Sweeney writes his own LA Story

What has been your career path to date?
As a junior member at Connemara and I also did a bit of caddying, and from there I worked as an assistant for a couple of years. Just after I turned 18, I had an opportunity to move Portmarnock Golf Club, one of Ireland’s premier clubs. I joined there in 2011 and started my PGA training that year and graduated in 2014. with a first-class distinction.
With all the visiting Americans and overseas guests, I quickly learned about the levels of customer service required of a top-level international club, trying to give them the full ‘Portmarnock experience’ from the hello to the goodbye and everything in between.
My time at Portmarnock helped shape me into where I'm at professionally today. However, a dream of working in America drove me to make a life-changing decision.

How did you hear about the assistant’s role at Los Angeles Country Club and what qualities do you think got you the job over US-based pros?
Thanks to a strong relationship with the members at Portmarnock, I had the chance to connect with golf legend Roger Cleveland, who played a crucial role in my introduction to Los Angeles Country Club. Amazingly, the head pro flew over to Ireland to meet me to discuss the assistant professional’s position, rather than the other way around.
During the interview he explained the higher level of service that was expected in the US, and at the club, and having interacted with a lot of American golfers at Portmarnock I knew that I had plenty of experience of providing that. I got the job and moved to Los Angeles in 2018.

You were promoted to Head Professional in 2021. What was the step up to managing a big team like?
After three years of hard work, I was delighted to be offered the role of Head Professional. The promotion led me to managing all day-to-day golf operations at the club. Admittedly, the position came with challenges, prompting me to reflect on leadership skills, team dynamics, and strategic planning.
I have a team of ten PGA Professionals working alongside me, so it’s important to be able to adapt my management style to diverse personalities and people’s different ways of working and communicating. Each team member is different, and showing respect to team members is a two-way street. I focus on fostering a productive team environment for delivering top-notch service to guests and members every day.

What does a typical working day involve and what are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
A typical day involves welcoming guests, checking in on the professional team, and teaching. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the professional growth of the golf staff and ensuring that members and guests have exceptional experiences on the property.
In the US, golf club professionals run events, we teach, we play with members. We run about 250 member tournaments a year and we do it to a very high standard. No job is too big or too small. If someone asks for something you make it happen. You come to work dressed sharp and you present yourself very professionally. The members are the best in their fields, so we try to uphold a very high standard.

And how would you describe your coaching style?
My teaching style is similar to my management style – tailored to an individual's needs and abilities. Drawing inspiration from top instructors worldwide, I simplify my teaching approach while incorporating my unique twist.

What bits of technology do you use for coaching?
Video analysis, TrackMan, and Swing Catalyst can enhance the learning experience, as these tools provide visual feedback for students. I incorporate these into all my teaching sessions as I've found that many people are visual learners.

Have you had any mentors during your career or someone who you have been able to lean on for advice? If so, who and what have you learned from them?
Mentorship has played a vital role in my career, not just within golf but also in life. It's hard to name just one person who stands out, as I'm fortunate to have a lot of people who have been in my corner over the years, from my family and friends back home, to teachers at the University of Birmingham, my home club in Connemara, colleagues at Portmarnock, and now, some of the members of the Los Angeles Country Club. A person's success is based on who they surround themselves with, and I've been very fortunate in that aspect.

How has your PGA training helped in your role?
Beyond having good people in my life, my PGA training has equipped me with the skills needed for daily tasks, emphasising the importance of communication and continuous professional growth.

What do you like most about living and working in LA?
The work culture is definitely different in America. It’s all about putting in the hours and working hard. As pros we work six days a week. You get your two weeks off, but I love golf and I love being here. It’s been a great journey and I am just blessed to be in the right place at the right time.
While living in sunny Los Angeles is lovely, the pull of Connemara on the west coast of Ireland remains strong. I miss family and friends, which reminds me of the importance of staying connected to my roots.

What advice would you pass on to other PGA Members that you have picked up along the way?My advice to fellow PGA Members is simple: stay true to yourself and your roots. Politeness isn't just a formality; it's a powerful key that can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Looking people in the eye, adding humour, and offering a genuine greeting can take you a long way.
In the service industry, every small gesture holds the potential to build meaningful relationships. I hope to infuse a bit of the Irish way in everything I do. It's who I am, and it hasn't steered me wrong yet.Being a good pro is not always measured by how well you play the game or being on tour, it’s about growing the game and making it more enjoyable for all the golfers around you.