From Climbing Trees to Improving Your Love For The Game
Mark Hawley
Golf Journeys Tour Host
February 4, 2025

Let me take you back to the '90s. Picture a mischievous 4-year-old me, halfway up a tree, while Mum and Dad shout at me to get down—people are waiting on the tee. Yes, this blog is a little different, but stick with me it will make sense.

There I was, causing trouble with a 7-iron. Golf has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. If it were up to me, every kid would play this game because it taught me more than just how to swing a club. It taught me how to control your emotions (throwing a club doesn’t fix anything), how to handle disappointment (like hitting the perfect drive only to land in an unfilled divot), and the biggest life lesson of all: it doesn’t matter where you’ve come from or what’s behind you—you play the ball as it lies and all that matters is how you play your next shot.

Fast forward to 2009—I’ve now graduated high school, playing some of the best golf of my life. Then it happens: I get picked as one out of thousands for a fully paid scholarship from none other than Adam Scott. And this wasn’t just any scholarship—it covered my university fees at Griffith, a full diploma from the PGA Institute, and all my coaching tuition, completely paid for.

Here’s the kicker: up until then, I’d never relied on coaching to get my handicap down. I spent my time pounding golf balls at the range, picking them back up again into my bucket, only to do it all over again. I’d play 45 holes in a day, carrying my clubs on my back—probably not the smartest move, considering the back issues I have now. To some, that might sound like overdoing it, but for me, it was my happy place. Golf wasn’t just a game; it was an escape, a teacher, and a passion.

But even with all that time and love for the game, at a certain level to get better you need the right coach. As part of the scholarship, I got to meet and work with four of the top coaches on the Gold Coast, all brilliant in their own way. But there was one who stood out and got my pick — Loic Truet.

It wasn’t just what Loic said—it was what he didn’t say. Most pros I find overwhelm you with swing changes, drills, and endless advice that leaves your head spinning. But Loic? He could spot 99 problems  with your swing and focus on one or two simple changes that would make the biggest difference. His approach was simple but transformative. And what really set him apart? He taught on the course, not just at the range. Because let’s face it—anyone can stripe balls at the range when there’s no pressure, no water hazards, and no crowd watching from the tee. But on the course? That’s where the real game happens. And that’s where Loic transformed mine.

Now in my mid-30s, I’ve been lucky to turn my love for golf into a career, hosting golfers at some of the world’s most stunning courses. But I’ve seen too many players get down on themselves when their game isn’t where they want it to be. It took me back to the important life lessons I learned through golf and my time training at an elite level with fellow PGA students—where the right tools, guidance, and support helped us improve and made the game more enjoyable. That’s exactly how our Golf Schools were born: to show that lowering your handicap and reigniting your love for the sport can happen in tandem.

Sure, we also include incredible food, top-notch accommodation, and incredible service. But the heart of the experience? It’s access to Loic’s unique coaching style.

This isn’t your typical PGA lesson—no endless hours just hitting balls and getting swing analysed. Loic brings the same elite-level coaching I experienced, tailored to you. Lessons happen on the course, where it counts, with personalised feedback that cuts through the noise and delivers real results.

We also split the schools by ability, not to change the coaching style (since Loic’s feedback is one-on-one), but to create that special environment I once had when I was with the PGA —surrounded by like-minded golfers, all pushing to be better. There’s an energy in that kind of group that’s hard to explain, but once you’ve felt it, you’ll agree it’s the best way to improve.

If this sort of experience sounds like it's going to help you but maybe a trip to the Gold Coast isn’t in the cards for you right now. That’s okay. There are incredible PGA professionals all over the country who can help you improve your game (here's a handy link you can use to find them). Whilst Loic's teaching style is 1 in a million, there's nothing stopping you from grabbing a few friends together who are all in the same boat and doing part of what we do on the Gold Coast.

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At the end of the day, golf has given me more than I ever imagined—a career, lifelong friendships, and lessons that reach far beyond the course. Our Golf Schools aren’t just about lowering handicaps or hitting the perfect shot; they’re about rediscovering why we fell in love with this game in the first place.

Wherever your golf game is currently, I hope you keep chasing that feeling. The one you get when you pure a 7-iron, sink that impossible putt, or simply share a round with friends who love the game as much as you do.

And if you ever need advice on where to start, what to work on, or even a book recommendation to reignite your passion—I’m just a phone call away. After all, golf is a journey we’re all on together.

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