By Tim Cotroneo
Megan Johnston’s career as a golf instructor has led her on a 4,000-mile international trajectory from her native Ireland to Springfield, MO.
Johnston is not only in-demand at her current position working at Big Cedar Lodge, part of the thriving Branson golf destination in the SW Missouri Ozarks, she also connects with thousands of golf followers on her social media sites.
Travel Dreams Magazine asked Johnston to share insights from her golf journey and what she’s learned along the way.
Q. What city in Northern Ireland are you from?
Johnston: Ballyclare, Northern Ireland.
Q: As a teenager, when did you realize that you had the kind of golf game to compete at a high level or turn golf into a career?
Johnston: I knew I wanted to play college golf from the age of 12. Career wise; I just love the game so much I never saw myself doing anything else outside of this sport.
Q. How did it come about that you received a golf scholarship offer from Missouri State?
Johnston: Women’s Golf Coach Kevin Kane had several European and British players in the past. After seeing my stats, International team representation, and after several calls and emails, he very graciously give me a shot to become a Bear.
Q: What was your main concern regarding leaving home and relocating to the U.S. to attend college?
Johnston: I had thought about moving here for so many years I think that outweighed any concerns I had. I knew I was going to miss my grandmother and my friends, but luckily I made some wonderful friends here too.
Q: What was the biggest difference or adjustment comparing life in Northern Ireland to Springfield, Missouri?
Johnston: My freshman year the difference in food and sarcasm was the biggest struggle. Adjusting to larger greens and the heat was a bit of an issues too, But I have always enjoyed the outdoors and staying busy so a lot of things aligned too.
Q: Have there been times in your career where you’ve put your degree in Sports Management to use?
Johnston: Creative marketing and game based learning for juniors I think plays off of my degree.
Q: You interned under Tim Mahoney, the creator of the Troon Golf Academy. What was one main thing that you learned from this Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor?
Johnston: So many wonderful things, but the most important one was to never stop learning. You are doing an injustice to yourself and your clients if you do.
Q: Do you have a core teaching philosophy when working with a new student?
Johnston: Goal based learning. I focus on what the player asks for and base my assessment off of ball flight. I try to learn as much as I can so I can present a solution for any body type, learning style and age of client in front of me.
Q: When did you first get involved teaching on social media?
Johnston: Social media really has been a high focus of mine for about the last three years. It has opened so many wonderful doors for my career. I will always favor in person teaching but its nice to feel like I can help people without ever meeting them.
Q: When did your online teaching really take off?
Johnston: Around the same time as my social media started to take off is when I began seeing an influx of online lessons and clients.
Q: Is there one teaching lesson that has received the most hits over the years?
Johnston: Anything around chipping seems to always go over well. Distance response or low point control.
Q: You’ve taught in Maine, Florida, Arizona, and now Missouri. Is there anything unique or interesting about those individual locations as far as your audience or modifying how you teach based on your experiences around the United States?
Johnston: I was a very young and new teacher in Arizona and Maine so a lot of that was just finding my stride. Teaching grain and how to play short game shots was a new challenge I faced when I moved to Florida, but I had many wonderful mentors in the area who allowed me to shadow and learn from them.
Q: What are you most excited about regarding Big Cedar Lodge as a teaching destination?
Johnston: The facility is immaculate and ever growing. It’s a wonderful central location and a bucket list trip. I am excited to be on the ground floor of the Academy side and see how far we can grow. We have a wonderful supportive team and I’m honored to be a part of that.
Q: Based on your online instruction and social tips, do golfers from around the world seek you out as an instructor?
Johnston: Yes, I have traveled for golf schools and many travel to see me. In 2024 I have 3 countries and over 17 states on my lesson tee. Most find me on Instagram or Facebook and travel in for a golf school.
Q: You’ve mentioned that your focus is goal based for every individual, can you give an example, and do you have a favorite story of a student who has thrived under your instruction?
Johnston: Coaching I believe is more than just giving information. Its connecting with a person, learning their communication and learning style so I can efficiently deliver information that makes sense to them. I had one student in Florida who was a very visual learner. When we were training we would call them her “aha moments” because she would connect a visual to a feel and step closer to her goals.
Q: For golfers who have never experienced Big Cedar, what would you like readers to know regarding what they’ll discover about this destination from a playing standpoint?
Johnston: Unbelievable views, world class golf courses, amazing food, and a friendly inviting hometown feel of hospitality. You will definitely want to come back.
@meganjohnstongolf
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meganjohnstongolf
