Professionals
Our team of qualified professionals is on hand to advise you in all matters golf related; from custom fitting of golf clubs and helping you make informed purchasing decisions on any new equipment, to one-on-one coaching sessions and advice on the latest in golf fashions.
Meet the Professionals
Stephen Gibson - Director of Golf (Class AAT)
Stephen came from the Oxfordshire Golf Club, where he was Head Professional, To Wentworth when he was appointed the Director of Golf in 2007.
His career in golf began 16 years ago at Rye Golf Club but it was at Walton Heath Club under Ken McPherson that he qualified in 1996. Stephen then worked at Kingswood Golf Club and Stockley Park before he was in the privileged position of assisting the setting up and opening of the exclusive Queenwood Golf Club and the development of their teaching facilities in 2001-2003 as the Head Assistant.
Jon Brook - Deputy Head Professional (Class AA)
Jon has been a professional since 1994 and started his professional career at Leeds Golf Club in Yorkshire. On qualifying as a PGA Member he then had spells as deputy head professional at Burhill and at the RAC Club, before he joined the team at Wentworth in 2004.
With an extensive knowledge of the game, Jon has taken on a more senior role on the business side of the operation, as well as the day to day running of the professionals shop.
Jon is also an accomplished teacher, his simple, uncomplicated approach to teaching makes him successful with beginners, intermediate and advanced players.
Using the latest in launch monitor and club technology, he is also able to provide an excellent custom fitting service for all members and guests, assuring the correct clubs are found to suit the needs of each individual.
Kristian Baker - Head Of Instruction
Kristian is fast becoming recognised as one of the best young coaches in the country. He qualified at Wentworth where he has now been coaching for eleven years. As well as coaching club members, corporate groups and being a County coach he also teaches players on the European Tour. This includes Wentworth member and 2008 European Open winner Ross Fisher.
Kristian applies a holistic approach to his coaching and uses the latest technology with his students, including video analysis, physical screenings and motion analysis systems. This helps to give maximum benefit to the student and enhance their understanding and appreciation of the mechanics of their golf swing.
Kerry Knowles – PGA Professional
Kerry is a former English Ladies Champion and was playing the amateur circuit full-time when she joined Bernard Gallacher and his team at Wentworth in 1995. She has worked at the Club ever since, often combining it with spells playing on the Ladies European Tour.
Kerry qualified in July 2009 and has recently won not only the PGA award for the leading Assistant Professional within the South East region, but also, the South region PGA Assistant of the year 2009. Kerry was also fortunate enough to be part of the ELGA/Sport England lottery-funded training program. This allowed her access to England’s elite facilities and experts in the field of golf specific fitness training, golf psychology and coaching.
Being able to draw on her experiences as a competitive tournament professional and combining that with her expanding knowledge of the golf swing means Kerry has a broad understanding of the game; a benefit to the pupils who now come to see her for lessons. Kerry is always keen to work with beginners and juniors, and also enjoys working the Pro Shop, meeting and greeting members and visitors – with a friendly smile!
Luke Peterken- PGA Professional (Class A)
Taylormade Performance Lab Specialist
A keen golfer from the age of seven, Luke has always been determined and dedicated to becoming the best player and coach that he can be. Starting as a junior member at The Downshire Complex, he embarked upon an amateur career in which he saw multiple successes. By 21, having achieved the accolade of "most improved player" for two years running and subsequently equalling the course record at Windlesham Golf Club - turning Professional seemed to be an obvious progression.
Throughout his career, Luke has taken a keen interest in all areas of sports performance enhancement and gained a good understanding of the physical elements through his personal achievements in kickboxing, ju-jitsu and squash at a competitive level. Having studied psychology has also enabled him to apply a more holistic view to not only his own game but also his teaching methods.
Since joining Wentworth, Luke has added to his vast skill set, having recently been accredited as a Certified Putting Instructor and also fully trained in the area of Performance fitting, using modern technologies including Trackman, GC2 and the M.A.T.T system (motion analysis technology by Taylormade). He works with many top tour professionals and elite amateurs on a daily basis and together with Adrian Reitveld, is one of only of only a few Professionals worldwide in the position of fitting in a Taylormade Performance Lab (tmplabs.com).
James Sharpe - PGA Professional (Class A)
In 2006 James graduated with a BA Honours degree in 'Applied Golf Management Studies' from The University of Birmingham. This is the latest programme to be co- designed by the University and the PGA for aspiring Golf Professionals. All areas of the golf industry are studied in depth and modules include coach education, sport psychology and business management amongst others.
Whilst at University James captained the Golf 1st Team and benefited from an R&A golf scholarship. Following his graduation, James was appointed Assistant Professional at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake. During this spell he specialised in retail, golf operations and instruction. He also took a leading role in the development of the junior golf programme at Hoylake and coached at The 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in the R&A junior practise centre.
At Wentworth, James is keen to fulfil his interest in golf instruction. Since turning professional James has acquired knowledge and experience that allows him to teach a simple and efficient golf swing. He also appreciates the importance of the mental side of the game and by using his competitive experience as well as the theory he learnt at University, James is able to coach his pupils to think more effectively in practise and on the golf course.
Chris Hedderman - Assistant PGA Professional
Chris turned professional in August 2007, having turned his attention to golf after promising careers in a wide range of sports. Chris has recently completed his second year of PGA training.
Chris has spent seven years working at the Downshire Golf Complex and enjoyed varying successes at amateur level before fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional golfer. He has a keen interest in coaching and loves to help golfers of all levels fulfil their potential and achieve their goals. He has also dedicated large amounts of time promoting the game to youngsters by working with local school partnerships.