The London Golf Performance Academy began with the personal investment and dedication of PGA Professionals Paul Elvin and Mark Curtis, opening its inaugural site at Bexleyheath Golf Club in 2017. This journey started with a vision that evolved from securing planning permission for an outdoor building adjacent to the clubhouse.
Since then, we have continuously improved our facilities, upgraded equipment, and expanded to two additional locations. We established a Callaway Fitting Centre and developed three shop/studios equipped with state-of-the-art Trackman technology. Our efforts have positively impacted over 6,000 individuals seeking to enhance their golf skills.
Our humble beginnings saw Head PGA Professional Fabio Carminati join us as the first member of our coaching team. Initially, with no clients, Paul, Mark, and Fabio personally painted the interior and set up our indoor studio using a Skytrak launch monitor and basic heating.
By 2018, with Fabio and Paul as lead coaches, supported by Alessandro Calcaterra for a year before his return to Italy, our academy gained momentum, becoming a sought-after destination for golf lessons in Bexleyheath.
In 2020, just before the pandemic, a significant investment in Trackman technology and upgraded facilities, including heating and air conditioning, marked a pivotal upgrade phase. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, our perseverance led to being awarded the Golf Academy of the Year Award for South England, a testament to our dedication during uncertain times.
Paul Elvin made the strategic decision to step back from hands-on coaching to concentrate on steering the company’s overall direction. By focusing on transitioning the facilities to an unmanned model, Paul streamlined operations and ensured efficient management of the business finances. His efforts were directed towards developing a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at establishing the London Golf Performance Academy as one of the most recognised and esteemed golf facilities in the industry. This pivotal shift allowed Paul to concentrate on elevating the academy’s profile and long-term success.
Navigating through closures and challenges, we used the downtime to plan and strategise, resulting in the expansion to Aquarius Golf Club in 2021. This self-funded initiative introduced a new shop/studio and welcomed Head Coach Hugh Campbell. Meanwhile, our Bexleyheath site continued under the leadership of Mark Curtis and Fabio Carminati with support from Jordan Godwin as the third coach.
Further bolstering our commitment to innovation and service excellence, 2021 also saw the expansion of our Callaway Club Fitting and Trackman capabilities across both locations.
In late 2022, our vision materialised with the opening of our flagship store at St Katharine Docks in Central London. This achievement marked a significant milestone, featuring another state-of-the-art Trackman studio, premium Callaway custom fitting equipment, and accessible practice options using leading technology in the heart of London.
Headed by Mark Curtis, who became Trackman certified, and enriched by the expertise of Master PGA Professional Scott Cranfield in 2023, our St Katharine Docks facility solidified our position as a leader in golf coaching and technology.
As of March 2024, with continued growth and demand, we expanded further at St Katharine Docks, adding a new Trackman Powered Bay to accommodate increased membership and custom fitting opportunities. Charlie Day has joined our coaching team, enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional coaching experiences.
6,000
People Have Used The London Golf Performance Academy
The Future..
Behind the scenes the business is constantly analysing, reinvesting and planning the future. We are in the process of searching for another expansion into a new location and we are working hard to become established as one of the most affordable and beneficial ways to practice golf in London.
Our team of Golf Professionals are constantly learning, improving and staying up to speed with the latest information and technology to provide the best golf lessons in London.