Testimonials

"I have been fortunate to work closely with James over the past 6 years. He is of course a player of repute having played in PGA Cup; however his knowledge of all areas of the game, together with his passion for improving players of all standards, mark him out as a truly outstanding coach

 

- Dr Brian Hemmings, Lead Psychologist to EGU and EWGA 2009

"I started playing golf when I was 12, it was a junior coaching session at Ashbourne Golf Club six years ago and the first coach I had was Steve. He has developed my game over the years and now I play off a +2 handicap. This progress is down to Steve and his excellent coaching."

- Craig Young, Derbyshire Amateur Champion 2010

"The four week course with Stewart Adams was not only informative and helpful but enjoyable. Stewart's use of video was really good and gave a an insight on the areas that need improvement, as well as the good parts, which could then be practised on the range. I have since used what I have learnt on the golf course and have found my game is definitely improving, especially putting and chipping, and would not hesitate to recommend the EMGA or Stewart."

- Zia Tariq, Senior Consultant

"My 2 grandchildren have recently taken some introductory golf lessons with Aaron and they have progressed unbelievably well. The lessons are enjoyable and Aarron is very good with the children. We will be looking to continue with lessons in the autumn."

- Mick Finn

"I have been having lessons with James for a couple of years and during that time my handicap has come down to 8. The lessons not only play a vital part in the practical element of my game but also the confidence and mental side as well."

- Phil Vernon, Breadsall Priory

Stewart has really helped my golf game, his clear explanations and drills coupled with video analysis have helped me understand what I should be doing with my swing. I am starting to see the first signs of improvement in my golf for many years.

- Ross Paterson, 10 Handicap

"Befor e I had a lesson from Steve my handicap was 24 thanks to him it is now 9. He has helped me with every aspect of my golf game from putting to driving and I really enjoy his relaxed style to teaching "

- Paul Foster, Derby

"James was recommended to me by a close friend, whom was starting to play much better since seeing him & even outdrive me! My golfing head at that point was scrambled mess, but after just short 2 lessons, things where back on track & was knocking past both my friend & even James off the tee! He made things so simple & got rid of all the rubbish. Thanks James. Matt 5.9 handicap & coming down!"

-Matt Hill

"A friend and I enrolled on the 4 week intermediate golf course. Stuart (Adams) our instructor provided a very professional and enjoyable programme of lessons. His methods and drills are easy to understand and follow and I am already seeing results. I would highly recommend both Stuart and the East Midlands Golfing Academy."

-Christopher Coey, Senior Consultant SQS

"After finishing playing rugby, I returned to golf about 4 years ago, playing around the 18/19 mark. Having never had a golf lesson, I decided, in 2009, to have a course of 6 lessons with James to see if I could get any further and reduce my handicap a little. I had my 6 lessons with James, where we covered all aspects of the game and by spring 2010 I certainly felt I was striking the ball a lot better and more consistently. I started the spring on 18.2, which crept up to 18.6 by the start of April as I started to cement some of the things James had taught me. A couple of decent rounds in May took me to 17.5, but it was June when things really started to take off. I won a charity day in Nottingham to move to 15.5. I thought I'd achieved my target and would struggle to maintain it, but I carried on. The next two rounds (including a 79 on a par 70 course) took me down to 13.9 where I stayed for the summer, only getting 0.1 back twice in 14 rounds since then. I even managed a gross83 on a par 72 last week to go to 13.3!

It's fair to say I'm delighted with the coaching I've received from James and would thoroughly recommend him and his methods. 18.6 to 13.3 in four months is testament to that."

- James Illsley

"Having tutored regularly with Steve Astle ,and having combined our coaching with elite players I can recommend him as consistent and with a great attention to detail"

- Jamie Donaldson- Academy Director, Cambridge Golf & Conference Centre

"I booked a block of 6 lessons with Aaron, who was very patient and explained things clearly. He watched my swing closely and then demonstrated to me where I was going wrong and how best to correct it. Aaron didn't rush the lessons through one after another, instead he advised me to take around 3 to 4 weeks, or longer, between lessons to allow me practice what I had learned, at my own pace.

Since having the lessons I have had a couple of rounds with freinds, and they have commented that my swing is now a lot better than before the lessons. I also feel that I am now playing better."

- Andrew Hodgkinson

"The service and tuition I have had from James has been fantastic. I started having lessons in Sept 09 having been stuck on a handicap of 7 for a few months, within 10 months I now play off 4 and with James's coaching I am looking to keep getting it lower. After the first few lessons, the tuition has adapted to feel more like coaching sessions which is great and has really targeted the areas that I need to keep working on. I couldn't recommend the service more highly."

- Richard Burke

"I can't thank you Stewart enough for the advice you gave me. Since i had my lesson with you i've played four rounds all below 85 which is seven shots off last years average. Today (sat 26th june ) i've taken part in another gtour event at de vere belton woods and finished in second place with 40 points off of a 11 handicap. I've started to build a routine thats working for me, allignment has improved ten fold and my short game since working on yardages has been the best its ever been."

-Shaun Cade

"Right from the offset of meeting with James to discuss the training for the Derbyshire ladies squad, I was impressed by his enthusiasm and ideas. James is not just a technical coach, the squad has benefitted from sessions on course management, pre-round and pre-shot preparation. He brings his own learning and playing experiences, and obvious passion for the game to each training session. It is very clear that James is dedicated to the improvement of each individual he works with. The set-up at EMGA is fantastic and I feel that we have the expertise on board to raise the level of ladies golf in Derbyshire. Thanks James for making my role that much easier!"

-Becky Wood - Derbyshire Ladies County Training Officer

 

"I have been playing golf for about 10 years and have had a few lessons previously and if I'm honest seen little improvement from them. Steve has made all the difference to my game. I feel that as well as making changes he illustrates very clearly why he's making the changes and what difference it makes to the end result. I think the fact that I have lost 8 shots of my handicap in one year tells the story."

-Chris Fenton, Belper

"Deciding to take lessons with Steve was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my golfing career so far. He built me a solid and consistent swing which helped me gain extra yards, controlled ball flight and more importantly lower my handicap from 21 to 7. A great coach. Highly recommended ."

-Andy Henderson, Oakmere Park

 

"Steve is a very patient teacher, taking on a new pupil with a history of back injuries and a loss of confidence.I left each lesson enthused by my new skills and gradually my confidence increased.He works at your pace and ability and is very supportive in all that you do"

-Susan Wilding, Ashbourne Golf Club

"Great instructor who transformed someone who was defeated mentally after one bad shot, to a positive relaxed golfer. Since taking lessons from Steve my swing and scores have improved dramatically as well as my enjoyment of the game"

- Andrew Beckett, Brailsford Golf Club

I am only an occasional golfer, but after only two lessons with Steve I have been taking money off my friends who are regular golfers. He identified the key things that needed altering immediately, showed me the way and encouraged. I'll definately be back for further lessons, a great help.

- Carl Wardle, Nottingham

Steve really has changed my game and shown me how to play golf properly. He is a great teacher with fantastic techniques and a great personality which is the perfect combination. As long as the student puts the time and effort in then they are going to see great results and a better handicap.

- James Platt, Ashbourne GC

 I have had a number of one to one lessons with Steve and have been really impressed with his professionalism and approach. Steve understands the technical aspects of the game and was quick to identify what I needed to focus on to achieve greater consistency. He sorted out my stance, posture and grip which gave me the basics to improve my game. However Steve is much more than a technical expert he understands some of the 'frustrations' of the game and the importance of adopting the right mind set. He has a great personal approach and has done wonders for my confidence. Steve really cares about his clients and wants them to develop and enjoy their game. I have no hesitation in recommending him.

- Paul Yorke, Derby Golf Club

  

'It is one thing being able to play golf at a professional level, but quite another to be able to break it down and teach it successfully. James is a rare talent who has mastered both. He is infinitely patient and inspiring'.

- Kirstie Brooks

 

I took a group of 15 students to Morley Hayes for a week of golf tuition and felt really well looked after by all. Each day the students enjoyed learning about different aspects of the game and all felt that they had made realimprovement over the week. They particularly enjoyed being videoed and having their swing analysed (not sure I felt the same!!). I would happily repeat the week next year given the chance.

- Adrian Daly Belper School

 

I have been working with James for over 2 years and this year I have reduced my handicap by 3 shots,I find James very good at looking at my swing ,diagnosing what is wrong and then giving me only 1 aspect to practise when I return to my club. James is very easy to talk to and if something doesn't work for me, he will accept that and find another point for me to work on.I have and would recommend him to anyone.James has made me realise that golf can be played ALL year round even if you work.Little and often,that is the motto.Thanks James for all you have done for me.I'm very grateful and will continue to come for coaching.

 

 -Denise Harvey. Chevin Golf Club