Tuition - Instructor Profiles

Adam Hunter
Director of Instruction

Adam Hunter, Director of Instruction turned professional in 1984 when he won his European Tour Card at his first attempt. During his career as a European Tour member he won more than 40 Pro-Ams and three major Tartan Tour Events, the pinnacle of his career being when he beat Ireland’s Darren Clarke in a play-off to win his first major European Tour Event, the 1995 Portuguese Open.

Since retiring from competitive golf in 1998 Adam has focused his attention on coaching and is a certified NLP Master Practitioner, PGA qualified, and NSPCC and Disclosure Scotland certified.

His innovative ideas paid dividends in July 1999 when one of his students, Paul Lawrie, won the 1999 British Open at Carnoustie. In recognition of his unique style and dedication to coaching Adam was voted the 1999 Professional Coach of the Year by the Scottish Institute of Sport.

“I have a reputation for the work I do with Tour Players Alastair Forsyth, Stephen Gallacher, Paul Lawrie and Gary Orr, but I derive great pleasure from coaching all my students and watching the simple pleasure they receive from hitting a good shot again and again” says Adam.

Dedicated to providing his students with the best coaching experience available anywhere in the world he prides himself on tailoring fun practice schedules that will accelerate the learning process and improve your game whether you are a complete beginner or a British Open Champion. You do not need to be the most naturally talented player in the world to become a great golfer but with a little bit of determination, dedication and Adam Hunter’s tuition you will definitely be on your way to becoming a better golfer.

	Adam’s Philosophy: As long as my students are committed to improvement I am happy to work with anyone at all regardless of age, gender or ability.

Stephen McAllister
Corporate Golf Manager

Stephen McAllister, a two times European Tour winner, has over 20 years’ experience playing and teaching golf and turned professional in 1983 after a successful amateur career. He is PGA qualified, NSPCC certified, a Renfrewshire Golf Union coach and a commentator for the 2005 British Open with the BBC Radio golf analysis team.

Serving his formative years with two very experienced PGA Professionals, Stephen gained valuable knowledge and understanding of the golf game and the diverse methodologies of teaching. This experience has played a major part in Stephen’s philosophy when coaching golfers of varying degrees of ability.

As a player, Stephen was taught by some of the best coaches in the world, and he derives great pleasure from sharing this knowledge and expertise with his pupils.

During his career, Stephen has worked with golfers of all ages, abilities and disabilities from complete beginners (children and adults), to professionals – the common denominator being helping them to hone their skills and fulfil their enjoyment of the game.

Stephen is now Corporate Golf Manager at Mearns Castle Golf Academy, and given his coaching credentials and passion for the game, it’s not surprising that corporate golf is on the upswing at The Academy.

1983 – 1985		Attached and trained by Peter Thomson at Erskine Golf Club
1985 – 1987		Moved to the Normandy Golf Range under the supervision of John Mulgrew.
1986		Qualified with merit as a PGA professional.
1987		Qualified to play on The European Tour after gaining a player’s card at La Manga.

Stephen played his last European Tour event in 2000 and is a life member of the European Tour.

	Stephen’s Philosophy: “It’s time to change the way you play“

George Boswell

George turned Professional in 1997 and topped that year off with a top 10 in the Scottish PGA then followed this with a 66 to finish top Scot in the British PGA Assistants tournament. George joined the coaching team at the Academy having spent five years as the Professional at Gleddoch Golf & Country Club gaining experience in group coaching and corporate golf days.

As a coach, George’s aim is to show his clients how to attain their golfing ambitions whether it’s dropping their handicap from 19 to 18 or from 3 to +2. George has worked with golfers of all ages and abilities.

• PGA ‘Diploma’ Graduate – with merit
• PGA Golf Specific Fitness
• NSPCC & Disclosure Scotland Certified

	George’s Philosophy: “To help each player improve and understand their own unique swing and game.

Karyn Burns

Karyn tuned Professional in 1999 after a successful amateur career including several caps for Scotland at both junior and senior level. Having gained a Diploma in Golf and Leisure Management, Karyn began her PGA training at Douglas Park Golf Club and was voted Scottish PGA Trainee of the Year in 2003, only the third woman to be awarded this title.

As a member of the team at Mearns Castle, Karyn coaches all levels of players from beginner through to county, national and professional level.

• PGA Qualified Professional
• Dip. Golf & Leisure Management
• Dip. Sports Psychology
• Master NLP Sports Practitioner
• NSPCC & Disclosure Scotland Certified

	Karyn’s Philosophy: “To adapt my coaching style for each individual to help them achieve their golfing potential whilst having fun doing so.”

Iain Kennedy

Iain turned Professional in 1996 following a successful amateur career which included a two year scholarship in America. After completing his PGA training at Bonnyton Golf Club, Iain then gained valuable coaching experience in Germany where he worked with golfers of all levels for three years.

Since 2003 Iain has been a member of the coaching team here at the Academy and has attended numerous PGA Personal Development Programmes to the benefit of his client base which ranges from juniors and complete beginners to seasoned players and professionals.

• PGA Qualified Professional
• NLP Sport Practitioner
• NSPCC & Disclosure Scotland Certified

	Iain’s Philosophy: “Be committed and enjoy the game.”