James Whittemore

Teaching Philosophy

My coaching philosophy is built on one core belief: function over form. I don't have a preconceived idea of how your golf swing should look — I'm all about YOU and what works for your body, your goals, and your game. There's no one-size-fits-all solution in golf, and I think too many coaches try to build the same swing in every student. That's not how I work. I'm a long-term development coach. I take my players on a golfing journey — not just patching things up with a one-off session. Every programme I build starts with a thorough assessment of where you are right now, a clear blueprint of where you want to get to, and a phased, progressive plan to get you there. Changes are layered in gradually, making them easier to understand, easier to own, and far more likely to stick on the golf course when it counts. I keep things simple. My mantra is: if I can't explain it clearly and simply, what chance does the student have? I focus on one or two key things per session — never overwhelming you with a shopping list of swing thoughts. Combined with video analysis, practice plans, and regular review sessions, my students don't just improve on the range — they improve where it matters most, out on the course. I'm also passionate about getting to know new students before we even start. Whether it's an initial Zoom call or a free assessment, I want to understand your goals, your frustrations, and what kind of golfer you want to become — so we can build a plan that's genuinely personal to you.