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Highlights from Episode 2 of the show: Chris Farley shares his journey from managing health clubs in Asia, suffering a myriad of injuries under the influence of libations and becoming a club fitting instructor for Europe’s largest golf retailer. Chris’ background in biomechanics aids in his role as a club fitter but he emphasizes the importance of having a customer service mindset before “nerding out” over Trackman and the benefits of adjustable golf equipment.

Find Chris Farley at American Golf in Christchurch, Bournemouth, and on Instagram @_charlie_farley_

www.thebeerpioneer.com is Singapore’s best craft beer subscription box!

1:45 Marc and Chris reminisce about their time living in “The Beaver Loft” in Singapore, his pre-COVID career managing health clubs and how his background in biomechanics, physiology, anatomy has evolved into a burgeoning career in golf

4:40 Chris shows off the tattoo that reminds him to be safe and explains how his adventurous nature and “yes” mentality led to almost breaking his neck, ankle reconstruction, broken nose, jaw, ankle, ribs and fingers! Wow!

7:15 Chris recounts his golfing journey and his newfound golf life

8:50 Chris explains the club fitting process step-by-step, emphasizing the importance of understanding each unique golfer and fitting clubs to their potential

12:20 Chris espouses the benefits of adjustable modern golf clubs, allowing for tweaks and improvements over time as each golfer evolves

14:15 Chris shares what he loves about being a club fitter, advice for those considering it as a career and how golf was his salvation

Episode Summary

On the latest episode of the FLG Golf Podcast, Chris Farley shares his journey from managing health clubs in Asia to becoming a club fitting instructor for Europe’s largest golf retailer in the UK. While Chris’ background in biomechanics, physiology, and anatomy aids in his role as a club fitter, he emphasizes the importance of understanding a golfer's needs and having a customer service mindset. We then “nerd out” completely over advanced technology like TrackMan, use many science words and espouse the benefits of adjustable golf equipment. Chris also details myriad injuries sustained while travelling the globe under the influence of libations.

Find Chris Farley at American Golf in Christchurch, Bournemouth, and on Instagram @_charlie_farley_

Thank you www.thebeerpioneer.com (Singapore’s best craft beer subscription) for your support

Timestamps

Introducing a Fellow Beaver!

• Marc and Chris reminisce about their time living in a house in Singapore called the Beaver Loft, filled with entertaining professionals, great minds and lifelong friends.
• Chris discusses his former career managing health clubs in Singapore (including his role as General Manager for Fitness First Asia and a lavish gym for C-Suite executives) and how his career had to evolve post-COVID.
• Serendipitously, his background in biomechanics, physiology, anatomy and sports medicine are a great fit for his burgeoning career in golf

Globetrotting Adventures, Golfing Journeys and Numerous Injuries (9:39)

• Why did Chris drunkenly agree to visit Afghanistan during wartime?
• How jacked up was Chris during his peak Gym Bro phase and why did that phase end?
• Marc asks if there is an ideal physique for a golfer and Chris provides sensible encouragement to all golfers
• Chris recounts his golfing journey, starting with his Dad’s old clubs and later receiving a set of old Ping irons and a Nike driver.
• Marc describes their debaucherous trips to Indonesia (including the FLG Easter scramble) and their final 9-hole round in Singapore before Chris left for the UK.
• Chris explains how his adventurous nature and “yes” mentality have led to numerous injuries, including almost breaking his neck in a swimming pool, ankle reconstruction, broken nose, jaw, ankle, ribs, fingers and almost losing his arm in a car accident. Wow!

Newfound Golf Life in the UK (12:08)

• Chris describes his local track, Christchurch Golf Club, and his favorite courses in the UK including Hamptworth, Royal Troon, Wentworth and the Isle of Purbeck
• Chris Farley discusses his current golfing routine, playing on the course once a week and hitting the range two or three times a week.
• Marc relives the awkward playoff victory of Billy Horschel over Rory McIlroy at the BMW Championship at Wentworth

Getting Balls Deep into Club Fitting (25:40)

• Finally, we get to “nerd out!"
• Chris explains the custom fitting process, emphasizing the importance of understanding the golfer's needs and preferences, the use of TrackMan to analyze golf club performance metrics.
• Chris discusses the importance of fitting golf clubs to the golfer's potential, not just their current skill level and highlights the adjustability of modern golf clubs, allowing for tweaks and improvements over time.
• Chris shares his commitment to supporting golfers at American Golf and providing excellent customer service, which draws from his long career managing first-class health clubs and as a personal trainer

Chris’ Passion, Future and Career Advice (41:45)

• Chris describes golf as a salvation and emphasizes the importance of playing golf and having a passion for it as a prerequisite for a career in club fitting.
• Chris a

Highlights from Episode 1 with Stormin’ Norm Jackson (@stormingolfent on Instagram), Head Pro of the Cowichan Golf Club on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Norm shares his lifelong connection to golf (which began at age 12 in Kamloops, British Columbia), the joy of playing golf with family and how the sport fosters meaningful connections. (1:00). We try to guess two truths and a lie about Norm as he claims to have won the BC Open, played junior hockey, and competed on the Canadian Tour.

Norm dives into his current golf routine, gym workouts, speed training and reminisces about his early days, caddying for his dad and securing his first job (4:00).

Marc shares advice from Padraig Harrington on making golf a positive experience for kids in order to develop a love for the game (5:30). Norm explains his approach of letting kids explore the game on their terms. They discuss efforts at the Cowichan Golf Club, where kids' groups thrive, bringing joy to young golfers.

Norm shares his long-standing relationship with Ping as an ambassador and club fitter for nearly 30 years (7:30) and his current equipment choices, including a 440 driver and a 7 wood, praising their benefits. Norm and Marc joke about aging and the need for softer flex shafts and Norm’s favourite golf ball featuring his custom “Little Storm” logo.

For those considering golf as a career, Norm explains the PGA membership process, including apprenticeships, playing ability tests, and coursework (9:00) and highlights non-teaching career paths such as merchandising, agronomy, F&B and club management.