In Episode 23 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by PGA golf coach and competitive golfer James Rooney.

James shares his journey from growing up around golf in Scotland, heading to America to play college golf, stepping away from the game after burnout, and eventually finding his way back through coaching and competing.

We talk about the reality of mini tour golf, the financial challenges of chasing professional golf, why coaching and playing do not always naturally translate, and what amateur golfers can do to practise more effectively.

James also opens up about burnout, high-functioning depression, anxiety, therapy, changing career paths, fatherhood, and why golf became a sanctuary during a difficult period in his life.

This episode is packed with insight for amateur golfers, golf content creators, anyone thinking about lessons, and anyone interested in the real side of coaching, competing and chasing improvement in golf.

⛳ Connect with James:
Instagram: @jamesrooneygolf
Website: jamesrooneygolf.com
YouTube: James Rooney Golf
Skillest: James Rooney

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

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Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

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Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

In Episode 22 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by Ally from Chasing Pars.

Ally has been podcasting for around 15 years, starting in football before moving into the golf space with Out Here Chasing Pars. In this episode, we talk about how he went from thinking golf was an old man’s game to becoming completely hooked after lockdown.

We discuss golf, podcasting, the UK golf creator community, fitness, weight loss, competitiveness, mental health, family, and why the stories behind normal golfers can be just as powerful as the biggest names in the game.

Ally opens up about going from 23 stone to changing his lifestyle, using fitness and running as part of his routine, finding golf after football, and how conversations on the golf course can sometimes feel like free therapy.

This episode is about much more than chasing pars. It’s about finding something that gives you purpose, connection, competition and community.

Listen to Out Here Chasing Pars for more golf conversations from across the golf community.

⛳ Connect with Ally

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_chasing_pars?igsh=bWsybzRjZDQwMGhu

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

Use code GSML

Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

Use Code GSML20

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

In Episode 21 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by Andy from 28to8Golf.

Andy started his page to document his journey from a 28 handicap towards his goal of reaching 8, and in this episode we talk about the reality of trying to get better at golf as a normal amateur golfer.

We discuss handicap goals, playing links golf at St Anne’s Old Links, why golf becomes so addictive, the importance of practice and data, tinkering with equipment, playing top courses, and sharing the game with his son.

Andy also talks about being part of Ginger Golf’s world record attempt, helping behind the scenes, and how the golf community opened doors, created friendships and changed his experience of the game.

This is a great episode for anyone chasing a lower handicap, trying to improve their golf, or simply obsessed with the journey of getting better.

⛳ Connect with Andy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/28to8golf?igsh=MTZoaXp2MGY2b2FmMQ==

Top 100 Junior: https://www.instagram.com/top100junior?igsh=bHdhMTgwZGJ4YWpi

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

Use code GSML

Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

Use Code GSML20

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

In Episode 20 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by Simon from OBG Golf for a conversation that goes far beyond the scorecard.

Simon talks openly about finding golf later in life, becoming a dad, stepping away from a career role that was taking too much from him, and learning how to reset both on and off the golf course.

We discuss why golf can be such a powerful metaphor for life, how bad shots and bad rounds can teach us something bigger, the importance of gratitude, and why sometimes the real win is being able to walk away, breathe, and go again.

This episode touches on golf, fatherhood, mental health, pressure, burnout, family, content creation, and the power of finding space to reset.

⛳ Connect with Simon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obggolf?igsh=MTFxbDc3eXJpZjZ4YQ==

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNR3C3rT6/

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

Use code GSML

Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

Use Code GSML20

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

In this episode, Sean Graham, aka the Visible Golf Gent, shares his journey from a police officer to a passionate golf content creator. He discusses the challenges of golf over 50, brand marketing, mental health, and his future plans to inspire others in the golf community.

If you’ve ever walked off the course wondering why this game means so much to you, this one’s for you. 🎧⛳

⛳ Connect with Sean

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevisiblegolfgent?igsh=M2dmYmJ2dmdzcTI0

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.visible.golf.gent4?_r=1&_t=ZN-974hEZoBa0U

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

Use code GSML

Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

Use Code GSML20

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

Unlock the mindset and habits that transformed a former military contractor into a confident golfer with a remarkable handicap drop from 20+ to 8 in just over a year.In this episode, Chris shares how he used golf not only to challenge his physical skills but also to conquer mental hurdles, anxiety, and obsessive tendencies. Discover how working with a mental coach like Laura Scott helped him manage frustration and obsessiveness, turning golf into a true mental refuge. We explore how course management, realistic goals, and simplicity in tools like rangefinders have radically improved his game—a journey anyone fighting perfectionism or mental barriers can learn from.

If you’ve ever walked off the course wondering why this game means so much to you, this one’s for you. 🎧⛳

⛳ Connect with Chris

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just_chris_kelly_golf?igsh=MXNhdzRsYWplZmIwZg==

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

Use code GSML

Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

Use Code GSML20

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

In this episode of 9 Holes, 9 Questions, Grace, aka Golf With Grace, shares her inspiring journey from professional netball to golf content creation and entrepreneurship. Discover how she overcame challenges, embraced her passion for golf, and built a thriving social media presence while balancing personal growth and competitive spirit.

If you’ve ever walked off the course wondering why this game means so much to you, this one’s for you. 🎧⛳

⛳ Connect with Grace

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfwithgrace_?igsh=enhsejF3djUyMHln

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfwithgrace?_r=1&_t=ZN-96YN0ZPhX54

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

Use code GSML

Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

Use Code GSML20

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

Josh Gudgeon joins me on 9 Holes, 9 Questions to talk about the story behind Breaking.Golf, his challenge to break 80, and the journey of building something of his own in the golf space.

If you’ve ever walked off the course wondering why this game means so much to you, this one’s for you. 🎧⛳

⛳ Connect with Josh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breaking.golf?igsh=NWlhdjl3bTNzNDN5

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoshgudgeon?_r=1&_t=ZN-96Uyaa51qlS

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakinggolfjosh?si=qGQ5aQ77l52zv4v_

🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc

I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches.

🏌️‍♂️ Support the show

If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes:

ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89

Use Code GSML15

Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML

Use code GSML

Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/

Use Code GSML20

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚

— Sam

9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life