David Whelan
- Title: Director
- Since: 2003
- Hometown: Newcastle, UK
- Turned Pro: 1981
David.Whelan@imgworld.com
Printable PDF Bio
Coaching Experience:
- IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy 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
Education/Accreditations:
- Full member of the PGA and PGA European Tour
- Implemented the Leadbetter training program
Golf Tips and Golf Drills - Tips for Young Golfer SeriesnnLearn from IMG Leadbetter Golf Instructor, Stuart Clayton, some tips and drills for youth golfers. This is the first video in a series of ten...




If you are an aspiring or current professional, IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy is the world's premier training grounds. For LPGA, PGA, and other top players to improve their games and prepare for their respective professional seasons, IMG Leadbetter offers a completely customized program that is implemented to cater to the specific needs of each individual player. Past participants include Paula Creamer, Julieta Granada, Casey Wittenberg, Carolina Llano, Catriona Matthews, Ryo Ishikawa and many more
Clayton has worked at numerous David Leadbetter Golf facilities throughout the world including in Austria, South Korea and England. He's been at the IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy since 2010 and has worked with notable LPGA player such as Na Yeon Choi and Mi Jung Hur. As a junior golfer he was a finalist in 1993 at St. Andrews and was the 1999 North-East-Noth-West PGA Assistants Champion.
Creamer came to IMG Academies when she was 13 years old and has been training here ever since. Her personal coach is IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy Director, David Whelan, and he has been by her side throughout her entire career.