Since joining The Belfry team just under a year ago, Phillip has expanded the junior programme by over 40 children and intends to create the largest hotbed of talented golfers within the UK. His holistic programme aims to develop young athletes who are well rounded individuals that love the game of golf. His approach has seen the programme flourish with several golfers from The Belfry now representing their counties and even their country.
His "person, athlete, golfer" approach to development is unique and is derived from his advanced understanding of BioPsychoSocial theories, combined with years of experience and interactions with leading figures within sports coaching. This year Phillip will become TPI Level 3 Junior Coach, making him one of the most elite junior coaches in the world.
“I want The Belfry to be the best. If that happens, who knows what we can achieve. But I would love nothing more than to one day see youngsters I watched take their first shots, playing in the British Open.”
His golfing journey started as a 5 year old when his father bought him his first bladed 9 iron and at the age of 12 he fell in love with the game.
"For my 12th birthday my Dad gave me a membership at my local club and I decided to play golf instead of football. From this point I was addicted. I had to become a professional golfer, so much so that I'd practice until my fingers bled most days."
Phillip was focussed on becoming a tour coach and embarked on the Applied Golf Management Studies (AGMS) Degree at The University of Birmingham when he was 18. The degree is the world-leading golf degree and allows only 25 new students to enrol each year out of hundreds of new professionals.
The degree gave him access to some of the leading minds in world golf and allowed him to learn from specialists in areas such as coaching, psychology, equipment technology and biomechanics.
HRH Prince Edward recognised Phillip for his achievements with 'Golf Volunteers', a charity which Phillip established which is aimed at making golf more accessible to people of different backgrounds whilst providing coaches valuable experience. Phillip's work was also acknowledged when he was awarded a seat on the England Golf Youth Panel.
After leaving university Phillip was made Head Professional at Deer Park Golf Club in Ireland and then moved to The Nike Golf Academy at Oulton Hall where he started working with EuroPro players and working alongside European Tour Coaches in Swing, Psychology and Fitness.
At the facility Phillip founded the Future Elite (FUEL) Junior Golf Programme and developed the programme from 3 juniors to over 150 at Oulton Hall, whilst managing a further 11 different clubs throughout the U.K.
If you would like to find out more about lessons with Phillip or enrolling your child on our Junior Golf Programme then please visit www.thebelfryacademy.com