Chris Coles, PGA Professional at Saltford Golf Club in Somerset, England has used his lockdown time to learn more about putting, becoming a Frankly Certified Putting Instructor.
CPI Chris Coles of Saltford Golf Club
A PGA professional for 4 years, Coles enjoyed his CPI Course experience.
“Since qualifying I was dedicated to the golf swing but not focused on short game or putting because it was something that I had never studied.
“The CPI Course was great to improve my knowledge, I found it very beneficial with lots of information so I can give better putting lessons to my students.”
There were many interesting new areas that Coles found helpful.
“I learned a lot in the CPI Course. The section on putter technology made me realize how important a properly fitted putter and set up is. Also the importance of toe heel weighting locations and the stability of the putter. The practice drills were also excellent.
“It gave me a better structure for my putting lessons that I can deliver consistently.”
From the age of 16 Coles enjoyed being in and around the golf industry, helping out in his local professional shop at Farrington Park and as an accomplished player, having played for his county team he knew that becoming a PGA professional would be a good career move.
CPI Coles teaching his student
Now based at Saltford Golf Club in Somerset, Coles teaches a wide range of golfers of all abilities, but he especially enjoys working with juniors at the club and is the Somerset U-12 Boys Coach, as well as the Somerset Girls Futures North coach.
“I go into primary schools and do outreach to the local community. Saltford Golf Club has 100 juniors. The junior organizers I work with are great and eager to recruit as many juniors as possible. We are finding that the junior program can become a pathway to family golf, creating a welcoming, friendly atmosphere at the golf club.
“The enjoyment side of the game is something I like to pass on to my juniors. Golf is a sport that they can always come back to. They can socialize, make good friends but it also teaches them good habits and etiquette. I enjoy seeing them improve as they grow up. It is very rewarding.”
Coles looks forward to implementing the teachings of the CPI Course and delivering results for his students.
“I enjoy teaching putting because there are so many different ways to do it. The CPI Course has opened my eyes to how it can be taught even more effectively. With putting you get quick, instant results. Students leave knowing that they have achieved something and having done the CPI course I look forward to delivering even better results.”
Frank Thomas, founder of Frankly Golf, former longtime USGA Technical Director, inventor of the graphite shaft and the person who introduced the Stimpmeter to the game of golf said
“Chris has recognized that the CPI Course has filled the void in the formal requirement to become a PGA professional and is contributing significantly to the game of golf by using this course to pass on his knowledge to his junior program and other students. Obviously Chris has a bright future and is passionate about growing the game.”
Certified Putting Instructor 