Home | Mental Golf Coach
He helps golfers shoot lower scores, improve performance and get more out of their game than they thought possible. He specialises in Performance coaching with a particular emphasis on Psychology and Mental Skills.
Will has trained with, and works alongside, Collin Morikawa's lifetime Mental coach, Dr Rick Sessinghaus with Flowcode Golf.
His practice is grounded in Psychological theory, having spent 4 years on his undergraduate Psychology degree, followed by attaining his Master's degree in Sport Psychology with Distinction from the University of Stirling.
Golf Sports Psychologist | Dr John Pates UK
Dr John Pates has been Stephen Gallachers Sports Psychologist for over 20 years and has written 3 books on Pscychology of Golf and Champions.
Story from Dr John Pates, Stephen's Sports Psychologist
Getting into the Zone: The Stephen Gallacher Story
I first met Stephen Gallacher at the Italian Open, held at the Olgiata Golf Club near Rome. It was
the last event of the season, and Stephen’s European Tour card was on the line—he needed a
strong finish to stay in the top 20. Dean Robertson, a good friend of his, introduced us the day
before the final round. Stephen was on the range, working on his game, but he looked like
someone carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’d had a tough year mentally, and
nothing seemed to be clicking for him. His body language spoke volumes; he was frustrated,
unsure, and searching for answers.
As we talked, it became clear to me that Stephen didn’t need to relax to perform at his best; what
he needed was energy and confidence. During our conversation, he spoke about his incredible
amateur career, where he had dominated the sport, winning everything from the Scottish
Amateur to the Lytham Trophy. But since turning pro, that dream of conquering the professional
circuit had seemed further and further out of reach. For years, he’d been stuck in the ranks,
struggling to even break into Europe’s top 50. His self-belief had taken a serious hit, and the
pressure of staying on tour had only magnified that.
I realized immediately that Stephen’s mental approach needed a reset. He had become overly
focused on technique, thinking about swing positions and mechanics before every shot. That
mental chatter was holding him back from accessing the natural talent and creativity that had
made him such a formidable amateur. I decided to introduce a new routine to re-energize him
and bring back his natural instincts.
“Stephen, let’s focus on the times you’ve felt unstoppable,” I said. “Think back to a time when
you hit a perfect shot under pressure. Relive it. How did it feel? What were you thinking? Now
bring that mindset to the present moment.”
He paused for a moment and then described, in vivid detail, a chip-in he made under pressure at
the Madrid Open the week before. He described everything—the striped shirt his caddie was
wearing, the exact line of the ball as it rolled into the hole, and the roar of the crowd as he
celebrated. He smiled as he relived the moment, and I could see his confidence returning.
I asked him to hold onto that feeling as he hit balls on the range, and the results were immediate.
His shots became crisp, accurate, and effortless. He looked up at me after one particularly pure
strike and said, “That felt like me again.”
The next day, Stephen carried that mindset to the course. Despite starting with two bogeys in the
first four holes, he stuck to his routine, visualized his best moments, and let his confidence guide
him. What followed was extraordinary: birdies on five of the next six holes, an eagle on the 15th,
and a final-round score of 62. He shot nine under par over his last 14 holes to finish the
tournament an astonishing 17 under par. That performance not only secured his European Tour
card but also proved to himself that he could perform under the most intense pressure.
That day marked the beginning of our journey together, and what a journey it has been. Over the
years, I’ve seen Stephen achieve incredible things on the golf course, but more importantly, I’ve
seen him grow as a person. His resilience, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his craft
are truly inspiring. He’s one of the most humble, ethical, and generous people I’ve ever had the
pleasure of working with. His ability to balance his professional career with his responsibilities
as a husband and father is a testament to his character.
One of the greatest highlights of my career was supporting Stephen at the 2014 Ryder Cup at
Gleneagles. Watching him represent Europe on such a massive stage was nothing short of
incredible. The energy, the passion, and the sheer determination he brought to that event were
unforgettable. He played a crucial role in Europe’s victory, and seeing him share those moments
with his family and teammates was something I’ll always treasure.
Throughout our time together, there have been many memorable moments at major
championships. From his remarkable performances at the Dubai Desert Classic to his clutch play
at The Open, Stephen has consistently demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion. But what
stands out most to me are the quiet moments off the course—the times when we’ve sat down to
reflect, strategize, and reset. It’s in those moments that I’ve seen the depth of his character and
his unwavering commitment to being the best version of himself.
Stephen’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like any athlete, he’s faced setbacks,
injuries, and periods of self-doubt. But what sets him apart is his resilience. He has an incredible
ability to bounce back, to learn from his experiences, and to keep moving forward. That’s a
mindset we’ve worked hard to cultivate over the years. It’s about focusing on the process,
staying present, and trusting that the results will take care of themselves.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Stephen has been getting to know his
wonderful family. They’ve been his rock, supporting him through the highs and lows of his
career. It’s clear that family is at the heart of everything he does, and that’s something I deeply
admire. Whether it’s celebrating a victory or navigating a tough loss, Stephen’s family is always
there, reminding him of what truly matters.
As I reflect on the past two decades, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey we’ve shared.
Stephen has taught me as much as I’ve taught him. His humility, kindness, and unwavering
dedication to his craft have left a lasting impression on me. Our moments together at major
championships, navigating the highs and lows of the game, will stay with me forever. Watching
him succeed, not just as a player but as a person, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of
my career.
I’ve been working with Stephen for more than 20 years now, and I’ve loved every moment of it.
From the Italian Open to the Ryder Cup, from the practice range to the biggest stages in golf, our
journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Stephen Gallacher is not just an exceptional
golfer; he’s an exceptional human being. I’m proud to call him a client, a colleague, and a friend