1089: Skip KendalL

Thrive in Business

May 1

“Golf, Grit & Growing the Game”

Golf Athlete & Coach

What if 33 years as a professional golfer left you so worn out that the thought of boarding one more plane made you physically ill?

That’s exactly where Skip Kendall, former PGA and Champions Tour player, found himself—and it sparked an unexpected second act as a coach to the game’s rising stars.

In this captivating episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, we sit down with Skip Kendall—a man who’s spent decades navigating the highs and lows of pro golf—to uncover what it really takes not just to survive, but to thrive at the top and then pivot successfully into inspiring the next generation.

Key Highlights:

From Fairways to Coaching Elite Juniors: Skip shares how a chance encounter on the practice range turned him from a veteran player into a sought-after coach for talented junior golfers. His story is proof that “when one door closes, another opens.”
Unlocking Potential Beyond the Swing: Dive into the ‘it factor’ Skip looks for in young golfers, the critical role of mental toughness, and why a single round can reveal a person’s true character—on and off the course.
No Backup Plan; Only Belief: Discover the relentless mindset and work ethic that propelled Skip from being “an average college player” to earning his PGA Tour card—despite setbacks and years of grinding.
Coaching Insights You Can Use: Learn Skip’s favorite questions for his students, how he tailors coaching to individual passions and goals, and why developing self-awareness and resilience matters for success in any field.
Passion Over Pressure: Skip talks about sparking and sustaining real love for the game (or any pursuit), how to spot burnout versus genuine drive, and the funny family story that connects his Masters debut with his now-wife—who, shockingly, napped under a tree through the tournament!

Catch Skip’s Coaching Online: Golfers (and parents of aspiring athletes), subscribe to Skip Kendall on YouTube and follow @skip.kendall on Instagram for pro-level tips—both physical and mental—that go beyond a standard lesson.

You don’t need a backup plan when you’re fully committed, but you do need adaptability and heart. Whether you’re on the tee or charting a new life course, Skip’s journey proves that passion, perseverance, and personal growth are what keep you thriving—loudly.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Transitioning from Playing to Coaching"

06:21 "Golf Reveals Character and Potential"

07:30 "Mindset Mastery in Golf Career"

11:41 "Tailored Coaching Approaches"

14:26 Veteran Golfer's Continued Passion

18:38 Decade-Long Grand Slam Struggle

20:28 Expanding Audience via Social Media

23:22 Inspirational Music Choices

29:13 "Grateful for Collective Support"

29:52 "Skip Kendall: Golf's True Gentleman"

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