Rob's Story
From Court Manager to Golf Journey
Meet Rob
My journey to founding The Longest Drive began in the courtrooms of Australia's family justice system, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of relationship breakdowns on men's mental health. For seven years, I managed court operations, watching as countless men struggled with the emotional aftermath of separation, often with little support or guidance.
After transitioning to an IT career at HP, I found myself facing my own personal challenges. The breakdown of my marriage led me to some dark places, and I discovered that golf became my sanctuary – a place where I could process my thoughts, connect with nature, and find moments of peace in difficult times.
This personal experience illuminated a powerful truth: that shared activities like golf can create safe spaces for men to open up, connect, and heal. What began as personal therapy evolved into a mission to help others navigate similar challenges through the unique combination of golf, travel, and meaningful conversation.
Today, The Longest Drive represents my commitment to creating meaningful conversations about men's mental health through the lens of a sport we love, while exploring the beautiful golf courses of Australia.
Career Background
Family Court Experience
Managed court operations across multiple locations, overseeing case management and administration of family law proceedings.
Gained unique insight into the emotional challenges men face during relationship breakdowns and the lack of support services tailored to their needs.
This experience formed the foundation for understanding how the legal system impacts men's mental health during separation and divorce.
IT Career at HP
Transitioned to technology sector, developing project management and digital solution skills across enterprise environments.
Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex IT infrastructure projects, honing leadership and communication abilities essential for community building.
These technical and management skills now power The Longest Drive's digital presence and podcast production capabilities.
Golf Journey
Discovered golf as more than a sport – a meditative practice that provided solace during personal challenges and a natural environment for meaningful conversations.
Explored golf courses across Australia, building connections with diverse communities united by a shared passion.
Recognized golf's unique potential as a vehicle for men's mental health advocacy and community building.
Life Journey
Career Beginnings
Started career in the Australian Family Court system, witnessing firsthand the challenges men face during family breakdowns and the lack of targeted support services.
Family Court Management
Promoted to Court Manager, overseeing operations and gaining deeper insight into the emotional toll of family law proceedings on men's mental health and wellbeing.
Career Transition to IT
Joined HP's IT division, developing new skills in technology management while bringing unique insights from family court experience to a corporate environment.
Personal Challenge
Experienced the breakdown of my marriage, leading to a period of isolation and mental health struggles, forcing me to confront my own vulnerability as a man.
Mental Health Turning Point
Discovered golf as therapeutic practice during recovery, recognizing its potential as a vehicle for meaningful conversation and connection among men.
Launch of The Longest Drive
Combined passion for golf with mental health advocacy to create a podcast and community focused on men's wellbeing through the lens of golf and Australian exploration.
The Mental Health Connection
My own experience with relationship breakdown taught me what statistics have long confirmed: men often struggle in silence. When my marriage ended, I found myself isolated, without the emotional vocabulary to process what was happening, and reluctant to burden friends with my struggles.
The typical male response to emotional pain – withdrawal, stoicism, and self-reliance – left me increasingly disconnected. It was on the golf course that I found an unexpected sanctuary. Something about the rhythm of the game, the focus it required, and the natural beauty of the surroundings created a therapeutic space.
Most importantly, I discovered that golf provided a unique context for connection. Walking the fairways alongside others created natural opportunities for conversation that felt safe and unforced. Men who might never consider traditional therapy would easily open up about life challenges between shots.
This realization became the foundation of The Longest Drive. By combining golf with purposeful conversation, we create environments where men can process their experiences, develop emotional resilience, and build supportive connections that extend beyond the course.
You are not alone on this journey
If you're struggling with mental health challenges, particularly during or after relationship breakdown, remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The Longest Drive community is here to connect, listen, and walk alongside you.
Birth of The Longest Drive
The concept for The Longest Drive emerged during a solo golf trip across regional Victoria in late 2023. Driving between courses, I found myself reflecting on how these journeys had become my own form of therapy after my divorce. The combination of golf, travel, and the open road had created space for healing and reflection.
I began imagining a larger journey – one that would connect golf courses across Australia while creating meaningful conversations about men's mental health. What if I could combine my passion for golf with my professional experience in family courts and personal journey through relationship breakdown?
The initial vision evolved through conversations with friends in the mental health sector, golf professionals, and men who had experienced similar challenges. Each conversation refined the concept, adding layers of purpose and practicality.
Getting started wasn't without obstacles. Funding challenges, logistical complexities, and the vulnerability required to share my own story publicly all tested my resolve. But a network of supporters – fellow golfers, mental health advocates, and friends who believed in the mission – provided the encouragement and practical help needed to transform vision into reality.
Today, The Longest Drive represents a unique intersection of golf, mental health advocacy, and Australian exploration – a journey I'm honored to share with our growing community.
Join Rob on The Longest Drive
Whether you're a golf enthusiast, someone navigating life's challenges, or simply interested in the journey, there's a place for you in The Longest Drive community. Together, we're creating conversations that matter while exploring Australia's most beautiful courses.