Testimonials

'Plain and simply, if I had never met Sandy Smith I most probably would not be the 2011 Scottish PGA Champion. I can't speak highly enough of Sandy and will be forever grateful for his help and guidance over the years. His knowledge of the golf swing is exceptional but this is only a small part of what Sandy has taught me. From improving my work ethic to preparation for tournaments and strengthening my mental state before during and after golf, it has all been covered. I love listening to how he explains things about my swing and game and I always leave a lesson feeling so positive and excited about the different areas we are working on.

Sandy has been the biggest influence on my golfing life and if you want to see improvements to your game like I have with my game then you must get in touch with him.

I cannot recommend Sandy highly enough.'
Kind regards,
Alan

Sandy is easily the best coach I've ever worked with. He has that rare quality, that all great teachers have, to make his ideas simple and understandable. I've been working with Sandy for only 1 year, but I've seen a vast improvement in my game. Before we worked on my technique, I was so unsure of my ability to hit a driver that I would find a reason not to use it. Now I'm now one of the straightest drivers on tour and can't wait to get it out of the bag. If you are looking to learn more and improve your game, then nobody could help you do this better than Sandy.

Jamie McLeary
European & Challenge Tour Player
Ranked Number One Amateur in Great Britain and in Europe by Golfweek Magazine USA

I often get asked what are the qualities of a great coach. There is a long list of about ten characteristics. Of those ten, two would be technical and most professionals will have the two. Sandy Smith has a combination of ALL ten. This is why he stands out in his ability to bring out in players the necessary skills that unlock hidden potential.

It has been an great experience working with him to develop one of the best talents in the country. Very open communication, honesty and desire to see the project through. You want a coach you can trust, who has passion for your game and more importantly a passion for your improvement as a person. If you are aspiring to be at the top the game or just wanting to find out how good you can be then you are in very good hands working with Sandy Smith.

Jamie Edwards, Performance Coach
www.trained-brain.com

I have been working with Sandy now for two years, together we have improved my technique dramatically. The biggest improvement has been my scoring ability, as Sandy’s extensive knowledge of the all round game has brought a steadiness and confidence to every shot of my game. Sandy is always easily approachable and on hand to answer any queries or questions. With Sandys’ knowledge of the game he can improve everyones’ game and allow people to achieve their goals.

Ally Hain
Ladybank Golf Club
Fife County men's team player

Since working with Sandy, my swing has improved dramatically, resulting in much better ball striking and results. Sandy is a great coach because he is willing to work with what a player has and make them get the most out of their game. He doesn't believe in teaching people to swing the club the same way, but treats everyone as an individual and is always open to ideas and suggestions.

Wallace Booth
Member of Walker Cup side 2009, Winner of European Team Championships 2009, Winner of 2008 World Amateur Team Championship, Winner of 2008 Bidwells Scottish Stroke Play Championship, Winner of 2004 Scottish Youths Championship.

I worked with Sandy during my late teenage years, he played a key role in helping me improve my technical ability and without his coaching I would never have been able to gain a scholarship at an American University. For me, it is important that a coach has a good understanding of the game, and Sandy through both his studies and playing career has great technical and practical advice.

Gavin Dear
Member of Walker Cup side 2009, Winner of European Team Championships 2009, Winner of Irish Amateur Championship 2009, Winner of 2008 World Amateur Team Championship, Winner of 2008 Dixie Amateur in the United States

Alan has been working with Ladybank’s P.G.A. Advanced Professional Sandy Smith for 4 years now, and knows Sandy has been the biggest influence on his success and improvement during his short career. Alan and Sandy will continue to work together over the coming years, working towards Alan’s goal of obtaining a European Tour Card. Visit Alan's Website here

“Sandy has been a tremendous help and guide to me since I started working with him. His knowledge of the golf swing is exceptional and is very easy to work and communicate with. Not only a fantastic swing coach, Sandy has helped me mentally on and off the golf course and overall prepared me better for golf tournaments. I would recommend Sandy to any level of golfer wishing to make major improvements in their game.”

Alan Lockhart
Top ten Tartan Tour player

From the age of thirteen, Sandy started coaching me when I was in the Perth & Kinross Boys Elite squad. There is no doubt that his coaching greatly helped me develop into a much better player. Sandy`s coaching covers all areas of the game not just the technical aspects. Along with Perth & Kinross County Golf, Sandy helped prepare me well for life as a Scotland International player, where I was lucky enough to have many great successes. I now play golf for a living as a Professional.

Kevin McAlpine
Scotland Internationalist
Scottish Amateur Champion 2006
Scottish Strokeplay Champion 2007

Ladies coaching session 30th May - It was glorious weather for a three hour ladies coaching session at the end of May instructions from yourself .The day was well structured and informative with individual coaching spread among all players and where did the time go in this actioned packed afternoon. I went there with an open mind and thought well if I come out with one or two tips I would do well,however I came away with three positives in particular my putting, chipping and bunker play which I have seen improvements already. Although there were only four ladies there it was a day that should not have been missed. Ladies you missed a great day. Many thanks again Sandy.

Linda McDonald
Ladybank Golf Club

I have known Sandy since his early days as an assistant professional at The Gleneagles Golf Academy. His passion for providing pupils with great golf instruction was evident then and he has developed these teaching skills, combining his gift of understanding the mechanics of the golf swing with an ability to communicate instruction using language that pupils easily understand. Align these more traditional teaching traits with his use of the most modern video and computer aided analysis techniques and a pupil gets the very best of both worlds. I have enjoyed working professionally with Sandy as well as benefiting from his patient instruction, allowing this middle-aged golfer to retain and, in some years, even reduce his handicap. Time with Sandy is time well spent for anyone looking to improve their golf game.

Ian Ferrier
Ferrier Golf Developments

Perth & Kinross Golf – Small County with a big heart. Produced a number of top class players over 30 or 40 years but underachieved in National and team Competitions. Something had to change to improve the situation. County Executive approached Sandy Smith, Head Professional at the Gleneagles Hotel regarding his thoughts. What followed, changed Perth & Kinross Golf, created history and saw a coaching programme set up for Elite Senior & Junior players which became the envy of Scotland.

Sandy explained that there would be no quick fix but advised the following:

• Start thinking and acting like professionals.
• Invest in the future by concentrating on youth
• Find Sponsors. Make all squad players look good and feel proud to wear a county jersey.
• Players must all be committed and put in the necessary hours.

Sandy’s skills and knowledge of his trade put him in a unique position to bring out the best in pupils, from a twelve year old junior to a plus 4 National Senior Champion. He seems to give them all the confidence to progress.

Perth & Kinross will always be indebted to Sandy. Many young golfers have now chosen golf as a career path because of his influence. He must smile some days when he opens the newspapers and reads the National and International Golf results, and reads that so many of his former pupils are now at the top of their sport.

We were all extremely sad when Sandy moved on from Gleneagles but we knew that going back home to Ladybank was too hard for him to turn down.

HISTORICAL FACT: P& K County Golf – Scottish Team Champions 2001-2003. Team Pro – Sandy Smith

Charles Gallagher
Perth & Kinross Team Captain