop → Face, Head, Shaft Fundamentals 38:00 – Why True Skills Must Travel (Different Grasses & Greens) 44:00 – Acclimating Quickly: Stories from Tour Practice Rounds 50:00 – Mental Skills: Emotional Regulation, Visualization & Recall 55:00 – Coaching vs Teaching: David’s Philosophy 1:01:00 – KISS Method: Fitting Junior Golf Putters 1:08:00 – When Kids Should Start Seeing a Putting Specialist 1:12:00 – Building Juniors “Different” from Everyone Else 1:15:00 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

#Operation36Golf #DavidOrr #FlatstickAcademy #PuttingCoach #GolfPodcast #JuniorGolf #GolfCoaching #GolfDevelopment #GolfParents #GolfTips #PGA #Putting

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 🏆 Lessons from playing in an LPGA Tour event and how competition shapes players 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Coaching parents through the ups and downs of junior golf

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this episode will inspire you to focus on what truly matters—developing a lifelong love for the game.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who wants to grow the game and support the next generation of golfers.

Hosts: Ryan Dailey, PGA & Seth Thompson, PGA

Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann

Find The Golf Sit Down: https://linktr.ee/TheGolfSitDown

Where to find Maggie Simons https://www.instagram.com/msimons21?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MWswamRqZWN5YW03Zw==

Chapters

00:00 Investing in Quality Gear 00:32 Maggie's Journey in Golf 03:45 The Importance of Diverse Sports 06:50 Managing Growth and Expectations 09:45 Emotional Development in Golf 21:48 Mindset and Performance 25:06 Navigating Competition in Youth Golf 31:32 The Path to College Golf: Insights and Strategies 37:13 Finding Balance: Golf as a Passion, Not an Identity 40:22 Creating a Fun and Supportive Golf Environment 49:40 Reflections on Competition and Community Support 55:03 Embracing Technology and Future Aspirations

#GolfPodcast #MaggieSimons #YouthGolf #GolfDevelopment #Operation36 #JuniorGolf #GolfCoaching #GrowthMindset #PositiveCulture #WomenInGolf #WakeForestGolf #GolfParents #GolfCompetition #GolfJourney #GolfCommunity

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 coaching elite players like Rasmus Nygaard-Peterson (12th at the U.S. Open) to lessons on building positive environments and handling parental expectations, this conversation is packed with insights for coaches, parents, and players alike.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with someone who could benefit from these coaching insights!

Hosts: Ryan Dailey, PGA & Seth Thompson, PGA

Executive Producer: A.J. Reimann

Find The Golf Sit Down: https://linktr.ee/TheGolfSitDown

Where to find Andreas Kali https://andreaskaligolf.com/ https://www.instagram.com/andreaskaligolf/?hl=en

Chapters

00:00 The Challenges of Professional Golf 00:34 Coaching Philosophy and Student Empowerment 09:01 Empowering Young Golfers 10:14 Choosing the Right Coach 11:53 The Importance of Player Engagement 12:59 Identifying Successful Traits in Players 13:38 The Role of Parental Support 18:48 The Pressure of Expectations 20:44 The Value of Group Training 26:56 Balancing Individual and Group Instruction 28:13 Cultivating Passion for the Game 32:40 The Evolution of Coaching Philosophy 37:52 Managing Player Emotions and Expectations 41:01 Building Resilience in Young Athletes 42:41 Shifts in Coaching Techniques Over Time 45:16 Holistic Approach to Player Development 47:01 Creating a Positive Training Environment 48:24 Future Aspirations in Coaching

#GolfPodcast #YouthGolf #GolfCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #GrowthMindset #JuniorGolf #Operation36 #GolfCulture #AndreasKali #GolfAcademy #Mentorship #LongTermDevelopment #PositiveCoaching