The Coach Behind Modern Scottish Golf — Ian Rae

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Few people have had a bigger influence on modern Scottish golf than Ian Rae.

Over nearly five decades in the game, Ian has coached some of Scotland’s best amateur and professional players, helped shape national coaching structures, and played a major role in some of the country’s greatest team successes.

From growing up in Huntly in the north east of Scotland to becoming one of Scotland’s most respected coaches, Ian’s journey mirrors the evolution of golf coaching itself — from trial-and-error instruction and VHS cameras to performance psychology, data, biomechanics, and elite player development.

Ian shares stories from coaching Steven O’Hara, Richie Ramsay, Wallace Booth, Callum Macaulay and many more, along with incredible insight into Scotland’s Eisenhower Trophy victory in Australia and multiple European team triumphs.

But this episode is about much more than elite golf. It’s a conversation about learning, patience, preparation, coaching philosophy, and the importance of building players — and people — over the long term.

• Growing up in Huntly in the north east of Scotland and getting hooked on golf as a kid
• Becoming an assistant professional at Lanark Golf Club in 1976
• The early years trying to make it as a tournament player
• Life as a young professional at Shotts and Hollandbush Golf Club
• Carrying early golf technology and video equipment in the back of a Range Rover
• Working with renowned coaches Dennis Pugh and David Leadbetter
• Why missing out on the Scottish national coach role initially became a blessing
• The evolution of golf coaching beyond just swing mechanics
• Coaching some of Scotland’s greatest amateur talents
• Stories about Steven O’Hara’s remarkable amateur career
• Richie Ramsay’s journey to becoming US Amateur champion
• Scotland’s European team victories and unforgettable matches against England
• Behind the scenes of Scotland’s Eisenhower Trophy win in Australia
• Creating team culture, preparation, and performance environments
• Why modern players often overcomplicate improvement
• Ian’s advice for golfers trying to improve at any level
• The importance of patience, consistency, and trusting a long-term plan

Ian Rae Career Highlights:

• Scottish National Coach
• Part of six European team victories with Scotland
• Coach to US Amateur champion Richie Ramsay
• Worked with leading Scottish professionals including Steven O’Hara
• Key figure in Scotland’s Eisenhower Trophy victory
• Long-time coach and mentor within Scottish Golf
• Contributor to the Stephen Gallacher Foundation player pathway

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Keywords: Ian Rae, Scottish golf coach, Scottish national coach, Richie Ramsay, Steven O’Hara, Eisenhower Trophy, Scotland golf, golf coaching Scotland, Walker Cup, amateur golf Scotland, Dennis Pugh, David Leadbetter, Hollandbush Golf Club, Lanark Golf Club, Stephen Gallacher Foundation, golf psychology, golf performance coaching, golf development, Linked by Golf Podcast