With my 2025 season over, it’s time to transition into the next phase of my career as a professional golfer, writes Chris Paisley
The Italian Challenge Open in September marked the end of my 2025 season on the HotelPlanner Tour – and the start of a new chapter.
I made the cut and finished tied for 58th place – a solid effort but not nearly enough to keep my card for 2026. The truth is, while I still love the game, I haven’t been able to produce the results needed to sustain a playing career at this level. So, for now, I’ve decided to step away from playing full-time and turn my focus toward coaching – a path that excites me.
I haven’t ruled out a comeback down the line, but the time feels right to explore another avenue and be a more present husband and father.
Strangely, I’ve often felt good about my game this season. My bad golf has actually improved but I haven’t been able to turn that into low scores or big finishes. On the HotelPlanner Tour, points are heavily weighted toward top three finishes and finishing 30th doesn’t move the needle.
I’ve always promised honesty in this column and I’ll stick to that now. This isn’t meant to be negative, in fact, I feel quite positive – as if a weight has been lifted. The reality is that my game hasn’t been at the standard needed to make a sustainable living at this level. A swing change in 2022 set me back massively and while I’ve worked hard to recover, the bar in professional golf keeps getting higher. Combine that with a growing desire to spend more time with my wife and daughters, and the balance has tipped.
Travel has always been part of life on tour and when the results come, every mile is worth it. However, when the performances don’t match the effort – and you’re missing your family in the process – it becomes harder to justify. I wouldn’t say I’m retiring, but I am pressing pause to explore other avenues.
So, what’s next? I recently started coaching online through Skillest and I’ve really enjoyed it. The feedback has been great, and it’s refreshing to put my energy into something new. I’ve discovered how rewarding it is to help golfers – from beginners to aspiring pros – enjoy this game and chase their goals. I have a few coaching opportunities to explore and I’m excited about where they might lead.
Golf has given me so much. I’m grateful to have lived my dream for more than a decade, competing on and winning on the DP World Tour. The South African Open win with Keri on the bag is something I’ll always treasure. I’ve had many highs and lows, and I am grateful for every one of them. They’ve shaped me into the person I am today. This may not be the end of my playing journey, but it is a natural moment to embrace change and look ahead with optimism.
Who knows where this will lead – that’s the beauty of golf, and life.
