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

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