Coaching Staff

Who Are We ?

Academy Director

Barry Lakin

Director of The Sports Academy with over 15 years working within the sporting industry, including 6 years as a professional footballer with Leyton Orient. Barry has been responsible for development from inception of The Sporting Academy and it has seen over 40 students turn professional as players or PGA teaching professionals.

E-mail: barry@thesportsacademy.org

Lead Golf Coach

Steve Cardy - MSc

Steve is a highly respected coach who started his professional career at Three Rivers Golf and Country Club in Essex. In 1996 Steve moved to the Swingfield Family Golf Centre to become Head Professional and full time coach, working with players of all levels from beginner to Tournament professionals.
Throughout his career Steve has attended, and contributed to, many teaching and coaching summits in the UK, mainland Europe and the USA.
Further enhancing Steve’s excellent coaching reputation he holds the highly distinguished posts of PGA of Great Britain National Swing Tutor and Swing Examiner. Furthermore, and in conjunction with David Brooks, he has been a leading light in establishing the Essex County Coaching programme as one of the most successful of its kind in the UK. This he has achieved in his capacity as an Essex County Coach
Steve has been award his MSc in the science of sports coaching from London South Bank University.

Golf Coach

Gary Carter

PGA Professional Gary began his playing career as a member of the Under 18 England Team and was twice the winner of the South of England Junior Championship, before turning professional at the age of twenty. Since joining Five Lakes in 1995, Gary has continued competing, winning several competitions including the 1998 Essex PGA Championship and has recently won the East Region PGA Qualifying Trophy. Gary's ever popular golf lessons and clinics have led to a decrease in his competitive golf as he has now turned his focus to passing his skills on to the next generation of talented young golfers.
 

Golf Fitness Coach

Vicki Cumberworth

Vicki has 8 years experience in the fitness industry, she is a CHEK Practitoner and Golf Biomechanic. Vicki qualified in Golf Biomechanics in California and works with Pro Golfers and Amatuer golfers. Other qualifications include, Nutrition & Lifestyle coaching CHEK Level 2. Strength & Conditioning Coach - Polquin Level 1

Statistical Analysis

Chris Sells

Owner and designer of Strokeaverage.com, Chris has vast experience in understanding and interpreting the statistical side of the game of golf. Each client will have an online account with Strokeaverage.com and Chris will be available to analyse specific data through the website.
StrokeAverage.com helps you to improve your golf through recording and analysing your golf statistics. It is the world's most powerful golf stats and golf analysis system and is used by golfers of all standards, from club golfers to Ryder Cup stars.

Equipment service

Lee Porter

Lee will offer a complete bespoke service for your golf equipment. Whether you require new clubs or want to customise your current set Lee can help. With over 25 years experience Lee offers everything from a simple loft and lie adjustment to advanced frequency matching. Custom fitting is where the golf club is personalised to the player rather than the player having to adapt to the golf club. Good Custom Fitting not only looks at the player’s physical requirements but also takes into account the player’s ability and the amount of golf they actually play. It is only from here that the ultimate set can be built. Many facilities offer custom fitting, but very few offer a good fitting service. Hitting half a dozen shots as “the fitter” looks on is not custom fitting. Good fitting cannot be done by eye alone; a comprehensive demo kit and some very advanced computer equipment is needed to ensure the perfect fit. A good custom fit should include all of the following: Player Interview, Current Equipment Evaluation, Length Assessment, Lie Assessment, Grip Sizing, Head Design, Shaft Flex, Shaft Material & Characteristic, Set Make Up, Follow Up Appointments - to ensure the perfect fit. FlightScope is the world’s original, leading technology for 3D ball tracking and sports information systems. It will take you beyond your imagination in achieving exceptional performance in your game.
Flightscope allows me to collect data such as launch angle, spin rate and strike efficiency to name a few. Using this data I am able recommend the perfect fit.