Sean Murray’s journey to golf all began with a hockey stick in hand. Growing up, he spent many hours playing hockey, but when he was not on the ice, he and his friends would go to the soccer field behind his house. 

There, they created their own games using golf balls and aiming at makeshift targets. Eventually, Sean and his friends decided to take it a step further, signing up for memberships at a nearby golf course. What began as a backyard pastime soon turned into a budding passion for the sport. 

“I remember sitting at my dad’s desktop one day and typing ‘golf lessons in Winnipeg,’” he says. “Derek Ingram’s name came up, and I ended up taking lessons from him. My passion for golf grew pretty quickly after that.”

What began as simple curiosity turned into a genuine love for the game and everything that came with it. Sean found happiness just being at the golf course. That connection eventually led to a passion for coaching.

Today, that passion has become a reality. Sean is the Director of Player & Coach Development with Golf Manitoba, and now coaches both the girls and boys golf teams as they prepare for the Canada Summer Games, guiding them with the same dedication that fueled his own journey.

The Power of Friendly Rivalry

Manitoba's golf training squad started its season this January, with athletes training indoors through the winter and moving to tournament play in May.

As the tournament season begins, the squad competes at the highest provincial levels, facing off against top junior golfers as well as adults in Manitoba’s women’s and men’s amateur championships. 

The team dynamic is unique. While highly competitive and driven to outperform each other, the athletes maintain strong friendships, creating a supportive environment. 

“The great thing about our training squads here is that everyone is at a very high level, so naturally, they all want to beat each other," Sean says. “Even though they're all very competitive with one another, they're all really good friends, and they all get along.”

“It's a really, really cool and different environment.”

This balance of rivalry and camaraderie pushes the athletes to grow, develop resilience, and continually raise their game. Sean emphasizes that while it’s important for the athletes to enjoy the process and build strong team bonds, comfort should never lead to complacency.

Building Confidence to Thrive On and Off the Course

In the competitive world of golf, young athletes often struggle with being too hard on themselves. Sean focuses on the importance of reflection and acceptance to help players improve both their game and mindset.

“Golf is a game where good enough is usually really good. We try to teach the kids to accept that it’s okay if a shot isn’t perfect. You’re going to hit more ‘good enough’ or even bad shots than phenomenal ones.”

There's even more focus on developing self-awareness and accountability.

“Many athletes say they want to play at the highest levels, but are they willing to do what others aren’t? Practicing properly, structuring their sessions, and playing in the right situations."

Since Sean and the other coaches can’t be with their players every moment, they stress the importance of disciplined practice and thoughtful planning outside of team hours.

“It’s about learning how to practice effectively, even when you’re on the range alone."

As he looks ahead to the Canada Summer Games, Sean is eager to continue encouraging his athletes to stay resilient, take accountability when needed, and most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way.

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