PGA Professional Coaching

PGA Professional Coaching at Retford Golf Club

My name is James Freeman and I'm a fully qualified PGA Professional golfer based at Retford Golf Club, having achieved the mark of Fellow Coach awarded by PGA in 2024 one of the first to achieve this nationally..

My History

I first joined Retford Golf Club at the age of 12, and went on to represent the club in both UK national and international amateur tournaments. During these events I gained qualification to represent England at an international Grand Prix in Biarritz, France, where we won the Nations Cup for England.

After a successful amateur career, I decided to turn professional and play full-time on the PGA Euro Pro Tour, and the European Challenge Tour. This gave me extensive experience of what it takes to be a modern-day touring professional.

After three years on tour I was unfortunate to pick up a career threatening back injury, and took two years away from the golf course. Whilst sidelined, I made the decision to take a degree in Professional Golf Studies at the University of Birmingham, from which I graduated in 2017. This PGA course includes the study of Golf Coaching (Level I & II), Sports Science, Business, Equipment Technology, Club Building, and Custom Fitting.

My main role at Retford Golf Club is in a coaching capacity and my teaching philosophies are based around injury prevention, and enabling players to have longevity in the game. I have undertaken a range of additional studies with top golf coaches, physios, and conditioning coaches in order to expand my knowledge in these areas.

I won 29 PGA-sanctioned events during my three years of tournament play, and alongside my busy coaching schedule I still thoroughly enjoy competing, up and down the country, on a regular basis.

As a fully qualified professional, I intend to keep my knowledge up-to-date by attending PGA CPD (continuing professional development) seminars, so that I can develop further as a coach, and offer the best service possible to my clients.

During my PGA degree, I was also the ambassador for the PGA's Modern Apprenticeship Course for 16 to 24-year-olds.

In 2018 I entered the PGA Europrotour in April and qualified in 9th position from over 1,000 golfers through the UK and Ireland.  Having my PGA degree meant that I could play in both sets of events.

On the PGA Europrotour I played 12 out of the 15 events and made every halfway cut.  My best finish was a 10th position at Longhirst Hall near Newcastle.  I was under par in virtually every round of golf that season and qualified for the PGA Europrotour Championships at Desert Springs.

I was back to back winner of the Nottinghamshire Order of Merit 2017 & 2018.

In 2022 I came close to playing in the Open at St Andrews, after finishing Tied 7th only 2 shots away in the final Open Qualifying event at Hollinwell.  As runner up in the 2022 Midlands Professional Championship I will be contesting the PGA playoffs in 2023 for a place at Wentworth and some DP Tour events.

I am also extremely proud of all of the players that I coach including the junior players that come to Retford Golf Club on Saturdays to have fun and play some golf.  Everyone I coach has undoubtedly improved and reduced their handicap.

Coaching Information

Following back surgery in 2013, I learned that injury prevention was of paramount importance for any golfer, no matter their standard of play or physical condition. I offer a very rounded and personalised coaching service for both members and non-members. My clients range from absolute beginners to scratch golfers and I offer coaching on all aspects of the game.  I have this year provided full coaching for the Men's County players.

Junior Coaching

Over the years, Retford Golf Club has produced some outstanding young golfers and because it's where my journey began, I am keen to keep this trend going. Our Junior coaching sessions take place most Saturdays throughout the playing season, and are open to under-18s of all abilities. Our juniors are the future of our great game.

The Importance of Professional Coaching

Coaching from an enthusiastic, fully qualified PGA Professional really can make a huge difference to any golfer's game. I continue to take coaching from top international coach Graham Walker of the Oaks Golf Club in York. I have been working with Graham for 15 years, and it has been a wonderful journey under his guidance.

I'm also a big believer in the importance of the mental side of the game, and through my work with Nick Middleton of ZEN, and Jamie Edwards of Trained Brain, I am able to offer a comprehensive, in-depth coaching experience, including attention to (as the late, great Arnold Palmer put it) those "most important 6 inches between your ears."

Thanks for taking the time to read my Bio. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your coaching needs, ask any questions, or to set up your first session.

I look forward to hearing from you.

James.

 

Email to:          jamesfreeman@sky.com
Telephone:      07704 016082