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Elite Junior Coaching

From first swing
to county champion.

Gary Cooke has been developing junior golfers at The Playing Academy for over 35 years. His structured, long-term approach has produced county champions, national champions, England representatives and international competitors.

Gary and Lucas, Kent Champion of Champions 2026
35+Years junior coaching
3Kent titles 2025–26
NationalESGA champions
EnglandSchools representative
Age 7To Kent Amateur Champion
The approach

Coaching juniors is about the long game

Gary's junior coaching philosophy is built around patient, structured development. Not quick fixes. Not just swing mechanics. A complete programme that develops the whole golfer — technical ability, course management, mental strength and competitive preparation.

Every junior starts with an assessment. From there, a personal development plan is built with clear goals, structured practice sessions and regular on-course coaching. Progress is tracked, reviewed and refined throughout — so both the player and their parents always know exactly where they are and where they're heading.

Gary coaches juniors from complete beginners as young as 4 years old through to elite competitive players competing at county, national and international level.

Academy juniors on the range
Proven results

The record speaks for itself.

These photographs tell the story of what Gary's long-term coaching commitment produces. From a 7-year-old picking up a club, to Kent's number one amateur golfer — and an Essex junior who went all the way to US collegiate golf.

Gary Cooke and Lucas — Kent Champion of Champions 2026
Gary Cooke & Lucas
Kent Champion of Champions 2026
Lucas — Kent Amateur Champion 2025
Lucas
Kent Amateur Champion 2025
Lucas with Justin Rose — Telegraph Junior Championship
Lucas with Justin Rose
Telegraph Junior Championship
Competed in the Telegraph Junior Championship — Justin Rose's prestigious international tournament.
Lucas — ESGA National Champion 2023
Lucas
ESGA National Champion 2023
National title at the Kendleshire — proving Gary's coaching translates to the biggest stages.
Lucas — England Schools representative
Lucas
England Schools representative
Lucas — Kent U/25 Colts Champion
Lucas
Kent U/25 Colts Champion 2025
Ciara — Academy Junior
Ciara
Academy Junior
Ciara
The Beginning — Coached from age 7
Ciara
First Trophy
Ciara
British Junior Golf Tour
Ciara
BJGT — Double Medallist
Ciara
Essex Ladies County Golf Association
Ciara
Faldo Series Medallist
Ciara
ESGA Schools Champion
Ciara
English Girls Open Championship
Ciara
Telegraph Junior Championship — Quinta do Lago, Portugal
Ciara
University of New Mexico — Lobos Golf

From Essex to the USA.
Ciara
UNM Lobos — Collegiate Golfer
Ciara
UNM Women's Golf — NCAA
Junior pathway

A structured route for every stage

From a child's first introduction to the game through to elite competitive play — Gary's junior pathway provides a clear, structured route at every stage.

01
Introduction
Fun, games-based sessions introducing the fundamentals. Building a love of the game from the very first swing.
02
Development
Structured skill development, technique building and introduction to on-course play and competition.
03
Competitive
Performance-focused coaching, competitive preparation, handicap reduction and county pathway support.
04
Elite
Advanced coaching for serious competitors targeting county, national and international titles — and beyond.
What's available

Everything The Playing Academy offers for junior golfers

Junior lessons & programmes
One-to-one junior lessons from £50, junior group programmes on monthly plans — grouped by ability, all session lengths available.
Junior golf schools
Intensive half day, full day and multi-day junior school programmes. Small groups, structured coaching, at least monthly.
Get in touch
Not sure which option is right for your junior? Contact Gary directly — he'll advise on the best starting point.

Start your junior's journey today

Book an introductory junior session or get in touch to discuss the right pathway for your child.