Coach Conrad Ray - Everything you need to know about the college golf experience.

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​Conrad Ray (@cardcoachray) is the Director of Men's Golf at Stanford University and if you are a junior golfer, coach one or are the parent of one and they have a lot of promise, a lot of game and they want to play at a collegiate level you are really going to want to hear what Conrad has to say. Not only did he play on a NCAA National Championship team as a student-athlete while attending Stanford, he also coached the Cardinals to a NCAA National Championship. 

We get into many things but most of it revolves around the college golf experience; how kids can get a scholarship and what it takes, what's expected of them as a student athlete, and the sacrifices and hard work that goes into making them productive members of the team, and preparing them for their next level in life.

Conrad also speaks to the differences in college golf from he was a student-athlete in the mid-1990's when he played with fellow teammates Notah Begay and Tiger Woods. We compare that to when he returned in 2004 to be the Head Men's Golf Coach and how both those eras compare to today. Conrad was also kind enough to speak to his coaching and recruiting philosophies and what he and other coaches around the country look for in up and coming junior golfers and what they want those kids to be good at if they're going to play college golf.

This discussion is packed with a bunch of great information from one of the best college coaches out there. I'm sure everyone listening; whether you're a junior, a coach, or parent you're going to learn something and take a lot of good things away from what Conrad has to say.

You can follow Coach Conrad Ray on Twitter @CardCoachRay

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Overcast

Listen on Spotify

Download as mp3

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​Golf 360 came about from a theory I wrote a decade ago called The Golf Paradigm. This theory was in the process of becoming a master’s thesis and book until life got in the way and time didn't allow it. It is something I came up with after spending over 30 years in golf. During that time, I was fortunate enough to have met, become friends with or worked with some exceptional people. Some of them were within the industry while others were outside of it but they all had phenomenal information that helped me improve as a player, a coach and a person. Whether it was a world-renowned coach, genius club fitter or engineer, ground breaking health professional or therapist, fantastic mental coach or psychologist or someone that understood how to utilize all of these to the benefit of the whole, they are some amazing people. There were also many others, all highly accomplished and from various fields; the business world, other professional athletes, and many more that were kind enough to pass along the knowledge they had acquired over a lifetime of work. Not only did their input help me as a touring professional, it also helped me in life and with my current teaching position with the The Golf Paradigm Academy. I wanted to take my good fortune of having access to so many people and bring that to you so you could apply it to your own game and life. With such a wide array of people I thought why not call it 'Golf 360'

The common denominator with all of the guests is they have two things in common 1) they were very highly accomplished and exceptional in their field and 2) they were more than willing to share their knowledge, experiences and pearls of wisdom with me and many others who were more than willing to learn and improve themselves in their games, business or life. 

I hope you enjoy listening to each of the guests and can utilize the information they pass along; whether its a story, an experience or fascinating information so you can continue to improve your game and life.

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This podcast is brought to you in part by Old South Golf Links A short ride across the bridge from Hilton Head Island is one of the areas finest golf courses, and a hidden treasure. Set up on towering pines and ancient oaks with sweeping marsh vistas truly makes Old South Golf Links a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. The Clyde Johnston design was named one of the Top 10 New Public Courses when it opened, it also takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the Low Country. Old South Golf Links is also a fun and unique challenge for golfers of every level and a favorite of both locals and visitors. The finishing stretch has some of the most scenic and toughest holes in the area. The par four 16th is classic target golf with fairway placement off the tee crucial to success. Tidal marshland’s the length of #17 and prevailing winds determine club selection and scoring. Whether its your first time here or you’re a regular you will be treated and feel like family. From the bag drop to check-in at the fully stocked pro shop with both men’s and women’s apparel to breakfast or lunch before or after your round the staff is ready to help you. Experience for yourself why Old South is one of the premiere golf courses in the Hilton Head area and why it will quickly become a favorite of yours too. Visit them in person or online at www.oldsouthgolf.com18437855353 or call the pro shop at 843-785-5353.

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​Any questions, feedback or insight from this episode? What did you learn most and what did you like best? What should be added for future episodes? Please post your answer in the 'Comments' below:

​During our discussion you'll learn more about...

Getting started in golf at Austin Country Club
Why golf won out over football and how he got to Stanford University 
From Minnesota to Stanford, being a freshman and playing on a National Championship team
​The road of improvement, handling failure and lessons learned
Freshman 'rights of passage' and leadership coming from within
On being team captain 
Playing professional golf 
Opportunity of a lifetime 
Todd Anderson Instruction
Budd Finger Stanford golfer and former Golf Coach
His role as Head Golf Coach and the secret to his success
How do you keep successful student-athletes humble and motivated?
The fabric and culture of Stanford University
How recruiting has changed over the years
Getting kids from different cultures and backgrounds to become a team
What should you work on if your dream is to play at Stanford or in college
One of the most important things he looks for in recruits
The effect of Stanford alumni on the golf team and the SAM Mentoring Program
Stanford Golf traditions - the 'Spoony' Award
​How would Coach Ray mentor student-athlete Ray?
Know your thumbprint and don't change it
What does 'success' mean for Stanford Golf?
What he wants his legacy to be