337: Josh Gregory Interview: What Makes an Elite Tour Player, Short Game Secrets, and College vs. Pro Paths

Josh Gregory has spent decades developing elite golfers, from NCAA champions to PGA TOUR winners. In this episode, Josh joins Smylie to discuss his coaching philosophy, his years leading championship college programs, and what separates players who make it from those who don't.They revisit stories from coaching Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed, discuss Jackson Koivun's future, and break down the mental traits shared by great players. Josh also walks through real short-game scenarios while analyzing footage of Taylor Moore, Pierceson Coody and JJ Spaun, explaining how lie conditions, bunker shots, grain, bounce and technique affect decision-making around the greens.Plus, discussions on NIL, college golf, PGA TOUR U, and the changing pathway to professional golf.CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro: Josh Gregory Joins TSS01:24 Coaching Philosophy & Life Lessons05:02 What Makes Future Tour Stars Different?09:35 Recruiting & Coaching Bryson DeChambeau17:15 Short Game Philosophy20:20 Reading Lies & Into-The-Grain Pitch Shots27:14 Bunker Play: Firm vs Soft Sand33:00 Patrick Reed's Unique Short Game Technique36:12 JJ Spaun's Short Game Transformation41:38 College Golf vs Turning Pro46:38 Building the Ideal Amateur Wedge Setup50:00 Final Thoughts#golf #pgatour #smylieshow #Brysondechambeau #patrickreed #jjspaun #smyliekaufman #joshgregory