Golf Ireland’s High-Performance Director and National Coach Neil Manchip has been inviting a number of notable names in the game to share some of their wisdom with Golf Ireland’s players, coaches and staff. In early February, PGA Tour Coach, Sean Foley, agreed to chat with and answer questions from the Golf Ireland Family. Having coached some of the top professionals in the game, including Justin Rose, Tiger Woods, Lydia Ko (the list goes on), the Golf Ireland Academy Staff were thrilled with the Zoom invite.
Some of the questions thrown Foley’s way, prompted him to speak about modern coaching, the player’s experience and how he approaches his craft. Even through a screen, Foley brought an infectious energy to the call and his iconic, thick, square glasses helped enhance his unique flare.
One of the major themes which arose was resilience. Foley confessed that he purposefully likes to make the playing environment more challenging for the players he works alongside. Changing the shot, lie of the ball or club the players can choose from are some of the ways he warps the environment in order to force his players to adapt, find new ways of thinking and improve their resilience.
“The more talented they are, the more oblivious they are to their weaknesses,” Foley said. Explaining that a ‘player support’ may be more appropriate than a ‘coach’ badge behind the ropes. Since he believes, that as a coach he’s there to assist and help the player, in whatever way that might be.
“Make the ball flight beautiful” Foley protested when asked about swing changes or swing philosophies. Essentially, admitting that there is no right or wrong way to play, only results. Another standout point Foley offered was, “Nobody asks you if you were on plane, they asked you what you shot”. Again, emphasising that his approach to coaching revolves around his players producing lower scores, not making the swing ‘look pretty’.
This willingness to embrace who the player is and how they play the game seems to be a key factor for Foley’s great successes. This open-mindedness may be the very key for Foley, with regards to adapting his style, improving his players and remaining hungry for more knowledge.
This call offered a spark of inspiration which definitely helped me stay positive and patient during extended restrictions. Personally, it made me reflect on ways that I can learn more and improve my coaching and golf game away from the course.
I think I speak for all of the staff when I extend a massive thank you to Sean and Neil for the learning opportunity!
