England coach, former International amateur player and one-time ‘Coach of the Year’ Alison Johns on how to progress in the game of golf
Journey to coaching
Alison Johns first picked up a golf club at the age of 11 and was instantly hooked. Terry Squires, the pro at Boston Golf Club in Lincolnshire, played a significant role in nurturing her love for the sport and mentoring her through her amateur years. “I was a strong amateur player, representing England and Great Britain, before playing on the Ladies European Tour,” explains Johns.
“When it was time to move on from playing professionally, I knew I wanted to stay in the industry. I completed my PGA training and became a club professional, running a shop and coaching at Sutton Bridge Golf Club for three years. Eventually, I decided to focus solely on coaching, which is where my true passion lies.”
As a club professional, Alison had numerous responsibilities, from running the shop and managing competitions to being available for players of all levels. Despite the demands of the role, she made time to play.
“I made sure I played! I competed in club matches, often partnering with the club captain in challenges against other members and visiting teams. I was invited to join another club as a dedicated teaching professional, and that made me realize how much I loved passing on my experience to others. Coaching became my primary focus, and I’ve never looked back.”
I was invited to join another club as a dedicated teaching professional, and that made me realise how much I loved passing on my experience to others
Focusing on female junior golfers
Alison’s coaching career naturally led her to work with younger female players, and she became one of the Lincolnshire County Girls’ coaches. This role allowed her to help young girls progress from grassroots golf into county squads, fostering their development and love for the game.
Her sessions focus on making golf accessible and enjoyable. “We always start with warm-up exercises – keeping it fun and engaging, especially for younger players. Then we move into technical coaching, focusing on fundamentals like grip, alignment, and ball position. Getting these right early on makes a huge difference to a player’s development.”
“There’s always a skills challenge or team game, and we usually finish with a friendly competition, such as hitting closest to the flag to win a golf ball. I coach all ages, from four years old up to 89! My junior coaching sessions run for about 10 hours a week, alongside individual lessons.”
Working with a golf coach also helps new players address and overcome some of the myths and misconceptions attached to the sport. One of the most common misconceptions Alison encounters is the belief that golfers miss shots because they “lifted their head.”
“But you don’t hit the ball with your head! It’s more about understanding how the golf club interacts with the ball and developing a feel for the swing.”
“The mental aspect of golf is huge. Staying in the present is key – focusing on the shot at hand rather than worrying about what’s coming next. Many players struggle because they’re thinking about hazards rather than focusing on where they want the ball to go. I try to help my students shift their mindset.”
Coaching highlights and challenges
For Alison, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is watching her players succeed – she particularly enjoys coaching beginners because their excitement and enthusiasm for learning are infectious. “Whether it’s a young girl winning a school championship or a golfer achieving their handicap goals, it’s incredibly rewarding. I particularly love coaching beginners because they get so excited when they see progress.”
“A few of my players have won school championships, which is fantastic to see. Watching a player develop from a beginner to a county squad member is always special.”
Of course, there are challenges as well. Coaching in the winter months can be tough, especially on cold mornings. However, Alison believes that dressing appropriately makes all the difference. As she says, “Golf is an all-weather sport – and I love being outdoors.”
For those new to golf, her advice is simple: get a few lessons to understand the basics, but also take time to experiment. Try hitting different types of shots, bending the ball left and right, hitting it high and low. It’s about developing a feel for the game rather than getting too caught up in technical mechanics. Golf is a fantastic game that teaches patience, resilience, and problem-solving. Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming to compete, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey!”
