Episode 24: John Young Golf on Sobriety, Mental Health and Finding Purpose Through Golf

Episode 24: John Young Golf on Sobriety, Mental Health and Finding Purpose Through Golf

In Episode 24 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by John Young Golf, our first international guest. John has played golf for most of his life, competed at a high level, played college golf, and has recently turned professional while pursuing a career in the golf industry. But this episode is about much more than golf. John opens up about his journey with sobriety, celebrating five years sober, his struggles with depression, drinking, cocaine, therapy, and the moment he realised he had to make a change. He also talks about leaving a successful private equity career, walking away from money and status, and choosing a life that felt more aligned with who he really is. We discuss golf as a platform for talking about mental health, sobriety, advocacy, therapy, inclusion, career change, and why men need more spaces where they can speak honestly. John also shares his golf journey, turning pro, practice habits, golf tech, course management, blow-up holes, competitive golf, and why the game continues to be such a powerful part of his life. This is a powerful conversation about recovery, purpose, honesty, and using golf to build a better life. Follow John: Instagram: @john_young_golf YouTube: John Young GolfPatreon: John Young Golf Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA [https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc [https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc] I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches. 🏌️‍♂️ Support the show If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes: ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89 [https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89] Use Code GSML15 Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML [https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML] Use code GSML Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/ [https://www.getupandgorentals.com/] Use Code GSML20 Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚 — Sam 9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

Episode 23: James Rooney Golf on Coaching, Competing and Finding His Way Back to Golf

In Episode 23 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by PGA golf coach and competitive golfer James Rooney. James shares his journey from growing up around golf in Scotland, heading to America to play college golf, stepping away from the game after burnout, and eventually finding his way back through coaching and competing. We talk about the reality of mini tour golf, the financial challenges of chasing professional golf, why coaching and playing do not always naturally translate, and what amateur golfers can do to practise more effectively. James also opens up about burnout, high-functioning depression, anxiety, therapy, changing career paths, fatherhood, and why golf became a sanctuary during a difficult period in his life. This episode is packed with insight for amateur golfers, golf content creators, anyone thinking about lessons, and anyone interested in the real side of coaching, competing and chasing improvement in golf. ⛳ Connect with James: Instagram: @jamesrooneygolf Website: jamesrooneygolf.com YouTube: James Rooney Golf Skillest: James Rooney 🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA [https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc [https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc] I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches. 🏌️‍♂️ Support the show If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes: ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89 [https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89] Use Code GSML15 Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML [https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML] Use code GSML Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/ [https://www.getupandgorentals.com/] Use Code GSML20 Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚 — Sam 9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

Episode 22: Ally from Chasing Pars – From Hating Golf to Building a Golf Community

In Episode 22 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by Ally from Chasing Pars. Ally has been podcasting for around 15 years, starting in football before moving into the golf space with Out Here Chasing Pars. In this episode, we talk about how he went from thinking golf was an old man’s game to becoming completely hooked after lockdown. We discuss golf, podcasting, the UK golf creator community, fitness, weight loss, competitiveness, mental health, family, and why the stories behind normal golfers can be just as powerful as the biggest names in the game. Ally opens up about going from 23 stone to changing his lifestyle, using fitness and running as part of his routine, finding golf after football, and how conversations on the golf course can sometimes feel like free therapy. This episode is about much more than chasing pars. It’s about finding something that gives you purpose, connection, competition and community. Listen to Out Here Chasing Pars for more golf conversations from across the golf community. ⛳ Connect with Ally Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_chasing_pars?igsh=bWsybzRjZDQwMGhu [https://www.instagram.com/_chasing_pars?igsh=bWsybzRjZDQwMGhu] 🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA [https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc [https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc] I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches. 🏌️‍♂️ Support the show If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes: ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89 [https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89] Use Code GSML15 Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML [https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML] Use code GSML Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/ [https://www.getupandgorentals.com/] Use Code GSML20 Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚 — Sam 9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

Episode 21: Andy from 28to8Golf on Chasing an 8 Handicap

In Episode 21 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by Andy from 28to8Golf. Andy started his page to document his journey from a 28 handicap towards his goal of reaching 8, and in this episode we talk about the reality of trying to get better at golf as a normal amateur golfer. We discuss handicap goals, playing links golf at St Anne’s Old Links, why golf becomes so addictive, the importance of practice and data, tinkering with equipment, playing top courses, and sharing the game with his son. Andy also talks about being part of Ginger Golf’s world record attempt, helping behind the scenes, and how the golf community opened doors, created friendships and changed his experience of the game. This is a great episode for anyone chasing a lower handicap, trying to improve their golf, or simply obsessed with the journey of getting better. ⛳ Connect with Andy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/28to8golf?igsh=MTZoaXp2MGY2b2FmMQ== [https://www.instagram.com/28to8golf?igsh=MTZoaXp2MGY2b2FmMQ==] Top 100 Junior: https://www.instagram.com/top100junior?igsh=bHdhMTgwZGJ4YWpi [https://www.instagram.com/top100junior?igsh=bHdhMTgwZGJ4YWpi] 🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA [https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc [https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc] I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches. 🏌️‍♂️ Support the show If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes: ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89 [https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89] Use Code GSML15 Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML [https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML] Use code GSML Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/ [https://www.getupandgorentals.com/] Use Code GSML20 Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚 — Sam 9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life

Golf, Fatherhood & Learning How To Reset | Simon from OBG Golf

In Episode 20 of Nine Holes, Nine Questions, I’m joined by Simon from OBG Golf for a conversation that goes far beyond the scorecard. Simon talks openly about finding golf later in life, becoming a dad, stepping away from a career role that was taking too much from him, and learning how to reset both on and off the golf course. We discuss why golf can be such a powerful metaphor for life, how bad shots and bad rounds can teach us something bigger, the importance of gratitude, and why sometimes the real win is being able to walk away, breathe, and go again. This episode touches on golf, fatherhood, mental health, pressure, burnout, family, content creation, and the power of finding space to reset. ⛳ Connect with Simon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obggolf?igsh=MTFxbDc3eXJpZjZ4YQ== [https://www.instagram.com/obggolf?igsh=MTFxbDc3eXJpZjZ4YQ==] TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNR3C3rT6/ [https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNR3C3rT6/] 🎙 Connect with me – Golf Saved My Life TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA [https://www.tiktok.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?_r=1&_t=ZN-93SVWNm3lSA] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/golf_savedmylife?igsh=MW1zYWl3d2c3ZGwy&utm_source=qr] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc [https://youtube.com/@golfsavedmylifeofficial?si=EMslx2_5q-fsHZWc] I’m sharing my own journey to better golf and a better headspace, plus more episodes of 9 Holes, 9 Questions with golfers, creators and coaches. 🏌️‍♂️ Support the show If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, you can use my referral links/codes below – it doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps me keep making episodes: ShotScope: https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89 [https://shotscope.com/?rfsn=8928822.66aa89&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8928822.66aa89] Use Code GSML15 Vice Golf: https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML [https://checkout.vicegolf.de/GSML] Use code GSML Get Up & Go Rentals Holiday Villa in Spain!: https://www.getupandgorentals.com/ [https://www.getupandgorentals.com/] Use Code GSML20 Thank you for listening, sharing, and sending this to a golfer who needs to hear it. 💚 — Sam 9 Holes, 9 Questions – Golf Saved My Life