Tom Gillespie: PGA Performance Coach in Bristol | Fearless

Tom Gillespie: PGA Performance Coach & Equipment Specialist in Bristol

I'm Tom Gillespie, PGA Fellow Professional and Performance Coach based at The Kendleshire Golf Club in Bristol. I specialise in high-performance development, equipment optimisation (using TrackMan and launch-monitor tech) and tailored coaching for golfers of all levels, from juniors and club players to elite competitors.

At GolfWRX I contribute to the broader coaching community via insights into performance, gear, and teaching methods, helping players align technique, equipment and mindset for measurable improvement.

The pattern I witnessed across all skill levels

I began playing golf at age 13 in Scunthorpe and became a PGA professional in 1997. From early on I was fascinated not just by swing mechanics but by equipment tech, sport science and performance analytics. Working with young golfers, amateurs and advanced players, I spotted a recurring pattern: talent alone is not enough, the right coaching, tools and environment make the difference.

That insight led me to specialise in performance coaching, fitting, and high-end education. My goal is to help golfers move beyond "good enough" into reliable, repeatable performance, whether they aim to compete, enjoy the game or optimize equipment.

Five critical gaps in golf coaching I identified

  1. Talent limited by lack of proper coaching, tools or environment.
  2. Swing coaching disconnected from equipment optimisation.
  3. Generic lessons without data-driven feedback or progress tracking.
  4. Equipment choices that masked issues rather than amplified progress.
  5. No structured pathway from junior development through adult performance.

I wanted to create a coaching practice that bridges these gaps, integrating performance, equipment and technology for measurable, repeatable improvement.

Building expertise across coaching, fitting and technology

After qualifying, I spent time mastering swing analysis, club fitting and equipment technology. I worked with youth academies and became a performance coach for squads, including the Gloucestershire County U14 squad and the GGU performance programme. I also gained accreditation as a tutor and examiner in equipment technology and performance coaching.

With that foundation I built a coaching practice at The Kendleshire that combines on-course play-lessons, launch monitor analytics, custom fitting services, junior and adult programmes, and performance pathways for competitive golfers.

Each lesson starts by understanding your goal, analysing your current game (with tech where needed), and building a structured plan for improvement.

Growing through junior success and data-driven results

Over time my reputation grew through junior development successes, bespoke programmes for adult players and equipment partnerships. My clients now range from new golfers to serious competitors seeking breakthroughs. I've expanded into remote coaching, data-driven evaluation and custom fitting to reach golfers beyond the local area.

I continue to use and invest in technology (TrackMan, SAM PuttLab, FlightScope) to provide relevant feedback, track progress and personalise each plan.

Five pillars of my coaching philosophy

  1. Performance Plus Equipment Integration: Not only do we work on your swing, we optimise what you swing with.
  2. Advanced Technology Use: Launch monitors, video analysis and data inform real improvement rather than guesswork.
  3. Structured Progression: From assessment to practice routines to on-course application, every step is planned.
  4. Inclusive and Adaptive: Whether you're a junior, a social golfer or competing seriously, the program fits you.
  5. Proven Experience: My credentials and long-term teaching roles give depth and trust to what I deliver.

How I built credibility and reach

  • Junior development success stories: Building reputation through young golfer progress.
  • Technology integration: TrackMan, SAM PuttLab and FlightScope creating data-driven credibility.
  • Equipment partnerships: Custom fitting services attracting serious players.
  • Performance squad coaching: County and regional programme involvement.
  • GolfWRX community contributions: Sharing insights building broader recognition.

Six essential lessons for golfers and coaches

  1. Understand your goal clearly: Whether it's to hit less rounds, break certain habits, or compete.
  2. Use data as feedback, not obsession: Track metrics, but apply them thoughtfully.
  3. Make practice systematic: Repetition with purpose beats random swings.
  4. Ensure your equipment fits your game: The wrong clubs mask issues, the right ones amplify progress.
  5. Patience matters: Improvement takes consistent effort, not hype.
  6. Seek a coach who aligns with your style, goals and personality.

What I'd change if I started over

If I were beginning again, I would build an online coaching resource earlier with videos and remote analysis so geography becomes less of a barrier, collect more case studies with video success stories from diverse players to show what's possible, develop a formal junior-to-adult pathway sooner so students transition smoothly as they progress, and create systematic content earlier by documenting methods and sharing insights to build broader reach.

Where I'm taking my coaching practice next

Going forward, I'm enhancing our online and hybrid coaching options, developing more detailed performance tracking for adult players wanting serious improvement, and expanding custom fitting services with partner equipment brands. My vision is that when any golfer in the UK or beyond thinks "I need coaching that understands equipment, performance and me," they think of me, Tom Gillespie, PGA.

FAQs for Tom Gillespie: PGA Performance Coach & Equipment Specialist

What kind of golfers does Tom Gillespie coach?

Tom works with a wide range of golfers. Whether you are a junior just starting, a regular club player, or an elite competitor, his coaching is adapted to your specific level and goals. He focuses on creating a structured pathway for improvement for everyone.

What technology is used during coaching sessions?

Tom uses advanced technology to provide data-driven feedback. His practice incorporates tools like TrackMan, SAM PuttLab, and FlightScope to analyse your game, track progress accurately, and move beyond guesswork for real, measurable improvement.

Where is Tom Gillespie's coaching practice located?

You can find Tom at The Kendleshire Golf Club in Bristol. He offers a combination of on-course lessons, launch monitor analytics, and custom fitting services from this base, though he is also expanding his remote coaching options.

How does Tom connect equipment fitting with performance coaching?

Tom's philosophy is built on integrating performance and equipment. He believes the right clubs can amplify your progress while the wrong ones can hide issues. His sessions don't just focus on your swing, they also ensure your equipment is perfectly optimised for your game.

What makes Tom's coaching approach different?

Tom bridges the gap between swing mechanics, equipment technology, and performance analytics. His approach is structured and personalised, using data to create a clear plan for improvement rather than offering generic lessons. Finding a coach who aligns with your goals is a key step, and the Fearless directory can help you connect with professionals like Tom.