WHAT DOES IT REALLY TAKE TO BECOME A GOLF TOUR PROFESSIONAL?!

[@RickShielsGolfShow]

Find the FULL podcast on Apple podcasts here - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-rick-shiels-golf-show/id1406443091?i=1000511243312

[@lorenzoalston7975]

Best podcast you and Guy have done. I’m 64 but to listen to James describe his grind was incredible. And to watch Rick’s facial expression like he was transfixed in taking it all in. Great interview!

[@braedenmorgan5664]

So they treat it like a job?? Seems like a reasonable idea considering it is their job.

[@mickz4601]

😂😂😂😂😂 what a concept

[@ronoccc]

Haha good point. It’s annoying when you hear about sportspeople talking about ‘dedication’ and ‘sacrifice’ when talking about practise training etc… when in reality they put less hours in than someone working a 9-5. Difference they’re doing something they love usually

[@dogguy8603]

@@ronoccc i mean, even if say you get to the point where its just boring, or say just numb and used to it, at the very least you get to spend your work day outside in the fresh air, and make millions of dollars if your really good

[@ryangallagher6663]

Main difference is with a normal job you get a flat wage, in this job your guaranteed nothing, yes your playing golf for a living but not knowing whether you’ll be able to afford rent next month is quite a big catch

[@kevinjager124]

Yes, that’s called being self-employed

[@jetdr]

Arnie always said if you want to drop your score 15 strokes per round. You have to hit 100 balls a day. At a minimum

[@brotherbread6549]

True. I started hitting 3-500 a day and chipping hundreds a day. I've gone from an 18 handi to scratch in one summer. I'm averaging 34putts per round which is about 5 too many. I'm extremely focused on everything around the greens at my local practice facility. I'm hopeful to get a plus handi before next summer. It is possible for anyone if they put in the work and get a coach.

[@ectogg]

​@@brotherbread6549 thats insane. good shit bro. did u do it mostly on your own or did u have like a coach or some friends to grind with. and whered u practice? did u just spend all your time at the golf club near your house? or do u got something else

[@ciaradonnelly4627]

Very good piece, it shows the dedication at all levels, it is interesting that he never got bored of it, that's the hard part. Reminded me of Faldo's approach, golf 24/7 loved every minute of it

[@evelghostrider]

I've played from I was 3 next year I'm 50 and going to go to qualifying for seniors. Range time should be for swing changes as its repetitions with ease. The goal is to score, you can only do that playing round after round 👍

[@AsadKhan-lm6yr]

How do you qualify for seniors/play good quality amateur tournaments in England 22 handicapper coming down fast

[@retired8123]

Interesting Eddie Pepperell quote @PepperellEddie For all the talk about long driving, Collin Morikawa is setting records with terrific iron play. Kids, I can assure you, while driving it long is great, being a masterful iron player will be better for you in the long run.

[@TheBailiff2]

Listened to this while out in the car. Interesting and looking forward to Thursdays part 2

[@andyh6017]

Love this. James is incredibly engaging and open..

[@lesbarton8510]

My most focused practice on the range was, our range was filled with gophers. Use to spend hours trying to hit them. The time went unbelievably fast, we did get better without being bored!

[@TupeloBranch]

That sounds like loads of fun XD. I always aim for birds or the ball guy although I know that's quite frowned upon, I am not quite accurate enough yet to hit them.

[@lesbarton8510]

@@TupeloBranch .....and, for the past four years I've been in charge of our range. Players try to hit me in the picker, so I get what the gophers must have felt.

[@MBpotts]

I hit 1,000 balls at a minimum, 3 hours putting and I’m emphasizing short game more now. I score 78 or lower usually. James is absolutely correct, the difference between 76 and 68 is absolutely putting and short game. I play virtual golf for practice when I’m not doing swing mechanics because it’s more in line with real golf, the pressure, the score and no mulligan aspect really really benefitted my game.

[@2Namii]

When you say you hit 1000 balls minimum, how often are you doing that?

[@MBpotts]

@@2Namii 3/7 days of the week, I split it up into different segments. Wedge work, long clubs and woods. Then within those I’ll do low speed distance control, shot shaping, odd lies, speed training, targets and setup/grip discipline. I usually play nine in the middle of a 1k ball day, then get off the course, putt, chip and pitch then go right back to hitting trying to own my course feels and blend my range work into my play and vice versa.

[@TimBarnesPolygonPerformance]

I think you need to get Jeremy Clarkson on your show, and you could have a special segment where you get celebrities to use an "average priced putter" around a green.

[@nomehdrider]

then we could hear about how he hates American putters (just kidding)

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Verse a golfer in a racing suit: the Stig

[@TimBarnesPolygonPerformance]

@@elscruffomcscruffy8371 "Now, who wants to see his round?!", "And, in the hole". Could have the wall of cool, and Bryson test out drivers...

[@stephen4757]

5:41 taking this into practice

[@guillaumesg5001]

Hey Rick. Very interesting point about workout routines for improvement in golf. Watching more and more golf on TV and I don’t understand how players that have overweight can make it through a full round of golf each day for 4 days. I suppose there has to be some physical preparation to be able to withstand the effort and be at your best each time you have to hit the ball. Clearly I wouldn’t be able to do that and I am quite fit in general. This is a topic that I find extremely interesting and would love to hear some more content about it

[@gregorylatta8159]

What about John Dailey and Craig Stadler 😂

[@104thironmike4]

pffff, eat M+Ms, drink beer and coke, smoke a lot while driving, you'll win from 9th alternate, ezpz. true winners dont have to work hard for it, it just comes natural to them, no matter the shape and size.

[@GolfingGophers]

@@gregorylatta8159it’s in their blood!😅😂

[@enjoysticktv5031]

Since I started taking golf serious I’ve been practicing every morning I look forward to it every morning

[@hunterjenkins6936]

First time watching the podcast Rick. I am suppressed how good of a host you are!!!

[@mdavies9949]

I would love to have the opportunity to play and train that many hours a day unfortunately I have to work to pay to survive 😅

[@auburneagle1410]

Excellent Video!!! Great advice on how we should practice to become a better player!!!

[@maxtrixbass]

I had the good fortune to make a living playing music, so take his golf routine and transfer it to that. No complaints, but it can come at a price. Its very easy for joy to get crushed out anytime that "joy" becomes a job.

[@darthvader1402]

this was a fantastic watch. Thanks for posting. Learned how much it takes to be on top

[@nomehdrider]

this is an incredible interview, or series of interviews. funny how a hobby becomes job and it turns into work, then no matter what it will get old. plus

[@peterlewis8487]

Brilliant Rick. Thank You great insight into the sacrifices these top Pro's make.

[@sparklespets]

James says putting is his achilles heel and he completely waxes Rick in putting whenever they play. Wow... just goes to show how insanely good you have be to compete on tour.

[@Sethro92]

A bad putter on tour is still 5 putts less than a middle handicap amateur easily

[@Sethro92]

PGA average is just under 30 putts per round. That's one putts on at least 6 holes

[@craigseddon4884]

I cant remember who said it but I heard "if you are not willing to hit 1000 balls per day then don't bother trying to play professional golf" which is about 800-850 balls more than I'd find fun.

[@begoodbehappy1158]

A Thousand balls doesn’t mean full swing range balls. It’s touching and contacting the ball, like example putts, chips etc they all count as part of the Thousand balls. It’s touches like a basket ball player dribbling down the street it’s the touches that teach coordination.

[@evelghostrider]

One thing I've done alot is visual practice.

[@Skiwomp]

great episode Rick really helped me imagine a gameplan

[@scottanderson8832]

Bucket list ✅️

[@AD-ts7zb]

Its a paradox to me, I used to practice in the driving range everyday when I didnt play in the golf course, but my score didnt improve significantly and worse my arms got tried during the game. Now I only play or practice every other day to give rest to my arms and body. Now I feel much better and my score is more stable, between 85-90

[@metalheads-golf]

It is great to hear the hours of training. Many other amateur golfers say to me when they hit 60 balls that would be the max. I hit easily 300 too 500 balls per training and started with golf at 50y. Shortgame is always where the money is. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻 Of course I have the advantage being a certified trainer coach for top tennis youth. 👍🏻

[@NomadicReacts]

Great episode

[@nahplaya1399]

Jason Duffner catchin strays LMFAO

[@markrussell9088]

I knew a couple of school kids who played every day after school and they both got to scratch, one of them to +2.

[@taylormzalewski]

john rahm..granted he's one of the best in the world...says he doesn't grind on the range to keep his game up, he goes to the range if he's working on something particular, but he practices by actually playing golf.

[@Ricardo-ur5os]

Yeah the guy that is grinding on the range till 10pm after every round isn’t the guy that ever wins. I think a lot of people actually try and grind way too much and then forget about just playing golf

[@richardlivingston6603]

@@Ricardo-ur5os Bryson is often grinding well after anyone... Not that I’m a huge fan of him and agree with your statement. Just saying there is merit in putting in the hours.

[@evelghostrider]

I've played from i was 3 years old, next year I'm 50 and going to qualify for seniors . Range practice should only be for curing an issue or changing a swing . Playing rounds of golf for real is what you should do, as that's your end goal.

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Pros and cons of the range, but playing golf as much as possible is the key. You never hit the same shot again and again, in fact, you could mix it up at the range: hit a driver, then an iron, then a Wedge, and repeat. I go to the park and practise my short game which I find beneficial

[@GitanjaliBanerjeeBhattacharya]

Hi Rick do you have any advise for good golf clubs for a youngster Thanks

[@julianroberts698]

Interesting listen Rick

[@RealHIFIHelp]

Thanks for the vid.

[@stephencross871]

Someone sponsor me and I promise I’ll never ever, ever, ever, ever complain!

[@davidyeo8530]

I’d swop his ten years for mine, working on a building site up at 6 winter summer rain or shine

[@briankurek9700]

With regards the comment about players less athletic, I always wonder how John Daley was so good.

[@Mr.mallaer]

The key is to start young.

[@warrenhessey7137]

Guys face is a picture when James said he did 2 hrs of putting everyday 😂😂

[@markanderson8006]

Dave Pelz short game bible he talks about missemal where you have to miss all 18 greens 6 in fringe, 6 in bunkers, 6 in rough . Pros can still shoot under par mid 70s. I’m off 1 I’ve never broken mid 80s. Which is about correct I’m dozen shots worse off 1 than the best golfers in the world.

[@iamfodder1017]

From the perfect conditions off the mat, indoors or out: 270-310 driver carry into a 20 yard wide fairway 80%, short irons 40-160 to within 6 foot of the pin 80%, 160-210 within 12 feet of the pin 80%, 210-260 stopping on a 20 x 20 yard green within 8 yards of the pin 80%. Carrying a -6 to -8 handicap on your home course with a slope rating over 140 from the tips. Until then, you're not ready to even try. Hours per day will vary person to person.

[@lkeith88]

Eberyday i have off i spent at least 3-4hrs hitting wedges in my yard. It's practice but it's also time i get to spend outside with my kids. Have 3 acres so i have targets set up at 50-150 yards. I'll hit 20-30 shots then play with my kids on the swingset for a bit, go shag balls and hit them back, rinse and repeat. Fairly dialed in from 50-150. My putting is awful though so, a putting mat is in order. No dreams to ever turn pro but i do want to shoot much lower than where i am now for my own enjoyment, and to hussle up some side money on skins games.

[@Simeon-the-Magnificent]

When I lived with my parents we had 3 acres too, knocking around golf balls completely took it for granted now I'm in a flat with no garden. You can really put some hours in without even realising

[@paulnelson5]

“Before breakfast and before getting up, there would be an hour and a half workout”. Talk about unrealistic standards, working out in your sleep

[@jasonillsley1992]

Of course it's a job, your trade and your living, brings in the money so you need to put in 6 hours a day at least.

[@billydaballer6357]

I’m about to find out…

[@AussieGolfLads]

So English I love it

[@mattrickle4386]

He looks like Dominic West

[@TenPester]

Barrier to entry in golf is incredible at the best of times with the cost of it all, but having a goal of tour golf is a bar that is set so high i think. The risk reward model doesn't seem to marry up very well. You're average club champ must be so far away from a working tour player.

[@hick5y]

Sounds like solid nutrition 👀

[@jayscott1380]

Don't most people spend at least 8 hours a day in their job?

[@bradfoster874]

Practice, sponsorship and luck

[@outlander234]

He may have overdone a bit IMO. He basically clocked in 8 hour days of golf. In other sports its split between physical and skill training and still doesnt end up 8 hours, 6 at most. Fact he didnt make it also says something, I think he just overpracticed and there is such a thing because if you practice when your concentration goes down or fatigue sets in you are actually regressing and learning bad habits.

[@wardy940]

You guys never heard of mic stands?

[@Micker375]

The fact James said he did that routine for ten years proves that it’s not just this “practice” that helps you make it - you need to have a lot of talent, mental strength, be able to pull off a shot when you absolutely need to first time round and hit multiple shots. Playing more golf rather than these types of sessions would be far more beneficial

[@gav2759]

Sure professional golfers benefit from a version of physical training, but given the glacial pace they play the game, that need not include speed or stamina regimens

[@sumsar0125]

Agreed. Primary concern should be prehab really, mobility and structural integrity of joints and muscles. Bulletproofing joints, ligaments and muscles to withstand the insane repetitions golfers put their bodies through. No need to dirty bulk like Bryson to gain 5 mph more than Cameron Champ who's much thinner. Focus playing golf or get into longdrive if that get's your juices flowing.

[@sumsar0125]

@@chuckhutch4104 Not sure what you're talking about, Champ is no. 77 in the world. I was talking about club head speed as I destinctly described; Bryson is 1st on tour, Champ is 2nd. Either way, golf is about playing golf not bulking up in the gym like Rick alluded to. Also, a dirty bulk isn't steriods if that's what you're implying. Bryson ate until he got fat, he has sinced leaned out a fair bit. Educate yourself instead of/before acting like Mr. Know-It-All.

[@damoMac23]

@@sumsar0125 getting fat doesn’t mean it was a “dirty” bulk. His goal would likely have been to do it quickly, which means eating in a pretty large calorie surplus. Can absolutely do it pretty clean.

[@sumsar0125]

@@damoMac23 Whatever dude, call it a fat or big bulk then. Point is he stuffed his faced until his chubby cheeks and throat made him almost inrecognizable. It's completely unnecessary unless you're strictly going for fast gains in scale weight.

[@sumsar0125]

@Micah Webb Bryson has insane speed, sure, but his approach from the rough is equally impressive. His putting is also on point like you said. If it was all about speed, Cameron Champ would be in contention but he's not. Same with Rory, he can't putt and his approach game is way off atm.

[@notshadd7357]

Bro, John Daly crushes it for so many years, no gym, hardly any range practice compared to most. All while smoking and drinking coca colas lol...you don’t have to be athletic to be a great golfer...gotta be coordinated and motivated 👌

[@FinancialFreebo]

All of the $$ available in golf has really changed things. Now, you have fitness and conditioning coaches, swing coach, short game and putting coaches, and sports psychologists have become HUGE in golf and tennis. If you notice, there are very few out of shape players around the top of golf (zero in tennis). Also, the hidden factor is the sponsor $$. Contracts are worth millions nowdays. This is why you have to be highly dedicated to get into the real $$$....

[@ScratchArkkitehti]

Sounds like the practiced more than he played....HUGE mistake. But I appreciate his honesty.

[@royclose946]

Most pro s now is in the gym and doing drills

[@GHOSTOFEIGHT]

Unless you're talented like John Daly and others. Some require no practice. Lietzke didn't practice at all.

[@ChawkDee]

James who?

[@waynedwyergolf5373]

How did he pay the bills if it’s £3k an event he played 20 that’s £60k and he earned £28k

[@simpedros4766]

Sponsorship ?

[@waynedwyergolf5373]

So his sponsor must of made a massive loss then

[@kw12784]

"Before breakfast, there'd be an hour and a half workout." Flip, that'd be impressive...working out before you even get up 😏😋

[@orlandogolfguruogg5382]

How did he afford to start? Practice all day makes zero money. Independently wealthy or start part time?

[@SteveDorrans]

Living with parents was probably a good start.

[@TomBedlammusic]

Work nights? :S

[@OZIPUG1970]

Tiger at his peak was doing 8 to 10 hours a day including the gym.

[@braedenmorgan5664]

So a normal work day

[@jstgoalkeeping]

I’m not sure how much different it is for golf but I’ve worked full time and trained 6 hour days with a pro soccer team and a regular 8 hour work day is infinitely easier than 6-8 hours training for a sport in my opinion. Of course golf is less physically taxing than soccer but either way the focus it takes to execute every rep with purpose for that long takes a ton of mental energy. That’s just my experience though, could be different for other people.

[@OZIPUG1970]

@@jstgoalkeeping golfers these days train like athletes in any other sports.Tiger every morning jogged 10 miles then had breakfast then went to the gym for 2 hours then worked on his game.Had lunch then gym again and finished of the day playing 9 holes.But as you said its the mental toughness of golf that sorts the men from the boys.And I also think its the most skilful sport because of all the variables.They why I rate Tiger as the greatest sportsman of all time.

[@braedenmorgan5664]

Well of course not all is equal. I know that it’s more physically/mentally taxing than sitting in a cubicle but I imagine it’s not more than a day of manual labor or owning a business. My point is that it’s their job and I’m not prepared to applaud them for putting in hours. I’m sure it’s tougher then plenty of jobs but compensation and lifestyle are also pretty good too.

[@clarkyfc842]

How does he afford to practice everyday was he supported or sponsored or was it winnings from events?

[@raymckigney2118]

There’s these things called memberships

[@deanfarrand9545]

​@Ray McKigney do these things called "memberships" also provide food, pay the rent and keep the water on? And where do I get such "membership"? Thanks in advance.

[@dangerzone919]

And that’s why you never got all that good Rick. It’s 500 balls a day for year’s straight

[@angrygilmore1573]

I think it might be time to leave the UK, Rick. If you’re actually being arrested for taking a damn walk, it’s time to go. Fight or flight...and I don’t see much fighting.

[@waynedwyergolf5373]

Trying to make him out to be a tour player he only played 20 events on European tour

[@simpedros4766]

You have answered yourself there mate. Played on the tour = tour player

[@waynedwyergolf5373]

@@simpedros4766 I would say journey man a tour player for me Is someone who plays a full season on tour and more than 20 events

[@ecosse543]

20 more than you will ever play

[@simpedros4766]

@@waynedwyergolf5373 ok so your made up definition of tour player is not the actual definition of a tour player. Good to know 🤦‍♂️

[@waynedwyergolf5373]

@@simpedros4766 if you play 20 events over 10 years are you touring or you just playing 2 events on the European tour?

[@thehockeyboys525]

First

[@erniegirls5676]

Practice all you like if you haven’t got that natural ability you’re wasting your time

[@robbrobb659]

thats bullshit..... every green is different.....12 hours at the course didn't happen

[@TMM6944]

Very interesting indeed, what a level of commitment he had, I can't even clean my teeth 3 times per day. But the results of his hard work are evident even when he plays with a budget set of clubs. Have a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6Sum3mabJeMqdE