Ep 182 - Chasing the Dream vs Finding Your Path in Golf - Tom Long

Sign up for the free course/library of 22 drills to help you get better at golf hereI am giving these away for free at the moment, originally I designed the course to sell, but I want to reward my followers/listeners with a free product!This week on the Your Golf Performance Podcast, we sit down with long-time Head Professional at Kinloch Golf Club in Lake Taupō, Tom Long. Tom’s journey through the game is one that so many golfers can relate to — chasing the dream on the UK mini tours, competing on the EuroPro circuit, and coming agonisingly close to qualifying for The Open Championship not once, but twice. We dive into the realities of life as a touring professional outside the spotlight — the financial pressures, the grind of travel, and what it really takes to try and make it at the highest level. Tom also shares some incredible stories from his career, including writing for Golfpunk magazine while pursuing his playing dream, landing starts on the Challenge Tour, and even taking his golf to the Caribbean working onboard a cruise ship teaching and playing with guests. Now based in New Zealand as the Head Professional at Kinloch — a Jack Nicklaus-designed course — Tom reflects on his transition away from playing, what he’s learned from being around world-class players (including Nicklaus himself), and what truly separates the best in the world from the rest. We also dive into course strategy, and practical tips that everyday golfers can take straight to the course. This is a great conversation about resilience, perspective, and finding your place in the game — whether that’s chasing the tour or building a career around it.We thank Titleist - The number 1 brand in golf for their continued support of the YGP Podcast!🚨 Podcast Partner: TRUE PROTEINI’m proud to partner with TRUE PROTEIN, the go-to supplement brand trusted by elite athletes and weekend warriors alike. Whether you’re on the course, in the gym, or grinding through practice, TRUE’s clean, high-quality formulas will help fuel your performance and recovery.👉 Use code TRUEYGP at checkout for $25 off any order over $100(new customers).Follow Brent on Instagram Instagram ProfileFollow Brent on X/Twitter ProfileDraw More Circles! The new data analytics partner of the show - email [email protected] to secure my current packages which includes monthly video calls and practice plans..