PGA Professional (since 2002)
James Whatley
PGA Professional & Academy Director with 20+ years of experience turning complex swing problems into simple, personalised improvement plans.
East Midlands Golf Academy at Morley Hayes Golf Club · Derby · Golf
Reviews
182
Starting Price
$69.00
Lessons
995
Followers
22
Social Media
Credentials
Highlights
- Represented Great Britain & Ireland in the PGA Cup vs. USA (2007)
- Competed on the European Tour at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth
- 2011 Midland Open Champion & multiple Derbyshire PGA Champion (2007, 2009)
- Founded and grew East Midlands Golf Academy into Derbyshire's No.1 Golf venue
- Consistently ranked in the top 20 PGA Professionals in the UK
- Nearly 1,000 online coaching lessons delivered with proven, personalised results
Teaching Philosophy
My coaching philosophy comes down to three things: keep it simple, make it achievable, and always understand the WHY. I don't believe in forcing every golfer into the same swing model — your coaching is built around your swing, your body, your ball flight, and your goals. After more than 20 years on tour and on the lesson tee, I've seen what actually moves the needle for golfers at every level, and it's rarely about working on ten things at once. It's about identifying the one or two changes that will make the biggest difference and giving you the simplest, most practical way to make them. I want you to leave every session — or receive every piece of video feedback — with a clear, structured plan you can take straight to the range. No generic tips, no unnecessary jargon, no information overload. Just honest, personalised PGA coaching with a clear path forward. Whether you're a beginner finding your feet or a county-level player chasing a breakthrough, my job is to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.
About the coach
Simple, personalised golf coaching that gets results.
If you want to become more consistent, understand your swing better, shoot lower scores and enjoy your golf more, I’d love to help.
I’m James Whatley, a PGA Professional with over 20 years’ coaching experience. I’ve worked with golfers of every level — from complete beginners and club golfers through to elite juniors, county players and professionals.
My coaching philosophy is simple: golf doesn’t need to be complicated.
I don’t believe in forcing every golfer into the same swing model or giving you five different things to think about. My job is to understand your swing, your ball flight and your goals, identify the changes that will make the biggest difference and give you a clear plan to improve.
Through my online coaching you’ll receive personalised video analysis, targeted drills and structured practice — so you always understand what we’re working on, why we’re working on it and how to practise it.
My Playing & Coaching Background
Alongside coaching, I’ve competed successfully as a PGA Professional for more than 20 years.
My career includes representing Great Britain & Ireland in the PGA Cup, competing in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, winning multiple PGA regional and county titles and setting numerous course records, including a competitive round of 62.
Today, I’m Academy Director and Head PGA Professional at the East Midlands Golf Academy, where I work with golfers ranging from recreational players wanting to lower their handicap to aspiring elite players.
But you don’t need to be an elite golfer to work with me.
Whether you’re trying to break 100, get into single figures, win your club championship or see how far you can take your game, the process remains the same:
Keep it simple. Make it achievable. Understand the WHY.
Send me your swing, tell me about your game and let’s start improving it together.
Specialities
Sample Lesson
01.Original Videos
03.Other Videos
Reviews
Based on 182 ratings
Overall rating
After years of going to James he always gives me a quick fix and back to hitting it well. thanks James x
Caroline Doyle
July 14, 2026 • Live
Great lesson as per usual. In-depth and informative lesson, whilst at the same time providing easy step-by-step targets to practice and improve on.
Josh Holloway
July 7, 2026 • Live
Thanks for today. No chicken wing arms but turn right wrist over like tennis not cricket! Helps to turn too. J and A
Janet Thomas
June 1, 2026 • Live
Great lesson. Looking forward to working with James more!
Lewis Caborn
April 29, 2026 • Live
James is a great coach
Gio Finocchio
April 10, 2026 • Live
Purchase Options
Unlimited Monthly Plan
Unlimited Online Lessons- Detailed video analysis of your golf swing using Skillest's analytical tool
- Customized video of myself demonstrating exactly what you need to work on and how your swing/body will work
- Customized drills that will help you integrate any changes required
Lesson Package
1 Online Lesson- Detailed video analysis of your golf swing using Skillest's analytical tool
- Customized video of myself demonstrating exactly what you need to work on and how your swing/body will work
- Customized drills that will help you integrate any changes required
