Sean Foley, who coached Tiger Woods from 2010 to 2014 and Justin Rose for eleven years, is a Canadian coach based in Orlando. Here’s a look at his career, his students, his coaching method, and a summary of his video lesson.
Who is Sean Foley?
Sean Foley is a Canadian golf coach known for his modern approach, which incorporates the biomechanics, physics, and a teaching philosophy centered on the functioning of the human body. He made a name for himself as Hank Haney’s successor as a coach Tiger Woods, a high-pressure role that catapulted him into the spotlight.
A native of Burlington, Ontario, he played golf at Tennessee State University. He has lived in Orlando, Florida, since 2006, where he runs his school, Sean Foley Performance, and coaches players on the PGA and LPGA tours.
Sean Foley: A Science-Based Approach
Foley’s philosophy is distinguished by its scientific foundation. He does not seek to impose a single swing model, but rather to optimize the player’s movements based on their body type, to help them effectively reach their full potential. His work is based on:
- Biomechanics: He analyzes how forces are generated and transferred throughout the body during the swing. For him, the swing is not just a series of positions, but a sequence of fluid, coordinated movements.
- Effectiveness: He teaches principles that enable players to hit the ball with more power and consistency, while minimizing unnecessary effort and the risk of injury.
Sean Foley, the coach of champions
Beyond his highly publicized stint with Tiger Woods, from August 2010 to August 2014, Sean Foley has worked with several big names on the tour, demonstrating the effectiveness of his methods.
- Justin Rose: Their 11-year partnership, which lasted until 2020, was particularly successful. Under his guidance, Justin Rose won the 2013 U.S. Open, the 2016 Olympic gold medal, the 2018 FedExCup, and ten PGA Tour titles, and rose to No. 1 in the world. Rose has often praised Foley for his approach, which treated him as an athlete rather than just a golfer.
- Lydia Ko: He has also worked with the former women's world No. 1, which demonstrates his ability to adapt to different playing styles.
- Other PGA Tour players: Hunter Mahan, Sean O’Hair, Stephen Ames, Byeong Hun An, and Cameron Champ have also worked with him.
Although his time with Woods did not result in a Major victory, Tiger Woods won eight PGA Tour events and regained the No. 1 ranking in the world during their collaboration. Foley has made a name for himself as a respected and innovative coach. He continues to influence modern coaching by emphasizing data, technology, and a deep understanding of the human body.
Sean Foley's Career
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Origin | Burlington, Ontario (Canada) |
| University | Tennessee State University, member of the golf team |
| Base | Orlando, Florida, since 2006; Sean Foley Performance School |
| Tiger Woods | August 2010 to August 2014: eight wins on the PGA Tour, return to the No. 1 spot in the world rankings |
| Justin Rose | Eleven years leading up to 2020: 2013 U.S. Open, 2016 Olympic gold medal, 2018 FedExCup, world No. 1 |
| Other students | Lydia Ko, Hunter Mahan, Sean O’Hair, Stephen Ames, Byeong Hun An, Cameron Champ |
Sean Foley's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Swing and Swing Plane (Swing and Swing Plane): Gary Player's tip, illustrated by Sean Foley.
Are you interested in the players he has coached? Check out the profiles of Tiger Woods and Justin Rose, as well as those of Hank Haney and Gary Player.
FAQ About Sean Foley
Who is Sean Foley?
Sean Foley is a Canadian golf coach from Burlington, Ontario, known for his biomechanics-based approach and for having coached Tiger Woods and Justin Rose.
When did Sean Foley coach Tiger Woods?
From August 2010 to August 2014. He succeeded Hank Haney; Tiger won eight PGA Tour events during that time, but did not win a Major.
Which champions has Sean Foley coached?
Justin Rose, winner of the 2013 U.S. Open and the 2016 Olympic gold medal, along with Lydia Ko, Hunter Mahan, Sean O’Hair, Stephen Ames, Byeong Hun An, and Cameron Champ.
Where does Sean Foley teach?
In Orlando, Florida, where he has been based since 2006 and runs his school, Sean Foley Performance.
What lesson by Sean Foley can be found on Best Golf Tips?
A lesson on the swing, in which he demonstrates a tip from Gary Player.
