We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Hughes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi John, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

John has many stories about how his clients have made an influence on him as a coach and teacher of the game. A more recent story involves a 78-year old man from the Atlanta area, Vince, who came to Orlando in December of 2020 to either take up the game of golf again or give up on not only golf but life.

Vince paid for 3 full-days of golf school. But after the 1st hour, it was apparent Vince was not physically or emotionally capable of making it more than an hour each day. During that first hour, Vince shared his story of losing his wife just 13-months earlier, and how much she meant to him. He cared for her for over 10-years and gave up everything in his life to care for her, including golf. Her death lead to a deep depression, during which time Vince gained weight and lost his desire to be active. He also attempted suicide but failed. Out of desperation, Vince’s son gave him a new set of golf clubs, and begged him to get back into the game. After sharing this information, John realized Vince was there to conquer fears above and beyond the golf course.

That first day John and Vince focused on picking small battles Vince could win both at the practice facility and on the golf course. 3-to-5- foot putts is where they started, providing Vince renewed confidence that after 10 years of not playing, he still could putt. That small bit of confidence was exploited every minute of that morning until Vince decided it was time to try the driver, which he succeeded to hit with a baby draw about 125 yards. After lunch and some discussion, Vince decided he had the courage to face the golf course that afternoon. Teeing it up from appropriate yardage, Vince proceeded to hit solid shots down the fairway and onto the greens. Score was not important. It was Vince’s courage to face challenges again that was on display that afternoon.

Vince returned for the second day of golf school and informed John that he could only do a half-day at the practice facility. Vince’s son called him, asking him to come back to Atlanta. John found out a couple of days later that Vince made a decision overnight that his success on the course was such a positive experience that he had to go back to see his son and play a round of golf with him, immediately. It was Vince’s son that informed John of Vince’s decision and how much he appreciated what John had done for his Father.

When John found out what really happened, he called Vince to find out his side of the story and invite him back to Orlando to finish his 1 1/2-days remaining. When Vince returned a few weeks later, he told John of what it meant to him to reconnect to golf, and how doing so positively effective his outlook on life. Since the first day of his golf school, Vince has dropped his pounds, works out daily, plays golf as often as he can, and has found happiness in friends and family who share his passion for golf.

Vince’s story has inspired John to do several things as a coach and has a human being. An example is adding an additional question to his play profile asking a new client to share both physical and emotion impairments that a new client might have challenges with. John has waived any long distance follow up fees for Vince, allowing Vince to call John whenever he needs for any reason. But most importantly, Vince has inspired John to recommit to the priority of family. Doing so has provided John even more success as a coach, both on and off the golf course. And has allowed John to assist his son through a similar situation as Vince’s, with Vince assisting John and his son along the way.

Vince has come back twice in 2022. Once to finish the hours remaining with John. And again bringing his son a couple of months later. Vince’s son is scheduled to return during the 2022 holidays and he bringing his son, along with Grandpa Vince.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

John Hughes, PGA Master Professional, is an Award-Winning Golf Instructor, Clinician, and Coach to golfers of all skill levels, as well as an accomplished speaker and author. With more than 30 years of experience, John Hughes is a golf coach to all skill levels, from PGA and LPGA Tour Players to golfers like you looking to reach your next level.

John is one of only 420 individuals who earned the designation of PGA Master Professional (Instruction), John Hughes has the skills, knowledge, and experience to provide you an opportunity to experience the absolute best golf lesson you will ever have, as well as assist you in reaching your potential.

Career Highlights
• Students include the “Who’s Who” of the corporate, entertainment, political, and sports industries as well as Club Champions, NCAA Champions, Mini-Tour Professionals, and PGA Tour Winners
• Accomplished Author, Contributor, and Featured Speaker
• Recipient – 2013 PGA of America’s Horton Smith Award, recognizing outstanding educational contributions to PGA Members and the golfing community
• Recipient – 2014 North Florida PGA Section Bill Strausbaugh Award
• Recipient – 2014 East Central Chapter/North Florida PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year
• Recipient – North Florida PGA Section’s 2009 Irv Schloss Teacher of the Year Award
• Three-Time Nominee – Carolina’s PGA Section Teacher of the Year
• President – North Florida PGA Section
• Member – PGA of America’s National Instruction Committee
• Member – Editorial Advisory Board of www.PGA.com
• Member – Golf Academy of America Orlando Advisory Board
• Member – PGA of America’s Speakers Bureau
• Member – PGA President’s Council for Growth of the Game (1998-Present)
• Member – Proponent Group (Golf Instruction Focus Group) Speakers Bureau
• Former National Director of Instruction – Golf Digest Schools
• Former National Director of Instruction – Advantage Golf Schools

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Results! Results my current and previous clients experience both on and off the golf course. My business is all about assisting others reach their potential as a golfer. And they measure potential by the results they experience. Whether it is a lower score. Or a better way to hit a golf shot. Results matter.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Resiliency and persistence.

All entrepreneurs need both characteristics to succeed. You must be persistent when obstacles and hurdles prevent themselves throughout the normal course o business. Resiliency is your ability to deflect the distractions, the obstacles and hurdles present.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://JohnHughesGolf.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhughesgolf/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnhughesgolf
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhughesgolf/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnhughesgolf
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnHughesGolf

Image Credits
JP Design Theory/Jean Perpillant