Gary Gilligan
PGA Professional & Director of Golf
Since retiring from professional tour golf in 2015, my focus has been on helping golfers of all abilities improve their performance and enjoy the game to its fullest. I offer individual lessons, structured coaching programmes, on-course playing lessons, and ongoing equipment support for members. At Sweetwoods, we provide a comprehensive range of improvement options, including individual coaching, long-term development programmes, and gift vouchers — all designed to support golfers at every stage of their journey.
A link to my personal coaching website can be found below.
About Me
Golf has been central to my life from a very young age. I was introduced to the game at the age of three by my father, a former Tour professional who now works as a teaching instructor based between Germany and Asia. From an early age, it was clear that golf would become the sport to which I would dedicate my career.
I progressed through the England Team ranks during my teenage years and turned professional at the age of 18, going on to compete on several international tours. These included the European Challenge Tour, Alps Tour, Asian Tours, and the South African Sunshine Tour. During the summer months, I also regularly compete in PGA Pro-Ams across the south of England.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to play alongside some of the world’s leading players, including Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, and Rory McIlroy.
Coaching Philosophy & Performance Technology
Golfers play the game for many different reasons, and no two players move or perform in exactly the same way. My coaching philosophy is built around individualised, performance-led instruction, focusing on understanding each player’s natural movement patterns before identifying the most effective areas for improvement.
Drawing on my experience competing at the highest levels of the game, I aim to coach with clarity and purpose — helping players understand not only what we are working on, but why. Whether your goal is to shoot lower scores, develop consistency, or compete at a higher level, my objective is to deliver measurable improvement while keeping the process enjoyable and motivating.
To support this, all coaching sessions make use of GCQuad launch monitor technology and high-quality video analysis. These tools allow us to accurately assess club delivery, ball flight, launch conditions, and distance control, providing tour-level insight into your game. Video feedback helps reinforce understanding and ensures improvements are clearly visualised and retained.
For players looking to maximise distance and efficiency from the tee, I offer dedicated performance sessions using GCQuad either in the studio or on our newly refurbished, state-of-the-art Toptracer Range, delivering precise data-driven feedback in a controlled environment.
This combination of tour experience, advanced technology, and personalised coaching ensures every golfer receives a truly professional development experience, tailored to their goals and level of play.
Coaching Services
I offer programmes for every level of golfer, including:
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Individual lessons and long-term coaching programmes
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On-course playing assessments
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Short-game development sessions
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Distance and performance optimisation using GCQuad
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Technology-led coaching for data-focused players
All lessons include video analysis to support understanding and long-term improvement.
Contact & Bookings
To book a lesson or make an enquiry, please call 01342 850 729 (ext. 5) or email gary.gilligan@sweetwoods.co.uk.
To view pricing and further information, please visit my coaching website via the link below.
