Episode 23: Gary Milne — From Open Championship Amateur to Elite Golf Coach

In this episode of The Locker Room Golf Podcast, we sit down with PGA Professional Gary Milne for a fascinating look back on a career spanning both sides of the game.

Gary's playing career included a standout amateur pedigree, competing in the Open Championship at Royal Troon before turning his attention to coaching as a PGA Professional since the early 1990s. Over the following decades he progressed to Head Professional and has since become one of the region's most respected elite golf coaches — serving as Devon County Coach for 17 years and helping shape the game's next generation of talent, guiding junior players as they've worked their way up through the ranks.

What sets Gary apart is the breadth of his coaching — from complete beginners to seasoned elite performers, he brings the same insight and enthusiasm to every level of the game. He continues to coach and thrive at Woodbury Park Golf Club, just outside Exeter.

It was a pleasure sitting down with Gary to talk all things golf — we hope you enjoy the conversation.

In episode 22 of the Locker Room Golf Podcast, we sit down with PGA Professional David Leathem at the iconic Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews — the Home of Golf — for a conversation about a career that’s taken some fascinating turns.

David represented Ireland alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry before turning professional, and he takes us through that journey step by step: what it was like competing at that level, the transition into the professional game, and how his path eventually led him away from the traditional club pro route and into building a career as an online golf coach.

We talk about reinventing yourself in the golf industry, the shift from in-person teaching to coaching online, and what it takes to build a coaching business that reaches players far beyond your local course.

Whether you’re a golfer looking to improve your game or you’re curious about the different paths a career in golf can take, this one’s well worth a listen.

In this episode, we’re joined by fellow PGA Professional Steve Johnston — YouTuber, entrepreneur, and coach — for a wide-ranging conversation about golf in Scotland and his journey building a new brand within the golf coaching industry.

We follow Steve’s path as a golfer, dive into Eureka Golf, his coaching platform, and hear about his experience writing his own book on the psychological side of golf — exploring how mindset shapes and affects golfers on their own journeys.

Enjoy the listen.

In this episode, we sit down with PGA Professional Barry Austin for an in-depth conversation about overcoming impostor syndrome at a young age to find his place on the golf course — and go on to compete at some of the highest levels in the game.

Barry’s journey took him to the European Tour, where he made consecutive cuts at the PGA Championship and the Welsh Open, establishing himself as one of the finest players to come out of the Southwest of England and the Southwest region of the PGA.

We trace his career from aspiring tour player to Head Professional, and now to driving instructor — all while he keeps his competitive mindset firmly intact, still striving to compete at the highest level he possibly can.

Enjoy the listen.

In this episode, we sit down with PGA Professional Richard Woods for a candid conversation about life in the golf industry.

We dig into why so many pros are walking away from the profession — is it burnout, or is it the reality that clubs are stretching head professionals across three or four roles at once, from coaching and retail to club secretary duties and effectively running the business? Richard shares his honest take from the front line.

We also talk about his ambitions as a player, and get into the psychology of performance — including how past results have shaped his mindset and continued to influence his game as a working PGA Professional.

A really insightful listen for anyone in the industry, or anyone curious what actually goes on behind the pro shop counter.

Having the chance to spend a morning on the course with James Wiltshire filming and talking all things Golf & YouTube has been great.

We now sit down with him on the Pod to continue some really interesting discussions..

Enjoy..

Locker Room Golf Podcast — Episode 17

Featuring Chris Gill, PGA Professional & Incoming Academy Director, Thailand

In this episode, Dan sits down with Chris Gill — PGA professional, Asian Tour player, and former Head Professional at Newquay Golf Club — for a brilliant conversation about one of the most exciting chapters we’ve covered on the podcast so far.

Chris is packing up and heading to Thailand to take on the role of Academy Director, coaching the next generation of young golfers in what promises to be a life-changing move for him and his family. It’s a bold decision, and one that speaks volumes about the opportunities that open up when you commit to a life in professional golf.

We explore the full arc of Chris’ journey — the highs and the harder moments of life as a head professional, what it takes to compete on the Asian Tour, and how being a PGA professional can open doors you might never have expected. It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about backing yourself and embracing what comes next.

Chris is a genuine fan favourite, and he’ll be sorely missed on home soil — but what an adventure awaits. We wish him and his family all the very best for this incredible new chapter.

Featuring Nathan Gilpin, General Manager, Perranporth Golf Club

In this episode, Dan sits down with Nathan Gilpin, General Manager of Perranporth Golf Club on the stunning North Cornwall coast, for a conversation that covers everything from his first steps in the game to running one of the most talked-about clubs in the South West.

Nathan’s story is a brilliant one — from picking up the game and developing into a solid amateur player, through his PGA training, a fascinating stint as a rules official with England Golf, and ultimately into the golf management world. It’s a career path that’s taken some interesting turns, and Nathan tells it brilliantly.

We also dig into the real hot topic of South West golf right now — Perranporth Golf Club itself. The club has been climbing the rankings at pace and is increasingly being recognised as one of the finest courses in the UK. Nathan gives us the inside track on what’s driving that rise and what makes Perranporth such a special place to play.

If you haven’t played Perranporth yet, this episode might just push it to the top of your list.

In this episode Lester and I have been having a good old fashion catch up about life as a YouTuber, the Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald and new dates for the Locker Room Golf Tour.

Welcome to The Ramble on Locker Room Golf's Podcast. Remember Locker Room Golf is a place where we bring the golfing community together so please use it to share your own golfing experiences.

Today's Podcast I (Dan Hendriksen) talk to you a little about what has been going on but also what 2026 looks like.