29/06/2026
As another academic year comes to a close, Iâve found myself reflecting on what has been one of the busiestâand most rewardingâyears of coaching junior golf across international schools in Ho Chi Minh City.
At the start of every school year, I meet children who have never held a golf club before. Some arrive excited, some a little nervous, and a few are convinced theyâll be driving the ball 200 metres before the lesson is over.
Reality usually has other ideas.
When people imagine being a golf coach, they often picture pristine driving ranges, perfectly struck shots and quiet concentration.
The reality is a little different.
Iâve spent the year collecting velcro golf balls from every corner of football pitches, untangling target nets, reminding children that golf clubs arenât lightsabers, and hearing the words, âCoach⌠watch this!â more times than I can count.
Sometimes those words were followed by a brilliant shot.
Sometimes they were followed by a ball flying in completely the opposite direction.
Occasionally, they were followed by both.
Thatâs junior golfâand I wouldnât change it for anything.
Children bring an energy to coaching thatâs impossible to describe until youâve experienced it. They celebrate the smallest achievements, ask the most unexpected questions, and remind me every day that learning should be enjoyable.
One thing has become even clearer to me this year.
Children donât fall in love with golf because they hit the ball perfectly.
They fall in love with golf because they enjoy the experience.
When children laugh, build confidence, solve challenges, celebrate small successes and canât wait to come back the following week, thatâs when real learning begins.
Thatâs the philosophy behind Masterswing Golf Vietnam. While good technique is important, itâs only part of the journey. My goal is to help children develop confidence, movement skills, resilience and a genuine enjoyment of the game. If they leave each lesson smiling and wanting to play again, I know weâre heading in the right direction.
This year Iâve been fortunate to coach more than 100 children across five international schools. Watching complete beginners progress from adapted equipment to traditional golf clubsâand seeing many continue their golfing journey beyond schoolâhas been one of the highlights of my year.
A sincere thank you to every school that welcomed our programme, every teacher who helped make the sessions possible, every parent who placed their trust in me, and every young golfer who made me laugh, think, and occasionally sprint across a football pitch in search of yet another velcro golf ball.
Now itâs time for a well-earned summer break. A chance to recharge, come up with some new games and challenges for next term and, hopefully, solve one of coachingâs greatest mysteriesâwhere all those missing golf balls actually end up.
Have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new young golfers and continuing to grow the game when the new academic year begins.