David Whelan
Hometown:
About David Whelan
Whelan, Director of the IMG Academy golf program, joined the Academy in 2003. Previously, he was the European Director of Instruction for the David Leadbetter Golf Academy for nearly ten years.
A Senior Certified Leadbetter Instructor, Whelan has a long list of notable students, including LPGA Tour pros Paula Creamer (2010 U.S. Women’s Open champion), Rachel Hetherington, Aree and Naree Song and Catriona Matthew (2009 Women’s British Open winner), PGA TOUR players Casey Wittenberg and Tom Gillis, as well as a number of European Tour members. Whelan himself played 12 years on the European PGA TOUR. He was also a European Ryder Cup team member.
This past summer, Whelan coached Paula Creamer (U.S. Women’s Open), Peter Uihlein (U.S. Amateur) and Doris Chen (U.S. Girls’ Junior) to three prestigious USGA titles.
Education/Accreditations
- Full member of the PGA and PGA European Tour
Experience:
- IMG Academy golf program Bradenton, FL (2003 – Present)
- European Director of Instruction for DLGA (1993-2002)
- Cambridge University Golf Team Coach (1995-1999)
- National Junior Tour Coach UK (1995-1999)
- Senior Certified Leadbetter Instructor
Notable Students:
- Paula Creamer – LPGA Tour, Solheim Cup Team member
- Aree Song – LPGA Tour
- Naree Song – LPGA Tour
- Tom Gillis – PGA Tour
- Casey Wittenberg – PGA Tour
- Gary Orr – European Tour
- Dean Robertson – European Tour
- Peter Baker – European Tour, European Ryder Cup Team member
- David Guilford – European Tour, European Ryder Cup Team member
- Paul Lawrie – European Tour, British Open Champion, European Ryder Cup Team member
- Per Ulrik Johansson – European Tour, European Ryder Cup Team Member
- Carl Sunnesson – European Tour
- Adam Hunter – European Tour
- Catriona Mathew
- Rachael Hertherington
Playing Experience:
- 12 years on the European PGA Tour
- Winner of the Barcelona Open beating Nick Faldo in playoff
- 5 Winter tours of South Africa
- Winner Epson most improved player 1988