Meet The Team
At Yorkshire Golf Academy, our top-tier panel of coaches offers an unparalleled range of expertise, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to European Tour winners. Our coaches who have mentored European Tour players, PGA Professionals, and England National Members, with some having even competed on the European Tour themselves. Whatever your goals, our team is equipped with specialist skills to guide beginners, juniors, and elite European Tour winners alike.
Expert PGA Coaching - Benefit from personalized 1-1 coaching, tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Cutting-Edge Technology - Experience in-depth analysis with Trackman technology and high-speed cameras for a comprehensive understanding of your swing.
CoachNow Platform - Enjoy in-between lesson support and guidance, ensuring a continuous and personalized learning experience.
Phil Akers
Yorkshire Golf Academy Director
Phil is a PGA Professional with over 15 years of experience in the golf industry. Twice recognised as a runner-up for England Golf Coach of the Year, Phil has trained under some of the most renowned experts in the sport. As one of only seven TPI Level 3 Junior Golf Coaches in the UK, he is passionate about developing young talent and helping them reach their full potential. Having played a key role in growing some of the best academies in the UK, including The Belfry, Phil brings a wealth of experience in nurturing future golf champions.
Scott McGovern
Yorkshire Golf Academy Director
Scott is a PGA Professional with a deep passion for the game of golf. With a commitment to igniting that same enthusiasm in the golfers he mentors, Scott provides expert guidance and unwavering support to help players achieve their goals. His experience spans coaching golfers of all abilities, from complete beginners to county players, collegiate athletes, and professionals. His expertise is further enhanced by his personal experience as a professional competitor throughout the UK and Europe,
Henry Taylor
PGA Head Coach
Henry Taylor has spent the past 11 years helping golfers of all abilities improve their performance and achieve lasting results. He possesses a high level of technical knowledge but believes great coaching extends far beyond swing mechanics. Obsessed with golf performance and fascinated by how golfers learn, Henry loves helping players pursue mastery through purposeful practice, better decision-making, and effective skill development. His coaching experience ranges from beginners to golfers competing at the highest levels, including working with DP World Tour winners and supporting county and regional players. Every session is tailored to the individual, helping golfers develop the skills, confidence, and understanding needed to perform their best on the golf course
Verlisha Rider
PGA Coach
Verlisha Rider is a PGA Professional with a passion for making golf welcoming, enjoyable and accessible for players of all ages and abilities. She specialises in junior development, beginner coaching and ladies’ golf, helping golfers build confidence, develop strong fundamentals and enjoy their journey in the game.
Verlisha has developed and grown a highly successful ladies’ coaching programme, creating a supportive and social environment where women can learn, improve and feel comfortable on the golf course. Her friendly and encouraging coaching style also makes her particularly effective with beginners and juniors taking their first steps into golf.
With a strong focus on communication, confidence and long-term development, Verlisha is committed to helping every golfer progress at their own pace while developing a genuine love for the game.
Chris Hanson
Performance Coach
Chris Hanson is a former European Tour player who brings a wealth of elite playing experience into his coaching at Waterton Park Golf Club. Having competed at the highest level of the professional game, Chris understands the technical, tactical and mental demands required to perform under pressure.
Now focused on coaching, Chris works with golfers looking to improve their performance through a clear, practical and player-focused approach. His experience on the European Tour allows him to offer valuable insight into course management, scoring, tournament preparation and the finer details that can make the difference at every level of the game.
Chris is passionate about helping golfers develop a better understanding of their own game and giving them the tools, confidence and structure to perform more consistently.