Coach’s Playbook: Pro Sam Horsfield

Golf Pro Sam Horsfield on starting young and why it pays to get a coach

Golf has taken Sam Horsfield all over the world – but it all began with a rainy day at Disney. “We were in Florida, it was pouring down sideways,” he laughs. “We came back to the rental house and when the rain stopped, my dad took me out to play golf. I shot 167 from the ladies’ tees… and I’ve played pretty much every day for the last 24 years.”

Now a well-travelled tour professional and one of the most technically gifted players in the game, Horsfield combines power, feel and deep golfing knowledge. He also knows what it takes to improve, whether you’re a beginner at the range or an elite player fine-tuning for a big tournament.

“A coach is important because it validates what you think you’re doing versus what’s actually happening,” says Horsfield. “It’s easy to feel like you’re doing something right in the swing, but that may not be the case – and it can lead to a trickle of bad habits. A coach brings clarity.”

No Course? No Problem Can’t always get to the fairways? “That’s fine – access to the game has never been better,” says Horsfield. “Driving ranges, indoor simulators, short-game zones—they’re everywhere now, with tools like Trackman making it feel real. And even if you’re just at a pitch & putt or mini golf, the main thing is: have fun!”

Sam took time out from a busy LIV tour schedule to share his golf tips with Leisure Kicks:

Play your own swing…“Trying to copy other people’s swings can throw you off. Know your motion and own it.”

Don’t rush the transition… “I focus on avoiding the club getting sucked into my body on the way back. I also make sure I give myself enough time so my hips don’t fire too fast through impact.”

Always use alignment aids...“Every time I’m on the range, I use an alignment stick – or a club on the ground – to help stay locked in on the target.”

Knowing your swing is the most important thing. Play your own game rather than trying to play someone else’s.

For me, it’s about avoiding the club getting sucked into my body on the way back and giving myself enough time in the transition so my hips don’t rotate too quickly through impact.

Alignment is crucial in every aspect of golf. Know where you’re starting the ball and where you want it to finish. Every time I hit balls on the range, I use an alignment stick – or even just a club on the ground—to ensure I’m giving myself the best chance to hit the target.

Club selection is key and depends on the shot you want to play and how high or low you want the ball to come out. There isn’t just one correct way to play most shots around the green – there are multiple options, so choose the one you’re most comfortable with.

Ball position is essential to give yourself the best chance to execute the shot. Depending on what you’re trying to do, the ball may need to be placed further forward or further back in your stance.

Pick a landing spot. Everyone’s short game technique is different, but if you can consistently pick a landing area and work on hitting it, you’ll give yourself the best chance to get the ball close – or even hole it.

Green reading is an art. When practicing, make sure you hit putts from different areas of the green to see how slopes affect the roll. Pay attention to the grain and the way the grass is cut – it all influences the break.

Consistency of stroke is vital. Putting – like the golf swing in general – is a repetitive action. The more consistent your motion, the more likely you are to start the ball on your intended line.

Your speed and line must match up. The line you choose depends on how hard you plan to hit the putt, and vice versa. They always work hand in hand.