Our PGA Professional Coaching Team
matthew galley | head pga coach
Matthew joined the team at the end of 2017 from fellow Ryder Cup venue, Gleneagles, where he held the position of Head of Instruction. One of his proudest achievements was setting up the Gleneagles Junior Foundation, in addition coaching three Scotland internationalists.
Matthew has a warm, welcoming and engaging manner with an encouraging and enthusiastic approach who works with the player to maximise improvement and enjoyment.
Prior to turning Professional, Matthew completed a Sport & Exercise Science degree, which has provided him with diverse knowledge to understand what elements contribute to successful performance. This has led Matthew to base his coaching around a simple and holistic approach where players can make great improvement through small changes.
As a UK CC Level 3 coach and Trackman certified, Matthew is comfortable in all coaching environments from individual lessons to large corporate groups for players of all ages and abilities. Matthew also runs regular golf schools throughout the year covering all aspects of the game.
Derek Simpson | Senior PGA Coach
Derek turned professional in 1986 and found his true passion for teaching at Gosforth Park Golfing Complex, Northumberland, before moving to The Belfry, prior to the Ryder Cup in 1993.
Since joining The Belfry, has worked with and observed many of the best international golfers and premier coaches in the world, including Butch Harman (coach to Tiger Woods), David Leadbetter (coach to Nick Faldo) and Pete Cowan (coach to European Ryder Cup Team) to name just a few.
Phillip Akers | Senior PGA Coach
Phil is one of the top 4 coaches in England, finishing runner up in the England Coach of The Year Awards in both 2018 & 2019. One of only 7 certified TPI Level 3 Junior Coaches in the U.K, he is a specialist in elite development and has a large stable of Professional, National and County players. Phil has a passion for developing hotbeds of talent and has grown one of the largest and best junior programmes within the U.K since joining the team in 2017.
Phil graduated with a B.A (Hons) in Applied Golf Management Studies from the University of Birmingham, the degree is considered the PGA's flagship training programme with only 25 people graduating from it each year. The course gave him access to some of the greatest minds in golf which is where he developed a holistic approach to coaching. After graduating Phillip furthered his understanding of the game at The Nike Golf Academy where he worked alongside European Tour Swing Coaches, Psychologists and Physical Trainers.