“My goal is simple: to introduce as many people as possible to golf and help every student continue to enjoy and improve their game.”

One of the Gold Coast’s most respected PGA professionals, Josh Smith has built a coaching programme centred on making golf accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for players of all ages and abilities. Under his leadership, the Coaching Centre has continued to evolve, incorporating the latest performance and data technology while maintaining a strong focus on player development.

Josh’s passion for growing the game is reflected in the success of the Centre’s Junior Programme.

“Emerald Lakes is the ideal environment for developing golfers,” he says. “We introduce juniors to the golf course from an early age because the game isn’t learned solely on the driving range. Having access to a complete training facility, where players can develop every aspect of their game, creates a much more effective learning experience.”

The programme has helped produce consistent success at both individual and club level, with Emerald Lakes winning numerous Junior and Open Pennant Championships over the past decade. Many former junior members have also progressed to professional careers, competing throughout Australia and internationally.

Josh first picked up a golf club at the age of eight, inspired by watching legends such as Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Fred Couples. Decades later, despite the advances in coaching technology and performance analysis, he still believes the fundamentals remain the foundation of long-term success.

Central to Josh’s coaching philosophy is developing a genuine passion for the game, particularly among young players.

“If they love golf, practice never feels like a chore,” he says. “The players who make the greatest progress are the ones who wake up excited to play, improve and learn something new every day.”

While Josh remains heavily involved in the Junior Programme, he is equally passionate about coaching golfers of all ages and abilities.

“The variety is what makes coaching so rewarding. No two golfers are the same—every player has different goals, challenges and strengths, and helping them find their own path to improvement is what I enjoy most.”

Although Josh has had the opportunity to play alongside some of the game’s great players throughout his professional career, his greatest satisfaction now comes from seeing his students achieve their goals. Whether it’s winning a club competition, earning selection in a representative team, lowering a handicap, or simply gaining confidence on the course, Josh takes pride in helping golfers enjoy the game and reach their potential.