This week’s Q&A features Justin Sandler of Foresight Europe and son Josh aged 2 ½!  Justin possesses over 20 years’ experience as a golf coach and whose 2 ½ year old son is already showing incredible enthusiasm and talent for the game of golf.  Which has caught the eye of many on social media…  Including a certain Phil Mickelson (you might have heard of him).

We spoke with Justin to learn more about his background, being a Dad to a golf loving son and how the evolution of technology is impacting golf.

Tell us about yourself
I have worked in the golf industry for 20 years and spent 12 of those moving from club to club to get as much experience as possible.  I worked at every type of club from private to pay and play.  My passion has always been coaching.  Now I am in the dream position of helping other pros build their teaching facilities utilizing GCQuad and indoor golf simulation.

How did you first get into golf?
It was actually my Uncle at the age of 13.  Neither of my parents played, but my uncle was very keen and took me to the courses to caddy for him one day.  I loved it and he got me a set of clubs.  He taught me so much about the game.  He passed away 2 years ago and I will be for ever grateful to him.  I never beat him!  It was an ongoing joke.  He used to give me shots and then when I gave him shots I still got no where near him.  He was too good around the greens.

What’s your first golfing memory?
Watching Nick Faldo and Seve at the Masters. I also vividly remembering Ray Floyd hitting into the water at Augusta which all but handed Faldo the title.  Seve was my hero growing up.

 Your son – Josh – has shown a passion and amazing talent for golf already.  How has it felt as a Dad, watching him naturally share the same passion?
It’s the best thing ever!  I have never told him to play golf but even before he could walk he would grab anything he could and hit balls with it.  I have videos of him sitting there hitting plastic balls with a xylophone stick 😊!  Now he is two, he is non-stop golf and when he gets the chance, he hits balls.  We are lucky having a simulator, so he often asks to go in there. I posted a video of him on line, which Phil Mickleson replied to and now has had over 750000 views on various platforms.  His swing speed is now up to 45mph, not bad for a 2 ½ year old.

Here’s the video! 

This is getting ridiculous now. 2 years and 3 months, everything airborne and most over the fence. Swing speed up to 45mph measured on GCQuad. Following after his favourites @TyrrellHatton @PhilMickelson @McIlroyRory @TigerWoods and @JustinRose99 pic.twitter.com/jPtXVuAwyv

— Justin Sandler PGA (@jsandler75) September 13, 2020

What advice would you give to parents whose children have just shown an interest in golf?
Just let them have fun.  Get the kids a club and a ball and get them to hit it as hard as they can.  Teach them balance and let them get on with it and have fun!

Before a child sees a coach, what three tips would you give?
Laugh, Laugh, Laugh!!!

You currently working with Foresight Sports, how has advancement in technology changed the way that people get involved in golf?
It has been incredible.  It helps professionals qualify everything they do with their clients.  Being in an indoor environment, it is also more enticing to beginners as they don’t get so frustrated.  In this day an age, we rely on technology and being able to play in that world bring a lot of joy.

How has COVID-19 impacted your industry this year and how have you adapted?
We really have been extremely lucky as every man and their dog seems to want a Golf sim at home.  We have seen large growth in 2020 and can only see it getting bigger in 2021. The golf industry as a whole has seen an upturn and hopefully from here we can keep the momentum going.

Where can we find you?
Either in my sim or on the road.  You can also connect with me on my social media accounts on Twitter @jsandler75 and Instagram pgasandler75Thank you so much Justin.  We appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to talk with us.  We look forward to seeing Josh’s love for the game grow and develop as well as the continued success of Foresight Europe.