Bobby Walia

Bobby is fast earning a reputation as one of the best and most innovative/forward-thinking coaches in Sydney. He brings over 15 years of international experience to the SGA from his time playing professionally on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, to his adventures studying and coaching in San Diego, Botswana, and Berlin. It was in Berlin that Bobby was fortunate enough to be mentored by an industry great in Simon Holmes, who has coached Major winners and golfing legends such as Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer and many more. Following on from his time in Berlin, he was then handpicked to teach golfers at sea for five years aboard the prestigious residential ship; The World. Upon settling in Australia in 2007, Bobby has spent time as Head Professional of St Michaels Golf Club before deciding that the SGA was the perfect environment to grow the game of golf.

Bobby’s teaching philosophy is centred on feel and understanding; having encountered numerous and varied swing types and personalities, he knows that all golfers are built differently and no two think the same. His goal is to gain insight into where his students want to go with their game and where they think they are going wrong. “Teaching with the client’s point of view in mind achieves a higher absorption, retention and improvement rate”. In addition to private lessons, group classes and corporate lessons; Bobby also heads-up the SGA’s popular Women’s Programs.

10 Quick Q’s with Bobby

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Watching my students work hard on their game and seeing the results for themselves. Nothing beats watching them progress on their golfing journey.
2. Best piece of golfing advice you can give? Swing your own swing and don’t get too caught-up in all the other methodologies. Swing as natural as possible within your body’s capabilities.
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? I was inspired by my Dad and Uncles whom all played when I was young. Golf was always the most challenging sport and it drove me to be as good as I possibly could be
4. Favourite achievement as a pro? Qualifying for my national open; The Botswana Open as a professional.
5. Lowest round as a pro and where at? -8 (63) at Gaborone Golf Club, Botswana.
6. Favourite golf course? Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand.
7. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? Tiger Woods’ comeback at the 2019 Masters.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Fred Couples – Effortless power.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team or player? Football (Soccer) – Liverpool FC.
10. What do you love most about Sydney? I love the multiculturalism of the city – it’s a great place to bring-up children.

Hours of Operation

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Scott Davis

Scott has the reputation of being one of the most accomplished golf coaches in Sydney as was reflected in his past selection in Australian Golf Digest’s Top 50 Coaches in Australia. After an elite Junior and Amateur career to start his golfing journey, Scott started his PGA Professional Traineeship in 1987 and won the Australian Trainee Championship the following year. Upon graduating from the PGA in 1989, he spent the next six years as a Touring Professional playing on the Australian, Asian, Canadian and Swedish tours before retiring from the circuit to direct his focus toward golf tuition and growing the game. For more than two decades now, Scott has been accumulating extensive coaching experience both nationally as a Program Director at some of the best facilities in New South Wales and internationally whilst traveling the world and working alongside renowned professionals such as Randy Henry, Jim Mclean, Ben Doyle, Paul Hart, Lawrie Montague and his own personal mentor; Gary Barter.

With his expertise, Scott has helped numerous golfers on their path to success including Nathan Green (PGA Tour winner), Brendan Jones (prolific Japanese Tour winner), Adam Stephens (Canadian & Australian PGA Tour winner) and Michelle Ellis (Ladies Australian Amateur Champion). Scott understands that every golfer has their own style and is a believer in educating his students in the design and functionality of the golf club so they can learn how to properly apply it within the swing. He places an emphasis on the importance of a great pivot with educated hands in order for the hands, arms, and body to move in synchronisation; when all three are working together it ensures an effective angle of attack into the golf ball and a sweet strike at impact.

10 Quick Q’s with Scott

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Developing relationships with clients and enjoying the satisfaction of their achievements.
2. Best piece of golfing advice? Don’t play the golf swing, just play golf!
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? I just loved playing golf growing up and always wanted to play professionally, I succeeded in this but didn’t quite make it to the level I wanted. The lessons I learned along the way though have enabled me to teach others how to overcome that final hurdle on their way to success.
4. Favourite/best playing achievement as a pro? Winning the Australian Trainee Championships / 12^th in the Malaysian Open.
5. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? Jack Nicklaus was my hero growing up so to witness him shooting 30 on the back 9 in the 1986 Masters to win the green jacket by 1 shot as a 46 year old after a six year Major championship drought was truly incredible.
6. Favourite golf course? New South Wales Golf Club.
7. Lowest round as a pro and where at? -7 (65) at numerous courses.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Rickie Fowler – I love his game and attitude on the course and towards growing the game of golf, he conducts himself brilliantly and is a fine young man / role model.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team and/or player? Cycling – Peter Sagan.
10. What do you love most about Sydney? I love the beaches, Eastern Suburbs and Centennial Park. It’s a great place for cycling with so many scenic backdrops from the Sutherland Shire to the Northern Beaches.

Hours of Operation

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Axel Jung

Axel has been a proud Moore Park local since relocating from South Korea over 15 years ago. Since completing his PGA Traineeship at Moore Park Golf Club in 2011 he has shown a great passion and dedication towards improving his coaching resume and abilities through his work at the SGA and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). He has a strong physical and mental resolve that was developed during his time serving in the South Korean military, which he has learned to translate over into his personal golf game and teaching style without compromising his warm and engaging personality.

Axel understands that people learn differently and have varied skill levels and expectations, this understanding has seen him develop an adaptive teaching style using a modern mix of feel, technology, and biomechanics to design coaching methods to best suit their needs. He is a tech-expert who loves using Flightscope and Hackmotion 3D to analyse the science in his student’s swing and is a strong believer in demonstration to help his students visualise the swing or shot they’re trying to create. Outside of private lessons, Axel particularly loves teaching beginner classes, holding biomechanics body screenings and utilising his knowledge gained at the TPI to help students unlock their hidden powers! He is always smiling and his passion for the game of golf invariably rubs-off on the people around him.

10 Quick Q’s with Axel

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? When I see my students make improvements on the spot, the immediate results gives me goosebumps. There’s also nothing more fulfilling than hearing positive feedback from students with enthusiasm and love for golf in their voice.
2. Best piece of golfing advice you can give? Find a routine that works for you and be meticulous in following it.
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? I love the game, it is so much fun, it doesn’t feel like work for me.
4. Favourite achievement as a pro? Shooting four under par to take the 1^st round lead in the NSW Trainee Championships in awful weather conditions.
5. Lowest round as a pro and where at? Eight under par – 62 at Moore Park Golf Club.
6. Favourite golf course? Moore Park Golf Club – it’s been my home course since moving to Australia and I love it!
7. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? Watching Tiger Woods win the 2009 Australian Masters at Kingston Heath Golf Club when he was in the prime of his career.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Tiger Woods – the GOAT! Even when he’s confronted with trouble on and off the course he recovers better than anyone else. It’s a great life lesson on resilience.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team or player? Soccer – Tottenham Hotspurs.
10. What do you love most about Sydney? It’s a beautiful city with beautiful weather!

Hours of Operation

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Ollie Gebert

Ollie has been a massive contributor to growing the game of golf in the Sydney region since becoming a PGA member in 2003. Following stints as Head Professional of Balgowlah Golf Club and Cammeray Golf Club, Ollie moved to the SGA in 2014 where he has been instrumental in growing our junior programs through introducing thousands of kids to our great game. During this time he has developed a reputation as one of the best junior coaches in Sydney and has had the privilege of taking students to the US Kids Golf World Junior Championships in Pinehurst, USA.

In addition to his junior coaching acumen, Ollie also provides quality golf tuition to a broad range of golfers of all ages and abilities through placing an emphasis on delivering an enjoyable and educational experience. He achieves this by developing a game plan specifically suited to each student with the aim of boosting confidence and reducing frustration. His simplistic coaching style ensures that his students will only ever focus on one or two mechanical or mental processes at a time, as they master each process their scores inevitably come down and the fun aspect of playing and learning golf comes to the fore.

10 Quick Q’s with Ollie

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Witnessing the light-bulb moment when my students get “it”. I receive a lot of self-satisfaction when my students express how much improvement they’re making and the inner happiness that it brings them.
2. Best piece of golfing advice you can give? Minimise your bad shots and take advantage of the good ones.
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? My passion for the game and wanting to help people – my Grandfather introduced me to golf when I was 6 and I fell in love.
4. Favourite achievement as a pro? Winning my first Pro-Am with -5 at Massey Park Golf Club.
5. Lowest round as a pro and where at? -8 (62) at Blackheath Golf Club.
6. Favourite golf course? The National (Old Course) on the Mornington Peninsula.
7. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? Tiger Woods winning the 2019 Masters – Greatest comeback in all sport!
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Greg Norman – The aura he had when watching him live and the crowds that would follow him were jaw-dropping. I absolutely idolised him as a kid.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team or player? Rugby League and the Sydney Roosters
10. What do you love most about Sydney? The summer vibe and smell once daylight savings starts, the atmosphere around the city and beaches at that time of year is unreal.

Hours of Operation

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Ollie Neave

Ollie is a Sydney native who completed his PGA Traineeship in 2010 at Pymble Golf Club. Upon completion, he jetted-off to London to play on the Euro Pro Tour and Alps Tour where he gained valuable experience traveling and competing against Europe’s emerging talent. During this time he was offered the position of Assistant Teaching Professional at the Rob Watts Performance Academy at Castle Royle Golf Club. With Darren Clarke being a long-time student of Rob’s; Ollie was fortunate enough to be a member of Darren Clarke’s entourage when he won the British Open at Royal St George’s Golf Club in 2011. Since returning to Australia he has been coaching throughout the north-side of Sydney predominantly out of Gordon Golf Club whilst also taking clients on small boutique trips to some of the world’s most desired golf courses such as Pebble Beach, Royal Portrush, Sunningdale & Barnbougle etc.

As our newest SGA member having just joined the team in 2019, Ollie takes a holistic approach to coaching and likes to comprehensively educate his students in order to make the game more understandable, relatable and enjoyable. He has an inquisitive interest in the scientific side of the game and can take the analysation of the golf swing to the next level through the use of his Flightscope X3, while his relentless work ethic and devotion to providing his students with constant content ensures consistent improvement throughout their golfing journey.

10 Quick Q’s with Ollie

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy being able to meet a wide variety of people from all walks of life. I love educating and learning from my clients and peers. I enjoy being able to talk about a game for a living and being in a position to give back to the community in some capacity.
2. Best piece of golfing advice? Keep it simple and compact, work hard, trust the process, accept the results and have fun!
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? I always wanted be a professional sportsman and I really just love the game of golf. Luckily I had the right support from my family to pursue my dreams.
4. Favourite/best playing achievement as a pro? Anytime I was able to travel somewhere unique to gain life experience and play golf. From Tahiti to Italy and Northern Ireland to the USA.
5. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? As a viewer it would be Tiger winning the 1997 & 2019 Masters while as a spectator I can’t go past my experience with Darren Clarke at the 2011 Open.
6. Favourite golf course? Too hard to single one out! The favourites I have played are Royal Melbourne Composite, Royal Portrush, Kingston Heath, Sunningdale Old, Pebble Beach and Palm Beach.
7. Lowest Round / where at? -5 (67) over a dozen times.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Pros I’ve spent a lot of time with like Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke. Also Luke Donald, Louis Oosthuizen and Geoff Ogilvy because of they way they think and navigate around the golf course.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team and/or player? Basketball / Lebron James.
10. What do you love most about Sydney? My home; the Northern Beaches.

Hours of Operation

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Arthur Kotsakis

Arthur, or AK as he is affectionately known at the SGA, began working at Moore Park Golf in 2009 with the dream of one day becoming a teaching professional. After working hard on his game the opportunity eventually arose in 2011 when he was accepted into the PGA Traineeship Program. AK enjoyed plenty of success during his three years of PGA training which included four victories in trainee matches as well as topping his year in coaching. Since graduating as a PGA Professional in 2014 AK has been honing his coaching skills at the SGA whilst building an impressive reputation as one of the brightest new coaching prospects in Sydney.

He believes it is extremely important to adapt to each student’s needs, personality and physical ability, in order to properly assess the correct coaching pathway to help them swing within themselves and find their own swing. He also understands that a person’s experience in other sports can help them better understand the movement in the golf swing as much of it is relatable. If you are completely new to the game of golf AK believes the short game is the best facet of the game to start learning from – “Start from the green and work backwards”.

10 Quick Q’s with Arthur

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Meeting new people and building a rapport with them. I love introducing a new game to people and teaching them a skill for life. I enjoy having fun with my students and giving them a form of entertainment.
2. Best piece of golfing advice? Just have fun! It could worse, you could be stuck in an office.
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? In 2003 I watched Ben Curtis win the British Open as a rank outsider, it looked like so much fun so I booked a lesson at the SGA the very next day and the rest is history.
4. Favourite/best playing achievement as a pro? Whilst playing in a Trainee event at Northbridge Golf Club I had a 1 shot lead on the 18^th tee and proceeded to hit my driver out of bounds, make double bogey and lose by 1. The following year I had a 1 shot lead on the 18^th tee again but took a long iron to avoid the out of bounds, this time I made par and won by 1 shot. It taught me how to deal with failure and the importance of learning from your mistakes.
5. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? As a spectator it would be following Adam Scott at the 2006 Australian Open at Royal Sydney during a practice round. I was videoing his swing on my old video camera and he came over to me and asked if he could watch it back to checkout his swing – very cool. As a viewer I can’t go past Tiger’s comeback victory at the 2019 Masters; unbelievable.
6. Favourite golf course? Royal Sydney.
7. Lowest round as a pro and where at? -5 (65) at Moore Park Golf Club.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Trevor Immelman – pure golf swing.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team and/or player? Basketball, particularly the NBA, I love the competitiveness and the playoffs.
10. What do you love most about Sydney? I love the quality of food and drink, we’re truly blessed to have a choice of so many cuisines and awesome establishments.

Hours of Operation

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Ramon Kesur

Ramon brings an absolute wealth of national and international coaching experience to the SGA. His professional golfing journey began 29 years ago with stints in England and Germany before settling at Moore Park Golf in 1996. His acquired knowledge of the game has been further boosted courtesy of tuition from some of the world’s best coaches in Rick Smith, Hank Haney, and Gary Edwin.

The golfing wisdom he has accrued throughout his career has given Ramon the ability to properly assess his student’s capabilities in order to develop the appropriate lesson plan to best suit their development. He enjoys using a feel-based coaching method the majority of the time but isn’t afraid to use technology if it is what the student requires. As one of the most experienced golf coaches in Sydney; he is perfectly equipped for any lesson structure but has particularly developed a passion for group classes and on-course lessons. His amicable personality and quality sense of humour place his clients at ease from the moment they meet him and ensure for a comfortable learning environment.

10 Quick Q’s with Ramon

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? I really love the social aspect – meeting new people of all different ages and backgrounds plus reconnecting with old clients and friends. While nothing beats the feeling of satisfaction when a student reports back with improvement, it makes me feel truly grateful to teach for a living.
2. Best piece of golfing advice you can give? Be very patient and don’t expect too much too soon.
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? I was good at golf and nothing else!
4. Favourite achievement as a pro? Finishing 5^th in the Western Australian Open behind some of Australia’s best golfers.
5. Lowest round as a pro and where at? Seven under par – 63 at Fox Hills Golf Club.
6. Favourite golf course? New South Wales Golf Club.
7. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? The 2002 Ryder Cup at the Belfry when Paul McGinley made a 10 foot par putt on the 18th hole to win his singles match against Jim Furyk to secure the win for Europe in front of his home crowd.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Tom Watson – even as a senior player he still has an unbelievable game and the most fluid swing that has stood the test of time.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team or player? Tennis – Roger Federer.
10. What do you love most about Sydney? Vibrant lifestyle, fantastic weather & great golf courses.

Hours of Operation

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Skye Choueiri

Skye began her golfing journey at 11 years of age and quickly earned the reputation through her teens as one of the brightest prospects in Australian amateur golf. After earning a scholarship with the New South Wales Institute of Golf, she competed extensively around Australia on her way to winning a wealth of junior and amateur tournaments. Skye moved north to Queensland in 2009 to commence her traineeship with the PGA of Australia at the Greg Norman designed Brookwater Golf Club. Upon completing her formal teaching and playing qualifications, she joined the Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) Tour and gained invaluable experience competing against some of the best golfers from around Australia and the world. In 2016, Skye set her sights abroad to further develop her teaching acumen and benefited greatly from stints as an Assistant Golf Professional at Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler, Canada and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, New Zealand. Before returning home to Sydney to help grow the game that she loves in the place where it first captured her imagination.

KISS – “Keep It Simple Skye” – is a simple to understand, fundamentals-based teaching philosophy that Skye has developed over the years. It entails a holistic approach towards working with her students on every aspect of their game to improve consistency and overall enjoyment, while placing a continued focus on educating, inspiring and motivating. Skye’s vision is to change the narrative around women entering the world of golf. She is extremely passionate about facilitating this move for women of all ages and abilities by breaking down barriers and creating a safe, friendly and inclusive learning environment. Her progressive and fresh perspective towards growing the game of golf perfectly aligns with the values of the Sydney Golf Academy and makes her a valuable member of the team.

10 Quick Q’s with Skye

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Introducing new people to the game. Developing relationships with students and the satisfaction of seeing them achieve their goals.
2. Best piece of golfing advice you can give? Keep it simple and HAVE FUN! It is just a game after all!
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? My passion for the game! I love helping people and introducing them to golf is my way of giving back to the game that has given me so much opportunity and opened many doors for me throughout my life.
4. Favourite achievement as a pro? Travelling and teaching in Canada and New Zealand. I’ve been so blessed to have had so many great experiences and met so many wonderful people through being a PGA Professional.
5. Lowest round as a pro and where at? (-5) 67 at Glenmore Heritage Valley, NSW (course record).
6. Favourite golf course? Jacks Point in New Zealand and Pebble Beach in America.
7. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? Meeting my idol, Annika Sorenstam while she was playing in the 2016 KMPG Womens PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Washington.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Adam Scott – say no more!
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team or player? I don’t follow football (soccer) religiously, but I do support Liverpool FC. I was lucky enough to score tickets to a home game at Anfield in 2018 which was an unbelievable experience.
10. What do you love most about Sydney? Sydney is home! I’ve spent time living overseas and nowhere else compares to the beautiful beaches, weather and vibrant city we call home.

Hours of Operation

Kris Barkway

Kris is a world-renowned intuitive golf coach with an incredible ability to read people, intentions and situations to reveal insights that give his students perspective, understanding and clarity. He has been a Golf Professional since 1996 and enjoyed success teaching golfers of all levels, from kids, adult beginners and even USPGA tour players such as Aaron Baddeley and Geoff Ogilvy. Kris’ innate ability to coach mindfulness in his students has even resulted in the character, “Steve Addington” from the highly acclaimed book, ‘The Magicians Way’ being based on him from real golf lessons he has conducted in Sydney and around the world.

Kris’ main objective is to help his students achieve maximum improvement to enhance their level of enjoyment for golf. Depending on the individual needs and wants of each student, he will use a combination of swing mechanics, feel and mindfulness to achieve the best results possible.

10 Quick Q’s with Kris

1. What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy sharing my golf experience and knowledge to help my students improve and enhance their enjoyment of the game.
2. Best piece of golfing advice you can give? There’s no such thing as an overnight success! So have fun, be patient and enjoy the journey!
3. What made you want to pursue a career in golf? Some of my happiest moments have come from playing golf and it has been a dream of mine to become a Golf Professional since I had my first hole-in-one at the age of 12.
4. Favourite achievement as a pro? Winning the NSW Club Pro Championship at Pennant Hills Golf Club (I was -9 thru 11 holes!) and shooting the course record at Roseville Golf Club to win the Gold Mashie.
5. Lowest round as a pro and where at? -10 at Balgowlah Golf Club.
6. Favourite golf course? Any of the courses on the Monterey Peninsula in California (Pebble, Spyglass, Spanish Bay etc.).
7. Favourite golfing moment as a spectator/viewer? Meeting and watching Tiger Woods play when I was coaching on the PGA tour.
8. Favourite golfer to watch and why? Greg Norman – because he has been my hero since I was a kid.
9. Favourite sport outside of golf and sporting team or player? Tennis – Roger Federer (the ultimate Professional).
10. What do you love most about Sydney? The relaxed lifestyle living on the Northern Beaches.

Hours of Operation

Rick L'Estrange

Rick is not currently teaching at the Sydney Golf Academy due to personal reasons

Rick has been a PGA member for over 50 years with coaching experience teaching the concept of “Easy Golf”. In this time he has introduced the game to over 140 Junior Golf Schools across the country and to this day is still known as “The King of Kids”. Rick has always made time to play Pro-Ams because it’s important for clients to see their instructor as a player as well as their mentor. During these competitions, Rick has won the 1994 Senior NSW Open, 1995 Senior Australian Open where he still holds the record for 7 under par and the 1995 West Coast Australian Masters.