Coaches and Coaching Programme

Through a combination of expert instruction, small group sizes, competitive atmosphere, and Physical and Mental Conditioning, the National Golf Academy Programme provides the ultimate preparation for collegiate golf. We will help your scoring ability by teaching you proper course management and shot-shaping, while giving you the confidence to execute from the range to the course.

PROGRAMME NOTES

All instructors are Fully Qualified Coaches and Leadbetter-certified

Access to championship-level 6,900-yard Wynyard Golf and Country Club course, double-sided driving range, multiple putting greens and chipping/pitching stations

The National Golf Academy will evolve as a unique brand with exceptional developmental facilities and world-class education and instruction, in an environment that breeds success.

Andrew Nicholson – European Senior Director of instruction
David Leadbetter Golf Acacdemy

Andrew turned professional at the age of 22 after a very successful amateur career, which culminated in him holding the lowest handicap in the UK at that time.

As a professional, Andrew won many P.G.A. tournaments, competed in Europe, U.S.A. and South Africa and is the holder of a total of seven course records.

In 1994, Andrew became a qualified P.G.A. Professional, gaining perfect marks in the Swing Theory and practice examination. He then spent time coaching at an American University before returning to England building his reputation, where he began writing tuition articles for newspapers and magazines.

In 1997 Andrew was selected as a certified David Leadbetter Instructor – his skill, knowledge and experience have been in high demand and have consequently seen him coach in all parts of the World – USA, Austria, Spain, Asia and the UK.

Andrew has written magazine articles on the Golf Swing produced and circulated in many languages throughout the World.  He has lectured for the Professional Golfers Association as part of their Professional Development Program and presented seminars and symposiums relating to swing technique, coaching and Junior development across the Globe.

Andrew has taught and coached Ryder Cup players, European Tour Winners, Asian Tour Winners, Walker Cup players, Amateur Champions, International representatives, County Squads, National Champions both male and female as well as being the first ever – Golf Swing Analyst for the BBC…

Andrew`s passion in life is people and helping them achieve their goals both on and off the golf course – he is regarded as one of the leading coaches in his field.

Andrew Betts – Club Professional
Wynyard Golf Club

Andrew Betts was born in Hartlepool in 1977. Andrew turned professional in 1998 at the age of 21. Throughout his amateur career he has  played at a high standard representing Hartlepool Golf Club, Durham County and the Teesside Union. Andrew then set his sights on the professional ranks where  he has maintained his high standard of playing for a number of years on the North East and North West Professional circuit.

In 2002 Andrew successfully graduated as a full member of the Professional Golfers Association whilst working at Hartlepool Golf Club. Andrew moved to Wynyard Golf Club in 2005, in 2009 he became the Club Professional at the club.

Andrew runs coaching sessions for juniors and adults of all abilities throughout the year. He has a great knowledge in club building and qualifies in custom fit for Ping and Callaway.

Andrew has participated in advance courses with the Professional Golfers Association and in 2010 has now received his AA status.

Chris Mounter – Director of Golf
Wynyard Golf Club

Chris turned professional in 1997 at the age of 18, he had played at a high standard throughout his amateur career, representing Durham County and the North of England Youths before setting his sights on the professional ranks.

In 2001 he successfully graduated as a full member of the PGA and quickly made his mark as Head Professional at  Wynyard Golf Club gaining great experience and knowledge working alongside DLGA’s European Director David Whelan, while setting up a junior coaching programme under the Golf Foundation and also helping to build a low scratch men’s team at the club.

In 2005 Chris was promoted to Director of Golf and had his hands full looking after Europe’s finest as Wynyard Golf Club played host to the Seve Trophy. Even though his focus is now heavily on the running of Wynyard Golf Club complex he still works with a number of low handicap amateurs helping to sustain their current form.

Tom Robinson – Assistant Professional
Wynyard Golf Club

Tom Robinson born in Middlesbrough,  in March 1986. Tom took up golf at the age of 7 playing at his local golf club, Middlesbrough Brass Castle. Whilst playing at this club he gained honours in both Teesside Union and Yorkshire County representing these both at all levels winning the Yorkshire junior Championship and playing in the Yorkshire County Boys and Men’s teams from the age of 12.

Tom earned a national title winning the Golf Foundation National Championship in 2000. Tom was also selected into the English Golf Union “school of excellence” in 2003 and 2004.

Tom turned professional off a handicap of +2 in March 2007 and played on the Europro tour until starting his PGA degree in 2009 at the Wynyard Golf Club, as an assistant professional. Tom is completing his final year in 2011 and is studying modules in golf coaching, business retails and sports science.

Simon Robinson
Wynyard Golf Club

Simon Robinson was born in Hartlepool. He was successful as a junior, winning both the world and European boys championship. Simon then attended a 4 year golf scholarship at the University of Houston gaining a BA in Sociology.  He turned professional in 2004 and has played predominantly on the lower level tours.

In 2005 Simon won 3 times on the PGA EuroPro Tour to finish in third place on the order of merit and earn his place on the second tier Challenge Tour for 2006.

Simon played on the Challenge Tour four seasons. His best year was 2008 when he claimed his first title on tour, the SK Golf Challenge held in Finland, and finished 46^th on the end of seasons rankings.

Simon is currently a member of the professional staff at Wynyard Golf Club and he is also studying a PGCE in primary education.