Bishops Gate Golf Academy Announces New Director of Golf
Kevin Craggs swaps The Home of Golf for the Home of the Brave
Bishops Gate Golf Academy (BGGA) announces a new Director of Golf Coaching and Instruction in Kevin Craggs, renowned PGA Advanced Fellow Professional.
After playing on the European tour for a number of years, Kevin transitioned into coaching and for many years was the coach to the Scottish National team. He built his career on successfully improving the games of golfers at all levels from Junior Golfers, Club Golfers all the way through to Tour Players on both the U.S. and European tours. Over the last 10 years his teaching philosophies have regularly been featured in two of the country’s top selling golf magazines and featured 12 times on front covers.
“This is an exciting opportunity to lead student-athletes at the most prestigious junior golf and academic institution in the world,” Craggs said. “I am sincerely thankful to the leadership at BGGA, and look forward to bringing my experiences to assisting these young women and men in achieving their goals.”
Craggs will take the reins of the program that is dominant in the U.S., with 56 wins last season, more than its east coast competitors combined. Craggs replaces Kevin Smeltz, who remains as a BGGA Advisory Board Member.
“Craggs has a very significant career, and his experience in the highest levels of golf training and his affinity with the players is second to none. We are delighted Kevin is joining us,” said Andrew Summers, BGGA CEO and Founder. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see BGGA’s success this past season, a testament to our investment in our facilities and people, which is the foundation for students to develop their golf at BGGA. With Craggs joining the team, we expect our student’s development to continue to excel in the years to come.”
Kevin Craggs testimonials from players and the media:
European Tour Players
“His knowledge and enthusiasm for the game installs invaluable confidence in a pupil. In my mind he is an outstanding coach with a fantastic appetite to improve player’s skills”
Sandy Lyle (Former US Masters & British Open Winner)
“I’ve worked with Kevin for years and must admit that he’s the most enthusiastic and positive coach I’ve ever had, he is terrific, great Coach with a vast knowledge”
Colin Montgomerie (European Tour Player & Ryder Cup Captain)
“One of the most Natural and talented Coaches I have ever seen”
Severiano Ballesteros (All Time Golf Legend)
“Having worked with some of the best coaches in the world Kevin is certainly among those talented few who have the ability to tailor specific swing mechanics to suit the pupil”
Phillip Parkin (Sky Sports Commentator & Former European tour Player)
“Great coach with a real passion to improve a player’s game”
Stephen Gallacher (European Tour Winner & Ryder Cup Player)
“Top guy who gave me some great foundations to build my game and career on”
Nicolas Colsaerts (European Tour Winner & Ryder Cup Player)
LPGA & LET Tour Players
“Kevin has been a very positive influence on my golf both mentally and physically. He has a great positive attitude and we have done a lot of good work together on my swing to the point that I feel that I am playing the best golf of my life” Catriona Matthew (LPGA Tour Player & Ladies British Open Winner 2009)
“Kevin not only saved my Game he rescued my career. His knowledge and ability to coach in a simple way is without doubt world class, he is a major influence to me on and off the course
Mel Reid (LPGA Tour Player)
“I have worked with Kevin for many years, he understands all aspects of the game and has an amazing talent to educate and motivate players to get the very best from their ability”
Kylie Walker (Ladies European Tour Player)
“Kevin is by far the most enthusiastic and able coach with whom I have ever worked with, his knowledge of the golf swing is superb making learning and understanding easy. There is no doubt that I would have not achieved the same success in my career without his support.
Lynn Kenny (Ladies European Tour Player)
“When I’m just near him it makes me want to be better. I’ve never had this much fun playing golf’
Paula Creamer (LPGA Tour Player & Major Winner)
“Kevin is an amazing coach and mentor who can bring the very best out of me and my game”
Tiffany Chan (LPGA Tour Player)
Media Publications
“Kevin’s clear and consistent teaching style earned him a place on Golf Monthly’s list of top 25 UK coaches. Since then he has regularly provided the magazine with imaginative and effective instruction, making him a valued member of our top team of teaching professionals. For every swing fault he has a range of different cures that he explains with precision and clarity”. – Golf Monthly Magazine
“Kevin has the very rare ability to explain the nuances of the golf swing in simple, understandable terms. He is extremely inspirational and makes you want to improve.” – Bunkered Magazine
“Kevin combines the vast knowledge of one of the world’s leading coaches with simplicity – an unbeatable mix for the eager to learn.” “Kevin does the impossible – he makes golf simple.” – Daily Record Newspaper
About Bishops Gate Golf Academy
The Mission of the Bishops Gate Golf Academy (BGGA) is to inspire and build excellence of golf skill and character in our student-athletes. BGGA’s golf development program combines athletics and academics for high school and postgraduate students with boarding and non-boarding options. Our coaching team delivers a strong individualized program that combines technical, mental, strategic and physical development in an ongoing cycle of training, preparation and tournament competition. (www.bgga.com)
