The Coach Behind Modern Scottish Golf — Ian Rae

Follow us on Instagram: @linkedbygolfpodcastFew people have had a bigger influence on modern Scottish golf than Ian Rae.Over nearly five decades in the game, Ian has coached some of Scotland’s best amateur and professional players, helped shape national coaching structures, and played a major role in some of the country’s greatest team successes.From growing up in Huntly in the north east of Scotland to becoming one of Scotland’s most respected coaches, Ian’s journey mirrors the evolution of golf coaching itself — from trial-and-error instruction and VHS cameras to performance psychology, data, biomechanics, and elite player development.Ian shares stories from coaching Steven O’Hara, Richie Ramsay, Wallace Booth, Callum Macaulay and many more, along with incredible insight into Scotland’s Eisenhower Trophy victory in Australia and multiple European team triumphs.But this episode is about much more than elite golf. It’s a conversation about learning, patience, preparation, coaching philosophy, and the importance of building players — and people — over the long term.Growing up in Huntly in the north east of Scotland and getting hooked on golf as a kidBecoming an assistant professional at Lanark Golf Club in 1976The early years trying to make it as a tournament playerLife as a young professional at Shotts and Hollandbush Golf ClubCarrying early golf technology and video equipment in the back of a Range RoverWorking with renowned coaches Dennis Pugh and David LeadbetterWhy missing out on the Scottish national coach role initially became a blessingThe evolution of golf coaching beyond just swing mechanicsCoaching some of Scotland’s greatest amateur talentsStories about Steven O’Hara’s remarkable amateur careerRichie Ramsay’s journey to becoming US Amateur championScotland’s European team victories and unforgettable matches against EnglandBehind the scenes of Scotland’s Eisenhower Trophy win in AustraliaCreating team culture, preparation, and performance environmentsWhy modern players often overcomplicate improvementIan’s advice for golfers trying to improve at any levelThe importance of patience, consistency, and trusting a long-term planIan Rae Career Highlights:Scottish National CoachPart of six European team victories with ScotlandCoach to US Amateur champion Richie RamsayWorked with leading Scottish professionals including Steven O’HaraKey figure in Scotland’s Eisenhower Trophy victoryLong-time coach and mentor within Scottish GolfContributor to the Stephen Gallacher Foundation player pathway#LinkedByGolf #GolfPodcast #IanRae #ScottishGolf #GolfCoaching #RichieRamsay #StevenOHara #GolfScotland #EisenhowerTrophy #WalkerCup #GolfInstruction #GolfPerformance #GolfDevelopment #ScottishAmateurGolf #GolfHistory #GolfPodcastUK #GolfLife #GolfStories #DennisPugh #DavidLeadbetterKeywords: Ian Rae, Scottish golf coach, Scottish national coach, Richie Ramsay, Steven O’Hara, Eisenhower Trophy, Scotland golf, golf coaching Scotland, Walker Cup, amateur golf Scotland, Dennis Pugh, David Leadbetter, Hollandbush Golf Club, Lanark Golf Club, Stephen Gallacher Foundation, golf psychology, golf performance coaching, golf development, Linked by Golf Podcast