Hi all
I recently spoke with John Gallagher, once ranked the 17th top amateur in the world, who now plays his golf on the Tartan Pro Tour in Scotland. It was incredibly insightful listening to him describe what life is really like as a professional golfer.
Trying to secure sponsorships, sorting travel and accomodation, working night shifts as a taxi driver while trying to compete, the financial pressures of trying to support his family. Plus, balancing all of this with grief and personal tragedy.
If you're interested, you can read the article here. I would love to hear your feedback!
https://talesfromtheclubhouse.com/2025/11/18/tales-from-the-tartan-pro-tour-with-john-gallagher/
by GolfinMadrid
13 Comments
I know all to well the difficulties and miseries with being a touring pro. My cousin is one or should I say was one. You not only have to be an exceptional player but you have to have the right mind set. For every one golfer that makes it as a touring pro, there are hundreds who get left behind. It takes a special golfer to not only make it as a touring pro but to be successful as one.
Great read. Thank you for sharing. We should start an r/golf gofundme for John
Nice article & interview.
I feel bad for the guy. Hopefully he finds something better than kicking it around on a minitour. Reading in the interview that he’s 44, Ving Rhames’s words to Bruce Willis towards the beginning of *Pulp Fiction* came to mind:
>You came close but you never made it. And if you were gonna make it, you would have made it before now.
Really interesting article thanks for sharing. A lot of grief for him which is very hard to handle. Wish him and his family the best
Great read man!
It’s so tough. I know someone who did 11 years on mini tours. Lots of shared motel rooms, grinding etc. it’s a very hard life.
That was a really great read. The article is really well written and you really got his emotion through. I cannot imagine the pressure of playing for a living.
Really grateful that so many of you have given it a read and, better still, have enjoyed it! Its a brand new site so please do find me on insta (tales_fromtheclubhouse) and X (ftclubhouse) if it’s up your street- more to come!
Great read really enjoyed it. If anyone liked the article I recommend tales from q school, not really the same but great insight to a lot of these guys trying to make it.
I have a friend that was an absolute stick back in the day seventies played with all the greats the stories he has are amazing I know he struggled but just couldn’t get a break watched him many times in local skin games go sub par the course record was always in danger of being broken every time he teed it up
Great article, thanks for sharing.
Sobering read and a great reminder that golf is a tough sport no matter where you fall on the skill level spectrum.
Guess I should be happy grinding away as a high handicapper with no pressure but to enjoy the game.
Great article and insight into a rarely seen side of the sport! Hope to read more!