Crazy how when I was 18 I couldn't fathom doing anything but playing tour golf - once I hit about 20 I realized both that I'm not good enough, and that it was driving me insane, and I put the clubs away for a while. It did depress me for a while, but now that I'm 27 with a nice, stable job I'm like "thank god I didn't even get good enough to truly try." The road to top-level pro golf if you're not 100% sure you're good enough (and even sometimes if you are) is BRUTAL.
James, I have been looking all over the internet to see your lessons. Dude, if you have RUclips lessons for folks you will make a killing on it. Your swing is crazy good, you are a likable guy, without the arrogance of many golf training pros, who are not half as good as you. You can even return to the tour now that you are in a different place in life too. Please help coach the rest of us on RUclips. Good luck TRUE PRO.
very good, I watch a lot of top level ams in their early 20's who are trying to make it into the pro scene from the national squad, I do not envy their task ahead. Someone needs to setup a better structure so golfers can earn money from the game without needing to go to the extremes of what James points out. I watch a ton of AM golf, which I love because you can chat to the players, get close to the action, look at their lies and follow them around etc, its far more approachable and make no mistake these guys are all capable of shooting serious scores at proper courses like Lytham.
3 lessons from James saved my golf life his teaching is so simple and effective nearly giving up to winning two board comps in 3 lessons lovely bloke thanks James
Wow! What a difference in watching the interview compared to listening to the podcasts. I promise I would be willing to waiting a few days to be able to watch the full interviews of the podcasts. The facial expressions and interactions are worth it!
What an awesome interview about the realities of professional golf and just how hard it is. I wonder how this compares to the PGA tour. You can also tell how geniune James is. I could listen to another 4 or 5 episodes on these type of stories.
Years ago (1990’s) Jack Nicklaus said it was too difficult to get out on tour (needing to play almost perfect) and too easy to stay there (rewarding mediocrity).
I appreciate that Rick asked if the tour card format was fair. We don't get to hear about the players thoughts on the current format so I really enjoyed that section on the conversation.
Sounds like there is a real caste system in the European Tour. Q-School qualifiers in the US don't get in the headline events, but there are enough spots weekly that they have a reasonable shot at keeping a card.
This is a great example of how a talented person needs to have the mental focus to make that talent flourish. One has to be risk tolerant, shut out the outside world, and love the daily grind. There is always tradeoffs for even the most talented out there. I applaud James for sharing his experience. Teaching others is a rewarding life and I hope he can find the love in the daily grind of teaching others to play golf.
Wow, I was glued to every second of this episode. What a fantastic insight into the world of top tier golf. Can't wait for Thursday for the 2nd half. And if this isn't the single best promo for an elite level golf coach I don't know what it. Everyone is going to fall over themselves to get a lesson from James after this. Get ready to up your hourly rate dude.
I have just started watching RS and James is an unbelievable player, produces some magic moments and he is more than good enough to play on European tour.
The story is so relatable to many athletes that decided a sport is no longer for them. I've had a similar moment in my third year of University when I knew it was time to move a sport.
Jeff Winther just got a 3rd place on the tour and made 86k. Glad to see someone progressing but boy does it sound like hard work. Such an honest interview
If you hit 10 fairways, hit most greens, putt well then you miss the cut by 7. My friend started 4 years for a Big 10 University. Won the state Amateur for Juniors and lived in hotels in Florida for 2 years before washing out. Another friend was a rules official for a Monday qualifier at a super tough 7200 yd links course and 2 guys shot 62 to qualify for a Web.com Event. At that course from 7200 I shoot 87 and I’m a 5hcp. Unreal.
I've been thinking about this and its pretty clear, if you win then you will do well and if you do other than win then you make it very much harder. Thinking "winning" is the answer and thinking "competing" doesn't get the job done. You have to win and there are so many aspects of the game to focus on other than winning that its easy to forget about just winning. Ben Hogan, win and you eat, lose and you go hungry. Its binary.
What a lovely fella James is. You can’t help but want him to give it another go, especially after watching his Slazenger video. The European Tour could do a lot worse than seek his advice and offer him a job. Pass this onto him pls.
Ha, no chance. Unfortunately, its difficult to find "long-form" videos on YT nowadays. All my favourite shows/interviews have 1 hour shows, but they usually post them in 10-15 minute segments, to help with ramping up "views" on their accounts (good for YT algorithms and advertising revenue).
I'm a 2 handicap from 6900 links course and I've never even played in a tournament. Play about 15 rounds a year now that I'm 30. Used to play everyday as a teen
This is hyper good content and a warning to any would be golfer. I know some VERY good players some of whom had single figure WAGR rank in their time at Amateur level and they all left golf with their tail between their legs once they tried to become a pro. Its an insanely hard sport and the realities of life mean you need money to go to all these events to earn the points and condition yourself to this world. Only way I would go for it is. I had rich parents who said they'll back me until I am 30. I started young with good trainer and was a real prospect and I was off plus 5-6-7 by 18. Unless you're off plus 5-6-7 by 18 you've no chance IMO. its not even enough to be really good, you need to be exceptional in a game which can be lucky and random based. I respect high level players, but do not even their struggle.
If only James new a really Rick friend I mean rich friend that could sponsor him for a couple of years to see if he can make it without the stress of money in the background............
You dont buy a house when your profit margin cannot sustain the payments when your're professional career is fluctuating... that thinking would definitely add conscious pressure no wonder why he hung it up
However, if you constantly make the cut and get into top-20 in ET, you can get all you need making cuts. Think, of the peoplein ordinary occupations... If you cannot make it on the top tour, and if you can win CT events.. In Europeantour, if you are in the top-20 week in week out, you make really good money! Not the same were you on a belt in a factory in a three-shift job.
Way too many guys turning pro these days - they should listen to this. Unless you are ripping it up at Amatuer level and winning elite events go and get a “proper” job
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Crazy how when I was 18 I couldn't fathom doing anything but playing tour golf - once I hit about 20 I realized both that I'm not good enough, and that it was driving me insane, and I put the clubs away for a while. It did depress me for a while, but now that I'm 27 with a nice, stable job I'm like "thank god I didn't even get good enough to truly try." The road to top-level pro golf if you're not 100% sure you're good enough (and even sometimes if you are) is BRUTAL.
James is so unbelievably honest. This was a great chat. Throughly enjoyed listening
James you're so likeable! Start you're own RUclips channel with lessons and tips!!!
sadlythere's another golfing james robinson haha i prefer this guy though
@@levitateme yea but would be way better
@@levitateme this one is the real JR the other ones a mug
James, I have been looking all over the internet to see your lessons. Dude, if you have RUclips lessons for folks you will make a killing on it. Your swing is crazy good, you are a likable guy, without the arrogance of many golf training pros, who are not half as good as you. You can even return to the tour now that you are in a different place in life too. Please help coach the rest of us on RUclips. Good luck TRUE PRO.
This was great. Very relatable to life and careers in general. We all get to a point that we ask what are we doing? In the end you have to be happy.
very good, I watch a lot of top level ams in their early 20's who are trying to make it into the pro scene from the national squad, I do not envy their task ahead.
Someone needs to setup a better structure so golfers can earn money from the game without needing to go to the extremes of what James points out.
I watch a ton of AM golf, which I love because you can chat to the players, get close to the action, look at their lies and follow them around etc, its far more approachable and make no mistake these guys are all capable of shooting serious scores at proper courses like Lytham.
3 lessons from James saved my golf life his teaching is so simple and effective nearly giving up to winning two board comps in 3 lessons lovely bloke thanks James
Wow! What a difference in watching the interview compared to listening to the podcasts. I promise I would be willing to waiting a few days to be able to watch the full interviews of the podcasts. The facial expressions and interactions are worth it!
Brilliant podcast, James sounds like a great guy and knows what he’s talking about. Wish him the best in the future.
What an awesome interview about the realities of professional golf and just how hard it is. I wonder how this compares to the PGA tour. You can also tell how geniune James is. I could listen to another 4 or 5 episodes on these type of stories.
Years ago (1990’s) Jack Nicklaus said it was too difficult to get out on tour (needing to play almost perfect) and too easy to stay there (rewarding mediocrity).
Interesting point. Others have made similar comments.
What a great insight. Thanks to James for his honesty.
I think it is sobering that the reality on tour is not what most people think it is. It is a bloody tough grind for 95%.
I appreciate that Rick asked if the tour card format was fair. We don't get to hear about the players thoughts on the current format so I really enjoyed that section on the conversation.
Sounds like there is a real caste system in the European Tour. Q-School qualifiers in the US don't get in the headline events, but there are enough spots weekly that they have a reasonable shot at keeping a card.
This is a great example of how a talented person needs to have the mental focus to make that talent flourish. One has to be risk tolerant, shut out the outside world, and love the daily grind. There is always tradeoffs for even the most talented out there. I applaud James for sharing his experience. Teaching others is a rewarding life and I hope he can find the love in the daily grind of teaching others to play golf.
Great great listen.
Honest , humble guy .
I played golf with James at Old links and watched him shoot the easiest 62 you will ever see. The ability is definitely there.
I really enjoy any episode with James in it. The dude seems like such a good guy, and from what I've seen, a phenomenal golfer.
Went back to this podcast cause youtube brought me back... just gotta love James!
Wish him all the best!
This is so interesting. Great content would love more stuff like this.
The best video you have done this is the real life of most golfers not the elite could watch this all night.Great job fellas👍🏌🏿♂️⛳️🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇
What a guy James is . Love the honesty a real gem .❤️
Really appreciate the convo gentlemen!
Wow, I was glued to every second of this episode. What a fantastic insight into the world of top tier golf. Can't wait for Thursday for the 2nd half. And if this isn't the single best promo for an elite level golf coach I don't know what it. Everyone is going to fall over themselves to get a lesson from James after this. Get ready to up your hourly rate dude.
A true gentlemen and good guy. Love the insight
What a fabulous and brilliantly honest insight to real tour life at the tough end of the scale.
I have just started watching RS and James is an unbelievable player, produces some magic moments and he is more than good enough to play on European tour.
Love all the videos with James in them, such a nice guy and fantastic player
The story is so relatable to many athletes that decided a sport is no longer for them. I've had a similar moment in my third year of University when I knew it was time to move a sport.
Thoroughly enjoying these videos and only ever played golf once.
He’s such a lovely person
And a amazing golfer
Very insightful. James thank you for being so honest - a great video. Wishing you every success in whatever direction your career takes you
So awesome, this peek into professional golf, and I don't even play golf. Imagine if James had a sponsor!
What a lovely humble guy!
Jeff Winther just got a 3rd place on the tour and made 86k. Glad to see someone progressing but boy does it sound like hard work. Such an honest interview
I find insight into professional golf fascinating
Really enjoyed this interview, so insightful!
James you are a legend mate. Keep smiling brother
Great vid-keep it going gents
That was a great listen. Defo agree that people’s perception of a golf pro is miles away from reality
If you hit 10 fairways, hit most greens, putt well then you miss the cut by 7. My friend started 4 years for a Big 10 University. Won the state Amateur for Juniors and lived in hotels in Florida for 2 years before washing out. Another friend was a rules official for a Monday qualifier at a super tough 7200 yd links course and 2 guys shot 62 to qualify for a Web.com Event. At that course from 7200 I shoot 87 and I’m a 5hcp. Unreal.
Such a great guy
I've been thinking about this and its pretty clear, if you win then you will do well and if you do other than win then you make it very much harder. Thinking "winning" is the answer and thinking "competing" doesn't get the job done. You have to win and there are so many aspects of the game to focus on other than winning that its easy to forget about just winning. Ben Hogan, win and you eat, lose and you go hungry. Its binary.
Brilliant insight really enjoying this content.
Really enjoyed this podcast and definitely prefer RUclips snippets over pure listening to a podcast. Cheers 🍻
Very tough, I agree. I have seen these guys train.
Definitely need to do more pro interviews. I’m a never-gonna-be but this is great for future gonna-be’s.
Great story. You have the naturals who win at the pro level in their teens and you have the lifers who grind and never win.
I played with many PGA Tour hopefuls in the mid-90’s, I was a +4 from 7,000 yards getting beat handily by guys that couldn’t get through Q-school....
Fantastic Stuff. Man what a grind
The cream will always rise to the top.....end of.
What a lovely fella James is. You can’t help but want him to give it another go, especially after watching his Slazenger video. The European Tour could do a lot worse than seek his advice and offer him a job. Pass this onto him pls.
Any chance the full podcasts will get uploaded? Love the snippets but would love to listen (and watch) the whole thing.
Ha, no chance. Unfortunately, its difficult to find "long-form" videos on YT nowadays. All my favourite shows/interviews have 1 hour shows, but they usually post them in 10-15 minute segments, to help with ramping up "views" on their accounts (good for YT algorithms and advertising revenue).
If you have a podcast app, Rick releases the full episodes on all podcast platforms.
I'm a 2 handicap from 6900 links course and I've never even played in a tournament. Play about 15 rounds a year now that I'm 30. Used to play everyday as a teen
Rick we need more of James on both Channels
what a man james is
bust out a black sharpie on your beat up coffee table
Just look at the path koepka took, it’s amazing
Yeah, just like us all say, WORK is tough.
If James was as good at soccer as he is at golf, he would be living an extremely comfortable life.
Bottom line one has to just be good!! It’s tough
11:00 Why LIV golf exists...
Are there other ways to get the "gold" European tour card besides through q school?
Winning a tournament. Getting higher on the moneylist/worldranking etc.
This is hyper good content and a warning to any would be golfer.
I know some VERY good players some of whom had single figure WAGR rank in their time at Amateur level and they all left golf with their tail between their legs once they tried to become a pro.
Its an insanely hard sport and the realities of life mean you need money to go to all these events to earn the points and condition yourself to this world.
Only way I would go for it is.
I had rich parents who said they'll back me until I am 30.
I started young with good trainer and was a real prospect and I was off plus 5-6-7 by 18.
Unless you're off plus 5-6-7 by 18 you've no chance IMO. its not even enough to be really good, you need to be exceptional in a game which can be lucky and random based.
I respect high level players, but do not even their struggle.
Scoring and winning tournaments at a young age is almost a requirement for pro golf success.
You have to love the grind or you can’t make it.
Subbed to RS 2nd🏌️♂️
Bro, you're saying the mental game was hard in bronze... Whatchu think GOLD life would be like???????
If only James new a really Rick friend I mean rich friend that could sponsor him for a couple of years to see if he can make it without the stress of money in the background............
Has James got a YT channel yet?
It was the struggle that didn’t make you happy.
You do have to be almost pathologically fixated upon competing to become top tier. It's fascinating really.
Excellent interview with James, would it be possible to number the interviews so we don't miss any content, ie 2/10
I thought Guy was going to start rappin at one point. Proper 8 mile jobby
We could set up a patreon for him so he’s got regular income and get back out there. He can use the £70 set from that video! 😅
Lol! At least the Putter! He was amazing with it
You dont buy a house when your profit margin cannot sustain the payments when your're professional career is fluctuating... that thinking would definitely add conscious pressure no wonder why he hung it up
Guy makes Rick look small.
However, if you constantly make the cut and get into top-20 in ET, you can get all you need making cuts. Think, of the peoplein ordinary occupations... If you cannot make it on the top tour, and if you can win CT events..
In Europeantour, if you are in the top-20 week in week out, you make really good money! Not the same were you on a belt in a factory in a three-shift job.
Money required to make it in some sports is crazy. Talent not everything unfortunately..
So he thought he had to pack it in for a women and to have kids early. Shame
Way too many guys turning pro these days - they should listen to this. Unless you are ripping it up at Amatuer level and winning elite events go and get a “proper” job
We only see the top players the money isn't spread out evenly..unfair.