The PGA Professional

Explore Mark Duder's journey from apprentice to General Manager and PGA Life Member, including lessons on career adaptability, regional service, mentorship, PGA governance, and how embracing diverse roles across the golf industry can build a lasting and impactful career.

Learning Outcomes
• Understand how a PGA Professional can build a long-term career by embracing diverse roles — from teaching and groundskeeping to retail, club management, and senior leadership 
• Learn how mentorship and learning from experienced professionals at each career stage can shape your skills, business thinking, and professional identity 
• Recognise the value of regional and country service in building customer loyalty, business resilience, and a deeper understanding of the golf industry beyond metropolitan areas
• Explore how volunteering for PGA committees and governance roles can broaden your perspective, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the future of the profession
• Identify how adaptability, partnership, and maintaining interests outside of golf can sustain both career longevity and personal wellbeing in retirement

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications.

Hear from PGA Member and psychologist Annabel Rolley as she reflects on her journey through playing, coaching, media and psychology, while exploring how a better understanding of the mind can improve the way PGA Professionals coach and connect with their students. Learn how the nervous system can influence performance under pressure, why improvement in the mental game requires a long-term approach, and the importance of communication, empathy and human connection in effective coaching. 

Learning outcomes:
• Understand the value of mentorship and how experienced PGA Professionals can shape your career, professional standards, and long-term development. 
• Recognise the importance of lifelong learning, volunteering, and contributing to the PGA profession beyond your day-to-day role. 
• Learn how building relationships with members, industry partners, sponsors, and fellow professionals can create opportunities throughout your career. 
• Explore the characteristics of a respected PGA Professional, including professionalism, service, mentoring others, and protecting the reputation of the Association for future generations.

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications.

Hear from PGA Life Member Tim Moore as he reflects on more than 50 years in the golf industry, sharing lessons on professionalism, mentorship, PGA service, leadership, and building a career that leaves a lasting impact on both the game and the people within it. 

Learning outcomes:
• Understand the value of mentorship and how experienced PGA Professionals can shape your career, professional standards, and long-term development. 
• Recognise the importance of lifelong learning, volunteering, and contributing to the PGA profession beyond your day-to-day role. 
• Learn how building relationships with members, industry partners, sponsors, and fellow professionals can create opportunities throughout your career. 
• Explore the characteristics of a respected PGA Professional, including professionalism, service, mentoring others, and protecting the reputation of the Association for future generations.

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications.

This episode features Tony Meyer, Head of Performance for Ripper GC and former Golf Australia High Performance Director. Tony reflects on his journey from PGA trainee to leading some of Australia's most successful golfers, sharing lessons on athlete development, coaching, leadership and creating environments where players can thrive. Drawing on experiences with Cameron Smith, Minjee Lee and Australia's high-performance pathway, he explains why great coaching extends well beyond technique and why continuous improvement is essential for both players and coaches. 

Key takeaways from the conversation with Tony are:

•  Great coaches understand people first—every athlete learns, communicates and develops differently. 
•  High performance comes from constant improvement; the best players never stop finding ways to get better. 
•  Create environments that make learning enjoyable, challenging and collaborative, rather than relying solely on technical instruction. 
•  Coaches should build strong support networks with mentors and collaborate with other practitioners instead of trying to know everything themselves. 
•  Keep coaching simple—golf is complex, but the best coaches provide clear, practical solutions that players can apply. 
•  Leadership starts with listening, having honest conversations, and putting the player's long-term development ahead of short-term comfort.

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications. 

This episode of the PGA Professional Podcast features Geoff Scott, a highly respected PGA Professional whose career has spanned more than 50 years across golf operations, business ownership, and PGA leadership. Geoff shares how his early experiences as a caddie and trainee professional shaped a lifelong passion for the industry, eventually leading him to manage multiple golf facilities and play a key role in the evolution of the PGA of Australia. 

He reflects on the challenges of balancing family life, business growth, and leadership responsibilities, while also discussing the major changes he helped drive within PGA governance and education. Geoff also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, embracing change, and continually looking for ways to grow both professionally and personally. 

Key takeaways from the conversation with Geoff are:

•  Strong mentors and relationships can shape the direction of your career. 
•  Success in golf requires leadership, business skills, and adaptability. 
•  Education and professional development are critical to the growth of PGA Members. 
•  Taking calculated risks can open new opportunities within the industry. 
•  Family support and strong communication are essential for long-term success.

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications. 

This episode of the PGA Professional Podcast features Gavin Sutherland, a highly experienced PGA Professional whose coaching journey has taken him across Australia, the United States, Singapore, Dubai, and Vietnam. Gavin shares how his early uncertainty as a trainee, combined with a strong desire to travel, ultimately led him to work alongside world-renowned coaches like Rob Neal and Jim McLean—an experience that shaped his coaching philosophy and career direction.

He reflects on the challenges of stepping outside his comfort zone, from early setbacks working overseas to thriving in high-performance environments that demanded accountability, continuous learning, and attention to detail. Gavin also highlights the contrast between technical, data-driven coaching and high-volume, hands-on coaching, and how both experiences were critical in developing his expertise.

Key takeaways from the conversation with Gavin are:

• Learning happens fastest outside your comfort zone.
•  Great coaching starts with curiosity and questioning everything.
•  There is no single “correct” way to coach or swing—context matters.
•  High-performance environments demand accountability and communication skills.
•  Continuous feedback, reflection, and real-world experience are essential for growth. 

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications. 

This episode of the PGA Professional Podcast features Brad Burns, PGA Professional and leading performer on the PGA Legends Tour. Brad shares his journey from turning professional at a young age to playing some of his best golf later in life, reflecting on how his game and career have evolved over time.

He also shares stories from playing alongside top professionals like Bubba Watson, Adam Scott and John Daly, highlighting the perspective gained from competing at the highest level while maintaining a grounded approach to the game.

Key takeaways from the conversation with Brad are:

• Improvement in golf can come later in a career.
• Development is not always linear.
• Playing with elite golfers builds confidence and perspective.
• Balancing work and competition is part of the journey.
• The Legends Tour provides ongoing opportunity and connection.

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications. 

This episode of the PGA Professional Podcast features Ritchie Smith, one of Australia’s leading high-performance coaches. Ritchie shares how his career was driven less by technique and more by connection—building trust, consistent messaging, and a strong team environment that supported players like Minjee Lee, Min Woo Lee and Hannah Green. He also speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, the realities of tour coaching, and the importance of values and buy-in when making swing changes.

Key takeaways from the conversation with Ritchie are:

• Great coaching is relationship-first: trust, care and connection drive performance.
• Consistency builds programs and players—show up, deliver the same message, every time.
• Strong systems beat solo coaching: aligned support teams with no ego accelerate growth.
• Tour coaching is hard work (travel, fatigue, family trade-offs), not just glamour.
• Swing change starts with buy-in: diagnose → educate → commit → then drill.
• Values alignment matters—players leave when needs aren’t met, not because they’re “stolen.”

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications. 

This episode of the PGA Professional Podcast features Peter Lonard, former world top-25 player and multi-time winner. Peter shares how a late start in golf, a key relationship with coach Gary Edwin, and valuable support from the PGA and Oatlands members helped him rise from trainee professional to competing with legends such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Seve Ballesteros. He reflects on overcoming Ross River fever and chronic fatigue, rebuilding his career as a club pro, and why he still enjoys the competitive spirit and community of the PGA Legends Tour.

Key takeaways from the conversation with Peter are:

• A late start with broad sporting skills and no junior burnout can accelerate development.
• Honest self-assessment, relentless practice and competing against stronger players fast-track improvement.
• Long-term coaching relationships and clear swing frameworks can reshape performance and confidence.
• Major health setbacks may pause a career but don’t have to end it—second chapters in golf are possible.
• Support systems—clubs, the PGA, caddies and fellow tour players—are crucial in navigating tour life.
• The PGA Legends Tour provides meaningful competition, camaraderie and a chance to give back to the game.

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications. 

This episode of the PGA Professional Podcast features Steve Keogh, Lead Instructor at Five Iron Golf in New York. Steve shares his journey from a self-taught junior and Australian trainee to working with world-renowned coaches such as Dr Rob Neal, Jim McLean and David Leadbetter, and ultimately building a successful full-time coaching business in the US. He explains how structured learning, smart use of technology, and a relationship-driven approach have shaped his coaching philosophy and career.

Key takeaways from the conversation with Steve are:

• Shadowing great coaches, paying for lessons, and seeking feedback will fast-track your growth as an instructor.
• Simple language and selected data points help players understand technology without information overload.
• Physical screening and collaboration with fitness/medical professionals protect players from injury and support long-term development.
• A full diary is built through relationships, clear goal-setting, structured programs and always booking the next step, not hard selling.
• Playing lessons, personalised drills, video feedback and regular check-ins create standout value and long-term client loyalty.

🎧 ACE Credits Available

PGA Members can claim ACE Credits for listening to this episode.

Complete the ACE Audio Application Form and submit a short reflection on your key learnings.

Previous episodes are also eligible for ACE Credit applications.