The Making of a CrossFit Coach: Lessons from the Golf Course
In the previous instalment of my story, I shared the beginnings of my journey in the golf industry. This chapter picks up as my golf skills improved, allowing me to embark on the educational path to becoming a golf professional. Back in 1998, this was a 3.5-year endeavor that included annual week-long residential training at the PGA Headquarters, nestled within the Belfry golf club near Birmingham. The prerequisites for the course were reaching a 4 handicap or better and passing a Playing Ability Test (PAT), which consisted of two rounds of golf with a target score. I vividly recall my PAT taking place somewhere in Surrey amidst a relentless storm; it was so dark it felt like perpetual twilight. Despite the challenging conditions, I managed to scrape through and qualify, opening the door to my education in all facets of golf: playing, coaching, club building and repairs, biomechanics, fitness, and business.
It was during this course that I discovered my passion for learning, as long as the subject matter piqued my interest. In those pre-internet days, supplementing the course materials with additional knowledge meant delving into actual books! The first hurdle was identifying the right books. The quest for the best resources led me to explore obscure sports book shops scattered across London, unearthing hidden gems on the golf swing, fitness, sports psychology, and coaching. While many of these books proved to be duds, and most offered only a few key takeaways, I was hungry for any information that could enhance my game and, consequently, benefit those I coached.
In retrospect, this self-serving approach to education still resonates with me today. Whether it’s fitness, nutrition, coaching, or business, I seek out what will personally benefit me and then share those insights with my clients. I essentially act as a filter, distilling the vast sea of information into valuable nuggets for my clients and fellow coaches.
In today’s world, where information overload is rampant, this filtering role is more crucial than ever. People are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices: which diet or food is best, which exercises, what supplements, and so on.
A core principle of my approach is to practise what I preach. I personally experiment with skill progressions, diets like keto, paleo, intermittent fasting, and time-restricted eating. This mirrors my philosophy as a golf coach, where I would always try out drills or swing thoughts before implementing them.
The fact that the coaches at CrossFit Chiltern follow our programming is of paramount importance to me. We firmly believe that our methodology is the optimal path to achieving peak fitness, and we embody this belief by applying the same workouts and principles to our own training. The next time you encounter a coach or attend a class outside of CrossFit Chiltern, ask yourself: “Would this coach ever train this way themselves?” In most cases, the answer is likely no. During my time leading spin or aerobics classes, I never considered them part of my own training regimen, even though I was essentially performing the same workout as the participants. My personal fitness journey revolved around classic hypertrophy-style training: squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and the like. This was where I saw the most significant results, both for myself and for those I trained. While the classes were enjoyable and did contribute to improved fitness, they didn’t offer the comprehensive approach to fitness that CrossFit provides.
It was during my PGA diploma studies that I developed a growing fascination with the role of fitness and psychology in sports performance. Both were integral parts of the curriculum. Although I hadn’t yet considered applying this knowledge beyond the realm of golf, these early years in my golf career were laying the groundwork for my eventual transition into the fitness world.
Fast-forwarding a few years, I had earned the title of PGA Certified Golf Professional and worked my way up from Assistant to Head Pro at Buckinghamshire Golf Club. While this was a commendable achievement, I wasn’t truly fulfilled. The direction the club was taking, along with my career, which was becoming increasingly administrative, left me feeling uninspired. So, despite having a secure position with a decent income, at the age of 26, I decided to embrace change and accepted the first job offer that came my way.
Relating Lessons to CrossFit
This part of my journey underscores several key principles that resonate strongly with the CrossFit philosophy:
- Constant Learning and Adaptation: Just as I sought out knowledge to improve my golf game and coaching, CrossFit athletes and coaches should constantly learn, adapt and grow.
- Leading by Example: The importance of practising what you preach is a cornerstone of effective coaching, whether in golf or CrossFit. Coaches who embody the principles they teach inspire trust and credibility.
Pursuit of Personal Growth: My decision to leave a secure job in pursuit of a more fulfilling path reflects the CrossFit value of constantly seeking personal growth and pushing boundaries. CrossFit encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones and strive for their full potential.