Skillest
Get Started
Simon Shanks

PGA Professional

Simon Shanks

Simon Shanks

DP World Tour & PGA Tour coach, Golf World Top 100 Teacher, and three-time PGA Coach of the Year — now helping all golfers reach their potential from Bowood, Wiltshire.

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort · Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort · Golf

Golf World Top 100 Teacher (2012)PGA Coach of the Year – England & Wales South West (2013, 2017 & 2018)TrackMan 4 Certified UserHackMotion Wrist Sensor Certified
Reviews

Reviews

6

Starting Price

Starting Price

$120.00

Lessons

Lessons

16

Followers

Followers

2

Social Media

Social Media

Instagram

Credentials

PGA ProfessionalGolf World Top 100 Teacher (2012)PGA Coach of the Year – England & Wales South West (2013, 2017 & 2018)TrackMan 4 Certified UserHackMotion Wrist Sensor Certified

Highlights

  • DP World Tour & PGA Tour coach to Robert MacIntyre, Jordan Smith, and Lorenzo Scalise
  • Coached Robert MacIntyre to the 2024 Canadian Open and 2024 Genesis Scottish Open victories
  • Helped Eddie Pepperell win the 2018 Qatar Masters and British Masters, rising to 36th in the world
  • Guided Jordan Smith from junior golfer at Bowood all the way to European Tour winner and PGA Tour status
  • Three-time PGA Coach of the Year — England & Wales (South West) in 2013, 2017 and 2018
  • Named Golf World Top 100 Teacher in 2012

Teaching Philosophy

My approach to coaching is built on one simple principle: give every player — from beginner to tour professional — the clearest, most honest feedback I can, and then build a game plan that is personal to them. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every golfer has a different body, mindset, and set of goals, and my job is to find what works specifically for you. I place a huge emphasis on simplicity under pressure. When a player is standing over a shot on the 72nd hole of a tournament, they don't need ten thoughts — they need one reliable move they trust completely. That's what I work to build with my pupils, whether they're competing on tour or playing their club medal on a Saturday morning. I use the best technology available — TrackMan 4 for ball flight and club data, HackMotion for wrist and clubface analysis, and the Capto Putting System for putting performance — but the technology always serves the coaching, not the other way around. Numbers are only meaningful when they lead to better feelings and better results on the course. Above everything, I care about confidence. The best technical swing in the world means nothing if the player doesn't believe in it. My goal is always to leave every student walking off the lesson tee feeling clearer, more capable, and more excited about their game than when they arrived.

About the coach

I'm a PGA Professional with over 20 years of coaching experience, based at the beautiful Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Wiltshire — and I work with golfers at every level, from complete beginners to some of the best players in the world.

On tour, I've had the privilege of coaching Robert MacIntyre, Jordan Smith, Lorenzo Scalise, and Eddie Pepperell on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. Watching Robert win the Canadian Open and the Genesis Scottish Open, seeing Eddie claim the Qatar Masters and the British Masters, and following Jordan's incredible journey from a junior at Bowood all the way to PGA Tour status — these are the moments that remind me why I love this job.

Away from the tour, my passion is just as strong for the club golfer who wants to break 90 for the first time, the junior with big dreams, or the mid-handicapper who's been fighting the same problem for years. I grew up in Wiltshire and have spent the last 15 years at Bowood building a coaching environment I'm truly proud of — one where every player is welcomed, listened to, and given a genuine path to improvement.

I've been honoured to be named in the Golf World Top 100 Teachers and to win PGA Coach of the Year for England and Wales (South West) three times, in 2013, 2017, and 2018. But the recognition that means most to me is when a student walks off the lesson tee with more clarity and more confidence than they arrived with.

Whether you're looking for a face-to-face session at Bowood or an online lesson with video analysis and tailored drills, I'd love to help you with your game. All golfers — new and old — are welcome.

Specialities

fullSwing
shortGame
putting

Reviews

5 / 5

Based on 6 ratings

Overall rating

5
4
3
2
1

One of the best coaches in the world, Simon kept things simple and get straight to the root cause of my swing issues. Everything is a domino if you fix one thing you get everything else for free

Anthony Pham

Anthony Pham

February 17, 2023 • Online

Cheers Simon thanks for the quick feedback

Olly Meadows

Olly Meadows

February 20, 2022 • Online

Great detail and concise information on what to work on

Olly Meadows

Olly Meadows

February 11, 2022 • Online

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

$287.50/mo

Recurring billing, cancel anytime

Unused lessons don't carry over to the next period

Single Lesson

1 Online Lesson
  • Detailed video analysis of your golf swing using Skillest's analytical tool
  • Bespoke video outlining drills and technical elements

$120.00

One time payment

Frequently asked questions

What is an online golf lesson?

An online golf lesson is a way of learning golf skills and techniques from a coach or instructor through the internet, using video analysis, live coaching, or online courses. On Skillest, you can get private instruction with an elite golf coach without even leaving your home. Just record your golf swing and send it to your coach, along with any goals, questions, or other information that will help your coach create the right plan for you.

What are the benefits of an online lesson using Skillest?

Online golf lessons using Skillest offer many benefits, such as convenience, affordability, flexibility, and access to the largest selection of the most talented golf coaches in one place. Through video recordings, side by side comparisons, and conversations you have with your coach, you will receive comprehensive feedback on what you need to improve and how to improve these areas. When you get a lesson on Skillest, you don’t need to schedule a time or drive to your lesson. You can just record your swing and message your coach whenever you have questions.

How do I receive feedback from my coach?

You will receive feedback from your coach through the Skillest app. Your coach will record their own videos with their analysis as well as additional drills to work on and send them back to you inside the lesson. You can watch your coach’s analysis, which may include video, audio, text, or drawings and see the changes and improvements they suggest for your swing. You can also ask your coach follow-up questions you have, and chat with them through the app. You can also review your feedback and track your progress anytime on the app.

What are the different types of lesson plans I can purchase?

Skillest offers a variety of plans and packages available for purchase. You can purchase a single online lesson, lesson packages, monthly subscriptions, or live Zoom lessons. Many coaches also offer video-based courses in addition to one-on-one coaching. Note: Not every coach will offer each type of lesson plan available.

What are Courses?

Courses are a series of instructional videos created by expert coaches that cover a wide range of sport-specific topics. Whether you're looking to refine your technique, master strategy, boost your fitness, or enhance your mental game, our courses are designed to help you excel in your chosen sport—be it golf, swimming, cricket, basketball, or baseball.