A national coach for the FFGolf since 2005 and head coach of the French men’s national team from 2009 to 2019, Renaud Gris now runs the Renaud Gris Golf Institute near Lyon. Here is his background, career highlights, and a summary of his video lesson.
Who is Renaud Gris?
Renaud Gris is a top-level French golf coach, founder and director of the Renaud Gris Golf Institute, located at the UGolf in Mionnay, a few miles from Lyon. It is particularly well-known for its expertise in coaching young talents and professional golfers.
A former top-level amateur player and member of the French national teams, he divides his time between his academy and coaching professional players on various tours.
Renaud Gris's Journey: From the FFGolf to His Institute
From Club-Level Coaching to Elite Competition
A graduate of the Brevet d’État (1st and 2nd levels) and holder of a DUT in sports business management with a concentration in golf, Renaud Gris began his career in Étretat as an executive assistant and academy director, then headed up instruction at the Sargé Golf Club in Le Mans for two years. From 2002 to 2007, at the request of his former coach Patrice Amadieu, he set up a sports-academy program and coaches the top young players from the Leadbetter Academy at the Montpellier Massane Golf Course.
National Coach at the French Golf Federation
In 2005, he joined the FFGolf as head of the Montpellier Youth Development Program. In 2007, he took over as head coach of the French Boys’ Team (under 18), and from 2009 to 2019, he served as head coach of the French National Team and the French Men’s National Training Center. Notably, he was the coach of the French men’s team that won the World Amateur Championship in 2010.
The Renaud Gris Golf Institute
His academy, dedicated to elite golfers—both amateurs and professionals—is located at UGolf in Mionnay, in the Dombes region. Players have access to a comprehensive training center there: a driving range, putting and chipping areas, an indoor putting facility for the winter, and a teaching bay equipped with analysis tools (TrackMan, force plates, Quintic, video cameras). The academy also offers a sports-and-academics program in Lyon and Nîmes, designed to help students balance their studies with competitive golf.
A vision focused on passing on knowledge
His vision is based on sharing his experience at the highest level, excellence (a drive to perform, attention to detail), and education (respect, mutual support). He has also expanded his expertise through training sessions with world-renowned coaches, including David Leadbetter, Hank Haney and Bob Rotella.
Renaud Gris's Career
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Degrees | State Certificate (1st and 2nd levels), DUT in Sports Business Management, Golf Track |
| First Jobs | Étretat (school district), then head of instruction at the Sargé Golf Club (Le Mans) |
| 2002-2007 | Sports-Academic Programs and Youth Training at the Leadbetter Academy, Montpellier Massane |
| French Golf Federation | National coach since 2005; French Boys' national team in 2007 |
| 2009-2019 | Head Coach of the French National Team and the French Men's National Training Center |
| Today | Head Coach and Director of the Renaud Gris Golf Institute (UGolf Mionnay, near Lyon) |
Renaud Gris's Method for Short Games
In his lesson on the chip, Renaud Gris is primarily looking for a consistent ball flight: A consistent swing path, with a very slight downward trajectory, using as few movements as possible. A slightly open stance, with the ball positioned between the middle of the feet and the right foot, 70% of your weight on the left side, and the club held as straight as possible.
His drill relies on a club placed on the ground to the right of the ball—which indicates a poor angle of attack—and on a single mental cue: to land the ball 3 feet to 5 feet onto the green, and then calibrate the flight-to-roll ratio for each club.
Renaud Gris's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
Do you like top-level French coaches? Check out the profiles of Patrice Amadieu and Renaud Poupard.
FAQ About Renaud Gris
Who is Renaud Gris?
Renaud Gris is a French golf coach, a national coach for the FFGolf since 2005, and the founder of the Renaud Gris Golf Institute, near Lyon.
Where does Renaud Gris teach?
His academy is located at UGolf in Mionnay, in the Ain department, a few miles from Lyon; it offers one-on-one coaching, training camps, and a sports-study program in Lyon and Nîmes.
What was his role on the French national team?
After coaching the French Boys’ team in 2007, he served as head coach of the French national team and the Pôle France men’s team from 2009 to 2019, including the 2010 Amateur World Championship-winning team.
What lesson by Renaud Gris can be found on Best Golf Tips?
A lesson on the chip shot: achieving a consistent ball flight and controlling the landing spot, 3 feet to 5 feet from the green.
