On Tuesday, 23rd July 2024, PGA Trainees and newly qualified Members gathered at The Oaks in York for an immersive day of learning and professional development.
Hosted by PGA Master Professional Graham Walker, this one-day Continuous Professional Development (CPD) event aimed to elevate coaching skills through a blend of presentations, practical sessions, and interactive discussions.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Graham Walker, who has been the Head Professional at The Oaks since April 2004. A household name in coaching, Graham shared his philosophies and methodologies, providing attendees with valuable insights into his approach. His reputation precedes him, having coached notable golfers such as Tommy Fleetwood, Richie Ramsay, and Danny Willett, among others.
Attendees were particularly impressed by the depth of knowledge and practical wisdom Graham relayed. The day was structured to include not just theoretical presentations but also hands-on sessions on the range and short game areas. Participants had the chance to apply what they learned in real-time, making the experience both educational and engaging.
These sessions were designed to refine attendees' understanding of shot options, player considerations, and coaching techniques as well as analysing situations, exploring options, making informed decisions, and evaluating outcomes.
This was extremely well received by all attendees, especially PGA Professional Gill Hansom, who took plenty from these types of activities. She said: “I wanted to come to the event to improve my coaching knowledge and expertise, to deliver better coaching to my clients. And maybe to improve my short game a little bit too, have a better process and more understanding.
“I learned a lot, specifically that I need to do more preparation. I need more records, a better methodology and a better approach to coaching. It’s been great to meet some of the Pros here today as well.”
Beyond the technical skills, the course provided a valuable opportunity for networking. Attendees appreciated the chance to interact with fellow PGA Trainees and of course, Graham himself, in a collaborative setting. This aspect of the event fostered a sense of community and shared learning, which is crucial for professional growth in the golfing world.
Moor Allerton Coach, George Carroll (right) was particularly pleased with this opportunity to connect with the rest of the group.
“What I enjoyed most was the chance to interact. We were all speaking with each other and with Graham himself and were able to bounce ideas off each other. That’s always a big thing with coaches being together.”
Emma Allen, a year two Trainee was equally as fulfilled by the knowledge she drew from Graham’s masterclass.
She explained: “I wanted to come to this event because Graham is widely regarded as one of the best short game coaches in the world. We’ve all heard of Tommy Fleetwood. The chance to spend some time with him was great.
“I’ve learned so much including lots of performance style things that I can implement into my coaching. The way his brain works when working with different players of all levels. From young players wanting to go professional to Tour players. It was just great to see how he would go about interacting with them and the thought processes behind that. It was really helpful for me, and I can hopefully implement that in my coaching too.”
Overall, the Coaching Masterclass with Graham Walker was a resounding success. The combination of expert insights, practical application, and community interaction made it a standout event for PGA Trainees and newly qualified Members. As the golfing community continues to evolve, opportunities like these are invaluable for fostering the next generation of skilled and knowledgeable coaches.
