Simon Williamson
Simon Williamson
PGA AA Professional
PGA Membership No: 0005915
Languages: English, Portuguese – beginner
Coaching Expertise
- Short Game & Putting Specialist (SAM PuttLab Level 1 and 2 Certified)
- Elite Player Development (Mentored by Jimmy Ballard & Peter Tupling)
- TrackMan & Launch Monitor Data Analysis
- Junior Golf Coaching & Development (US Kids Certified)
- Club Fitting & Equipment Optimization
Career Timeline
1990-1996 – PGA Training & Early Career
- 1990: Began PGA training at Oakdale Golf Club, Harrogate, under Bill Ferguson (European Tour Coach to Colin Montgomerie).
- 1993: PGA Assistant Professional at Pannal Golf Club, Harrogate.
- 1996: Fully qualified PGA Professional.
1997-2000 – Coaching in New Zealand
- Coached the Waikato County Squad Development Program, working with elite juniors and future professionals.
2001-Present – PGA Professional in the UK
- 2001: Began long-term mentorship under Peter Tupling (18 Open Championships, Silver Medal Winner, & former world record holder for 9 consecutive birdies).
- 2005: Appointed Head PGA Professional at Whickham Golf Club.
- 2010: Became Head PGA Professional at Lytham Green Drive Golf Club.
- 2010: Purchased a GC2 Launch Monitor with Head Measurement Technology to enhance coaching analysis.
- 2012: Gave a putting lesson to Gary Player, covered by the national press.
- 2013 (Nov): Achieved SAM PuttLab Level 1 certification, trained by Dr. Christian Marquardt (inventor of SAM PuttLab).
- 2014 (Mar): Achieved SAM PuttLab Level 2 certification, again trained by Dr. Christian Marquardt.
- 2014 (Apr): Started working with AimPoint for personal game improvement.
- Attended multiple AimPoint courses for green reading.
- Studied under Jamie Donaldson, AimPoint’s lead coach in England.
- Developed expertise in putting and green-reading techniques used by top professionals.
- 2014 (Oct): Attended an elite TrackMan coaching course with Andrew Rice in the USA.
- Who is Andrew Rice? A leading TrackMan specialist and top golf coach, known for using data-driven coaching techniques.
- This experience sparked a deep interest in TrackMan technology, leading to further training.
- 2015 (Dec): Became a US Kids Certified Coach, focusing on junior golf development.
- 2017: Became Head PGA Professional at Silloth on Solway Golf Club (ranked 47th best course in the UK & Ireland).
- 2018 (Jan): Achieved TrackMan Level 1 certification.
- 2018 (Dec): Achieved TrackMan Level 2 certification.
- 2018: Purchased a TrackMan launch monitor, integrating it into coaching sessions as a valuable feedback tool.
- 2018-2022: Short Game Coach for Cumbria County – coaching elite county players, focusing on wedge play, green-side control, and putting.
- 2020-Present: Continues coaching elite junior and amateur players, blending traditional coaching with cutting-edge technology.
- Currently: Learning Portuguese to expand coaching opportunities internationally.
Coaching Ethos
“With over three decades as a PGA Professional, I bring a passion for performance and a commitment to continuous improvement to every lesson. I have coached players at all levels – from juniors and elite amateurs to club golfers and fellow pros. My coaching combines traditional principles with the latest performance technology, including TrackMan, SAM PuttLab and AimPoint, to deliver precise and personalized development. I believe great coaching is about connection, clarity and unlocking the full potential of every player – regardless of their level.”