Bridging the Gap: Coach-Centered Strategies to Custom Fitting

At The Kendleshire with PGA Professionals Philip Dye & Tom Gillespie

1 Day Course : October 24th 2025

Event Overview

In an increasingly data-driven and customer-focused golf industry, the ability to bridge the gap between coaching and custom fitting has become a key differentiator in professional practice. This CPD event, Bridging the Gap: Coach-Centred Custom Fitting Strategies, is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and applied skills to move beyond product training and generic fitting procedures and into a more integrated, performance-driven approach.

Aimed at PGA Members, Assistant Professionals and Industry Professionals who already have a foundational understanding of equipment and fitting, this session targets those who wish to elevate their service by incorporating coaching insights, data analysis, and player profiling into their fitting protocols. Whether operating in a retail, coaching, or performance environment, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to tailor equipment to the specific impact tendencies, personal preferences, and the performance needs of individual golfers at all levels.

This interactive and practical day will challenge attendees to re-think the role of the golf coach or custom fitter, not as separate roles, but as part of a unified process aimed at improving player outcomes. Delegates will leave with new tools, techniques, and frameworks for delivering high-impact equipment optimization sessions that genuinely influence performance on the course.

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Cost

The fee for the one-day course in £125. This includes lunch, refreshments throughout the day, and all necessary learning materials. The course runs from 09:00-16:00.

For PGA members, these hours can be used to support your application for accredited status. Please note that the deadline for accredited applications is October 25th, 2025. To add this course to your CPD Journal, click here.

Speakers

Philip Dye: PGA Professional & Lecturer (Equipment Technology & Custom Fitting)

Tom Gillespie: Advance PGA Professional & Under 14 County Coach for South West

Philip Dye Bio

Philip Dye is a PGA Member and experienced higher education lecturer specialising in golf equipment technology, custom fitting, and performance analysis. With a background as a Custom Fitting Specialist at The Belfry before spending time in the Netherlands working at one of the country's leading fitting centers, Philip has worked extensively at the intersection of coaching, equipment optimisation, and player development. He currently leads modules on custom fitting and equipment performance for the PGA’s Foundation Degree and Applied Golf Management degrees, where he plays a key role in developing future professionals.

Philip holds a master’s degree in online learning and self-efficacy, with research exploring how data-informed and decision-based learning approaches impact engagement and performance. He is also the developer of an indoor strokes-gained tool designed to evaluate player performance across skill levels, further reinforcing his commitment to data-led coaching integration.

Philip brings a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on fitting experience to this event, with a proven track record of leading high-impact educational sessions for both aspiring and qualified PGA Professionals.

Tom Gillespie Bio

Tom Gillespie is a PGA Fellow Professional and ASQ Level 3 Advanced Coach, widely recognised for his expertise in custom fitting, equipment technology, and performance coaching. Based at The Kendleshire Golf Club, Tom works with golfers across all levels, from club players to elite amateurs on the PGA regions and US college circuit, delivering tailored programmes that blend structured development with enjoyment.

Tom’s agnostic approach to fitting integrates industry-leading technologies such as Trackman and Flightscope X3 Fusion, alongside accepted fitting principles and a golfer-centred philosophy. His deep technical expertise is further reinforced through his role as a Tutor and Examiner in Equipment Technology at The PGA National Training Academy, where he contributes to the ongoing education and assessment of PGA Trainees.

In addition to his subject-specialist contributions, Tom also serves as a Tutor and Assessor for the PGA Training Programme, supporting the professional development of aspiring PGA Members across a range of topics, from coaching theory to applied equipment practices. His experience and commitment to learning make him a valued mentor within the programme.

Tom is also the Performance Coach for the Gloucestershire Golf Union Performance Squad and the Head Coach for the County Academy Programme, designing evidence-based development environments that maximize individual potential. He acts as a consultant to the Latvian Golf Federation, underlining his growing international reputation as both a coach and equipment specialist.

Course Structure

This one-day face-to-face CPD event is designed for PGA Professionals, Assistants, and Industry Professionals to deepen their understanding of custom fitting through a performance-led lens. The course explores how coaching principles and data-informed feedback can be integrated into fitting practices to create more tailored, player-centred outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course attendees will be able to:

Evaluate how coaching principles and player profiling can inform custom fitting strategies to enhance long-term performance.
Identify and interpret key launch monitor, impact data and performance metrics to support evidence-based fitting decisions.
Design and deliver a performance-focused fitting intervention using player data and feedback tools.

Session One: Rethinking the Fitting Process

The day is divided into three structured sessions, combining interactive classroom work with hands-on practical experience. Session one challenges traditional fitting conventions and introduces the concept of merging coaching insights with equipment recommendations.

Session Two: Performance-Based Fitting

This session explores how player performance data, both from the range and the course, can be used to guide more informed equipment choices. Attendees will review fitting cases and discuss how strokes gained metrics and elements of course strategy can shape decisions around club selection, optimisation, and set composition. The aim is to build a more holistic view of fitting that connects data with real-world playing outcomes.

Session Three: Practical Application & Performance Testing

Delivered in the performance studio at The Kendleshire, this hands-on session provides a chance to apply the day’s learning in a live environment, using launch monitor data and player feedback tools to evaluate effectiveness.

Throughout the day, delegates will take part in group discussions, guided tasks, and applied activities designed to promote critical thinking and practical application. Whether you're working in coaching, retail, or a high-performance setting, this course offers fresh perspectives on how to deliver custom fitting that genuinely influences player outcomes.

The Venue

The Kendleshire

Nestled in the scenic Frome Valley on the outskirts of Bristol, The Kendleshire first opened its doors in May 1997. Originally designed by Adrian Stiff, the club offered an impressive 18‑hole layout and later expanded to a full 27‑hole facility with the addition of the Badminton Course, crafted by former Walker Cup captain Peter McEvoy in 2002.

Address: The Kendleshire, Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath, Bristol, BS35 2UY

Getting Here

By Car:
The Kendleshire is easily accessible by car and just a short drive from Bristol city centre. From the M4, take junction 19 for the M32 southbound. Exit at junction 1 and follow signs for the A4174 Ring Road (eastbound). Turn left onto Badminton Road (B4465), then follow signs for Henfield and The Kendleshire Golf Club.

Free parking is available on-site for all guests.

By Train:
The nearest major station is Bristol Parkway, approximately 15 minutes away by taxi. Regular services run from London, Cardiff, and Birmingham.

By Taxi:
Local taxi services operate from Bristol Parkway and central Bristol. Journey times are typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

By Bus:
Bus routes operate to nearby Coalpit Heath, but please note public transport options may be limited on weekends. A taxi or car journey is recommended for convenience.

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