'Golfing Pathway's For Everyone'
BIO
Steven McDonnell - Head PGA Advanced Coach
Steven McDonnell has produced over 250+ wins as a coach since 2021 including Faye Wheatley who won the Grand Final of Europe of The Faldo Series {which gave Faye a spot on The Ladies European Tour )
Steven owned ‘The Players Lounge-Team Valley’ in Gateshead from 2019-2022, an elite indoor Golf Academy with over 600 members.
In July 2023 Steven accepted the position as Head PGA Coach at the prestigious ‘Oakdale Golf Club’ in Harrogate to support the club’s aspirations and needs.
Since 2020 Steven has been liaising with top coaches from The PGA of America over the last 4 years to learn the biomechanics of the golf swing and understand how a players physical build, flexibility and mobility can effect the golf swing but also enhance the players performance with the understanding of each individual.
Each lesson uses elite golf coaching software, simulator analysis and an information brochure which includes sloping lies, nutrition, fitness and a beginner to elite player improvement stats table.
Steven's coaching process
‘I work with and coach players of all abilities and ages, from beginners to Tour Players.
My philosophy and mental preparations are very consistent, combined with the thought process of -
‘Not one swing fits all’
My coaching process is to build every swing and each player’s game management individually to fully prepare them to improve and reach their potential’
To book individual lessons and packages use 'Book Lessons and Package' options at top of page
Head PGA Advanced Coach
In August 2023 Steven received ‘PGA Advanced Coach’ status from The PGA of Europe
Steven McDonnell PGA Advanced Golf Coach
Steven McDonnell PGA Advanced Golf Coach
Steven has over 30 years experience in golf including playing, coaching and designing golf development projects.
In 2015 Steven turned professional off a handicap of +1 and joined The PGA of Europe studying a degree in Golf Science. Steven quickly knew coaching was going to be his passion. In his first 3 years of turning professional he started up 5 junior academies, delivered ‘Get In To Golf’ at 6 different venues and carried out the largest schools coaching project the North East has ever had(Over 70 sessions in primary schools). Steven was the first professional to be awarded ‘Safeguard accreditation’ at two different venues.
In 2020 Steven was accredited by The PGA and was also designated as a Specialised PGA Golf coach. Qualified in Golf Psychology, Sports Nutrition, a Sports Agent and a fully qualified PGA Professional Steven is making a name for himself as one of the top coaches in the North East.
Steven has been liaising with top coaches from The PGA of America over the last 3 years to learn the biomechanics of the golf swing and understand how a players physical build, flexibility and mobility can effect the golf swing but also enhance the players performance with the understanding of each individual.
Over 250 Wins and Counting
Since 2021 Steven has produced over 250+ wins nationally in qualifying competitions from players coached at 'Steven McDonnell Golf Academy' including ‘Faye Wheatley’ who won the European grand final of the Faldo Series. (One of the biggest junior tournaments in the world) which qualified Faye to play on the Ladies European Tour.
ODGP
In 2022 Steven produced the ‘Optimal Golfer Development Pathway’ The objective of the Pathway is to develop golfers that have the skills, characteristics and behaviours to thrive in the highest competitive golfing arenas, specifically playing on national and worldwide Tours.
Steven's Awards and Qualifications
-Director of Golf - Management Theory 2025
-PGA Advanced Coach 2023
-PGA Specialised Coach 2021
-Coached on the Ladies European Tour 2022
-PGA Accreditation Status 2021(Previously known as AA status)
-PGA Golf Degree - University of Birmingham 2019
-Level 2 Golf Coach + Short Game/Sloping Lies accredited
-Golf Psychology Certified 2019
-Sports Agent Certified 2019
-Diploma in Sports Coaching and Nutrition - Certified 2020
-SafeGolf Accredited 2022
-Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2022
-Emergency First Aid Level 2 2022
-DBS Enhanced 2022
Swing Biomechanics 2024/2025
My Coaching Process
My Coaching Process And Theory
Since I opened my own indoor facility in 2019 I started working with beginners to elite golfers. I needed to expand my coaching knowledge which included process, technical, nutrition, fitness and also the mental side of golf. I also needed expand my knowledge of coaching pathways for elite golfers, including pathways for Tours, College and generating Sponsors/Funding.
I've been been liaising with top coaches from The PGA of America over the last 3 years to learn the biomechanics of the golf swing and understand how a players physical build, flexibility and mobility can effect the golf swing but also enhance the players performance with the understanding of each individual.
Since 2021 I have produced over 200 wins nationally in qualifying competitions from players coached including ‘Faye Wheatley’ who won the European grand final of the Faldo Series. (One of the biggest junior tournaments in the world) which qualified Faye to play on the Ladies European Tour in 2022.
Swing Theory
Swing Path Required
Do you know what grip type you are ? and how that effects the Take Away ? Swing Path ? And Ball Flight ?
Backswing Length
How long should your length of backswing be ?
It’s all about weight distribution, hip turn, using the ground force and downswing sequencing. Everyone is different.
The disassociation between the upper and lower body plays a massive part in a players backswing length.
Full Swing Release Methods
Push Release
(DJ + Morikawa)
Cross Over Release
(Tiger + Rory) ⛳️
Which one benefits you ?
Release for Pitching
I prefer the push release for pitching as it gives consistency for contact but very rarely for full swings as most golfers can’t generate the power required from their upper body.
Muscle Memory Theory
I researched how a muscle memory can be used and is effected in the golf swing.
My Theory is below.
-When a movement is repeated over a time a long term muscle memory is created for that task
-This process decreases the need for attention and creates maximum efficiency within the motor and memory systems
-In golf when a change is first made the movement is normally awkward or clumsy but every time you use reuse it the change gets stronger
-A muscle memory can take between 2 to 6 months to change depending on the complexity and how often that person practices the change/drills
-The outcome is to perform the movement on a subconscious level
Preparation and Mental Performance Process/
Game Management Philosophy/Information Leaflet
In 2021 I produced a leaflet that I give to all golfers who come for lessons. The leaflet contains non-technical advice so a golfer can understand how to progress and situations they can improve on. The leaflet has information regarding sloping lies, nutrition advice, fitness/exercise advice and a stats table to show the average levels required (Putts/GIR/FIR/Scrambling) from beginners to tour players.
I also have ‘Preparation and Mental Performance Process’ and ‘Game Management Philosophy’ techniques which I have produced posters to display at venues and on social media.
Learn More
Get booked in today and get tested for your biomechanics
Coaching on the ladies european tour
Belgian Ladies Open
Coaching Faye Wheatley - Range/Putting Green
Golf Coaching is Not always about technical advice
My Game Management - Philosophy
Follow my Philosophy for better game management
To cover all your golfing requirements
My Game Management - Mental Preparation
Follow my Preparation and Mental Performance plan to guarantee better performance management
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Due to my booking system only having one indoor coaching studio, I have a high volume of people booking in for each day. Because of this I have had to put in place a booking and cancellation policy to give clients a fair chance at booking the slot that suits them and to protect The Golf Centre from last minute cancellations.
Please make sure you read and understand the full terms and conditions highlighted below.
· All lessons must be pre-booked and paid for either online or by bank transfer (Unless authorised prior to booking from the PGA Professional).
· If the client cancels a booked slot and doesn’t turn up to the golf lesson, 48 hours notice must be given or the client will lose his or her full lesson without a refund.
· Lessons cancelled by the client with more than 48 hours notice can transfer to another day of their choice with no extra charge.
· Please note the coaching studio can be booked up fully 1 to 2 weeks in advance in busy periods, so it is important to book up your slot to avoid disappointment.
- All lessons must be used within a 6 month period or within the date stipulated when purchased.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Steven McDonnell
PGA Professional/PGA Coach