By Landon Michelson · Originally published . Restored and edited for clarity September 8, 2026.
As golf instructors, we can learn from players who have worked through the challenges of professional golf. In my conversation with Brandon Robinson-Thompson, we discussed how he approaches his game and what helps him keep improving. These reflections come from our 2024 conversation.
Be yourself on the course
Brandon described spending years trying to copy the way other players competed, particularly the intense focus of Tiger Woods. He found that his best golf came when he allowed his own personality to show. He enjoys smiling and joking around. At the British Open, spectators noticed how much he seemed to enjoy the experience.
For a coach, that is a useful reminder to help a student find a comfortable way to compete. A serious approach to improvement does not require every player to act the same way between shots.
Make progress measurable
Brandon described using regular assessments in his training, including force measurements in the gym and yardage tests with each club using TrackMan every two weeks. Seeing evidence of progress helped him stay motivated and focused.
The coaching lesson is to give practice a test that can be repeated. A measurable drill gives a player something concrete to compare, instead of relying only on how a session felt.
Keep training sustainable
We also discussed how difficult it can be to maintain strength through a long tournament season. Brandon described paying attention to his nutrition and planning workouts around the demands of competition, with recovery as part of that plan.
For an amateur player, the useful question is how training fits into the rest of the year. A plan needs to support the golf you want to play and be practical enough to maintain.
Build practice around the player
Brandon enjoys video games and described bringing that sense of challenge into his practice. He creates sessions that feel like levels to complete. That structure helps him stay engaged.
A coach can use a student's interests to shape how a practice task is presented. The task still needs a clear purpose, but making the challenge meaningful to that player can help them keep working at it.
What this means for your practice
Brandon's experience points toward understanding yourself as a player and choosing training methods you can stay committed to. Measure your progress and look for a way to practice that fits how you learn.
Listen to the conversation with Brandon Robinson-Thompson.
If you would like help identifying what to work on in your own game, explore private golf lessons in Miami with Landon Michelson.