I’m Jon Haines, the lead coach and founder of Grassroots Golf.

Hi. I’m Jon, the lead coach and founder of Grassroots Golf.

Over my 17 years of teaching, I've seen a rise in kids facing difficulties. Many struggle with anxiety and staying focused. Students are facing more behavioural issues. Also, there’s a rise in those who need support for social, emotional, and mental health challenges.

In 2025, I started Grassroots Golf. This initiative helps all children, especially those needing a boost, face challenges through golf mentoring.

I believe golf to be the perfect vehicle to drive positive change in young people. Golf requires skills such as patience, focus, resilience, integrity and handling pressure. These same skills can lead to success in life.

By exploring the mental side of golf, I've done things I never imagined.

I've played in British Open qualifiers, lowered my handicap below scratch, and represented Wiltshire in county events.

But more important than that is the effect that golf has had on my life. I’m more confident. I know how to use nerves to my advantage. I have strategies that help me to visualise. I have clearer intentions and improved levels of focus. I’m much better at managing anxiety when it pops up. I’m able to speak in public these days, without being a bag of nerves! I also have a wide network of great friends I’ve met through golf.

I want to support young people in thriving both in life and on the golf course.

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Jon Haines

Teaching is my passion

As a teenager, my first job was working as a leader on children’s summer sports camps. I’ve led a successful geography department and have taken hundreds of kids on trips to amazing places such as Honduras, Norway and Iceland. I’ve gained a wealth of pastoral skills through tutoring young people of all ages. I’ve even coached loads of teachers. Oh, and I taught skiing in North America for 3 years too!

Teaching golf has always been my dream. Now, as a registered ‘Community Golf Instructor’ and qualified to deliver the Golf Foundation’s ‘Unleash Your Drive’ program, that dream has come true.

For schools
For parents
Jon Haines playing golf when he was young
Jon Haines on a skateboard when he was young
Jon Haines on a ski trip

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