We have three experienced PGA Professionals based at the Dorset Golf and Country Club.
Scott Porter, PGA Head Professional
Scott joined us here as an Assistant Professional at the Dorset Golf & Country Club in 2001 and in 2004 became Head Professional. Scott has witnessed many positive changes to the club and believes the Dorset Golf & Country Club to have the best practice facilities in the southwest and three fantastic loops of championship Golf; making for an ideal Tournament Venue or an ideal holiday destination.
Since turning Professional in 1993 at Three Rivers Golf & Country Club in Essex, which at the time was the biggest on course golf shop in the country, Scott had many early successes as a playing Professional playing on the MasterCard Tour, Europro Tour and various regional tours, one particular success was winning the Essex Assistants Championship in 1997.
Scott has also had great success playing in West Region P.G.A Tournaments and the Dorset Wessex Alliance and in 2011 had the great honour of becoming Captain of the Alliance.
During his time as a professional Scott has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in teaching, from working at one of the largest golf complexes in the south of England to a popular and very busy golf academy in Toronto Canada.
As a coach Scott has taught all levels of golfer from absolute beginners, Elite Amateurs and Professional Players. Scott is also involved with the Dorset County under 14’s squad and has also taught at the P.G.A Championship at Wentworth for Volvo.
Through this knowledge, Scott will guarantee that with a little practice and work from yourself, to improve any aspect of your game.
Scott takes real pride in his work and enjoys seeing his students improve whether it’s a beginner hitting their first shot, a handicap reduction for a club Member or the pride on the club champion’s face when he or she is receiving the winning trophy.
Scott’s Website: http://www.scottporterpgapro.com/
Jonathan Elsdon, PGA Qualified Professional
Jonathan joined us here at the Dorset in the year 2000. He turned Professional in 2002, becoming fully qualified as a PGA Professional in 2006.
As a junior, Jonathan represented Dorset County in all age categories up to U18’s. Still as a junior, he then went onto play for Dorset Colts and county men’s teams as well as being selected to represent South West England.
Other achievements whilst playing include, winning several County Junior Championships as well as holding the course record at Wareham Golf Club where he grew up.
From the age of 10 Jonathan’s ambition was always to play professionally, now his focus has changed and he has decided that coaching is where his future lies as this is where he gets the most enjoyment and fulfilment from his work.
As a coach Jonathan has taught all levels of golfer from beginners to county first team and professional players. He has also been involved with coaching the county U14’S squad and more recently appointed as a Dorset County Academy Coach.
With a particular interest in how the mind influences learning and performance, Jonathan offers a refreshing, enjoyable and very informative style of coaching.
Jonathan is extremely enthusiastic, takes a great deal of pride in all that he does and truly enjoys watching the people he works with develop and improve.
Jonny’s Website: http://www.elsdongolf.com/
Stephen Packer, PGA Qualified Professional
As the son of a Golf Professional I have been around Golf my whole life, taking up golf at the age of 3.
My amateur achievements include playing for the County U18’s side as well as the County Colts before turning Professional at the age of 19 in the spring of 2008.
Growing up as the son of a PGA Professional I watched my dad teach a multitude of players including top amateurs and European Tour Professionals, because of this I feel I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience early in my career.
I am still a passionate player, playing Professional events and tournaments predominantly in the West Region as well as making appearances on the Europro Tour.
My other passion lies is fitness and particularly golf fitness. I have trained in the gym full-time since 2006 and feel that fitness, flexibility and diet play a major role in golf performance. This passion spurred me on to do my fitness qualifications and my sports massage qualification meaning I can offer more than just a standard golf lesson. I understand injuries and limitations associated with golf so I can give real solutions.
Teaching Style
I am a young and enthusiastic coach taking real enjoyment from teaching and helping people to improve. I am a big believer in teaching with high-speed video, practice aids and drills as I think that this is the fastest way to help people get better, ensuring that players can see and feel exactly what they need to do, and to make a permanent change.
It is very important to have a mixture of driving range and practical course sessions as it’s the application of golf that is ultimately most important.
Through my 3 years of coaching I have taught a multitude of players ranging from beginners to county standard golfers. I also teach a lot of lady golfers and feel I have gained a unique insight into the specific problems that are experienced.
I don’t teach a method or a theory, I create the best swing for you! As a coach my main job is taking movements out of the swing making it simpler not more complicated! I am constantly researching new and better method of playing golf so I am extremely up to date.
I will give you all the support and help you need to make sure you achieve all of your goals and that you reach your full potential. The help and advice doesn’t end at the end of the lesson, I am always here for any advice and a chat.
Video Analysis
I generally do all my teaching using advanced video analysis, through the utilization of the Apple iPad 2. This means we can video any part of your game where ever we are, this is great when we are looking closely at your technique and we can instantly see and discuss any changes.
If you want a little more depth to your video analysis when working on the long game, we also have our swing studio! In the Dorset Teaching Zone Swing studio you can see your swing on high-speed video (210 Frames per Second) using my specialist Casio Exelim FH20 camera which is displayed on an almost life-size screen, this allows us to see everything in great detail and clarity, perfect for elite golfers!
Steve’s Website: http://www.stephenpackergolf.com/
