Gary Gilligan

PGA Professional & Director of Golf

Coaching & Golf Development

Since retiring from professional tour golf in 2015, my focus has been on helping golfers of all abilities improve their performance while enjoying 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.

You can visit my personal coaching website by clicking the link here.

About Me

Golf has been central to my life from a very young age. I was introduced to the game at just three years old by my father, a former Tour professional who now works as a teaching instructor based between Germany and Asia. From an early age it became clear that golf would be the sport to which I would dedicate my career.

During my teenage years I progressed through the England national team system before turning professional at the age of 18. I went on to compete on several international tours, including the European Challenge Tour, Alps Tour, Asian Tours and the South African Sunshine Tour.

Throughout my career I have been fortunate to compete alongside some of the world’s leading players, including Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy.

During the summer months I also regularly compete in PGA Pro-Ams across the south of England, maintaining an active connection with competitive golf.

Coaching Philosophy & Performance Technology

Every golfer plays the game for different reasons, and no two players move or perform in exactly the same way. My coaching philosophy is built around individualised, performance-focused instruction, designed to understand 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 lower your scores, improve consistency, or compete at a higher level, my objective is to deliver measurable improvement while keeping the process enjoyable and motivating.

All coaching sessions utilise GCQuad launch monitor technology alongside high-quality video analysis, allowing us to accurately assess club delivery, ball flight, launch conditions and distance control. These tools provide tour-level insight into your game and ensure 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 ability.

Coaching Services

I offer programmes for golfers of all levels, including:

  • Individual lessons and long-term coaching programmes

  • On-course playing assessments

  • Short-game development sessions

  • Distance and performance optimisation using GCQuad

  • 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 lesson terms and conditions, please click on the link: GG Academy Terms and Conditions