Coaching

●  Director of Teaching

Marcus Wheelhouse, a former world number one amateur golfer and tour player for 12 years, has a long an illustrious career in supporting NZ golfing talent. Honoured as the NZPGA Coach of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019, he is our Director of Teaching at the Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre.

Beginning his journey at the age of eight, he went on to become the New Zealand Amateur Champion in both 1993 and 1994, the Lake Macquarie Champion in Australia in 1994, and the world's number one ranked amateur golfer in 1995.
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His impressive achievements include being named Auckland Sportsman of the Year in 1995 and winning 31 amateur events internationally and in New Zealand.
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Turning professional in 1996, Marcus earned accolades such as Australasian Tour Rookie of the Year (1996-97) and maintained a consistent presence on the Australasian Tour (1996-2008) and European Challenge Tour (1996-2001).
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After retiring from full-time playing in 2008, Marcus shifted his focus to coaching and became an AAA NZPGA Member where his coaching resume includes guiding Mike Hendry to victory at the 2017 New Zealand Open and coaching European Tour player, Ryan Fox, who rose to 66th on the Official World Golf Ranking in 2019.
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Passionate about learning, Marcus is also certified in Trackman, Boditrak, Capto putting, and TPI, using this technology to enhance his coaching and elevate your game.
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Having attended over 25 major championships to coach and host tour groups, Marcus is a true student of the game. He takes pride in helping both professional and amateur players reach the next level in their golfing journeys.

●  Head Professional
      NZPGA Coach of the Year 2024

Rodney Yee is regarded as one of New Zealand's top golf coaches, renowned for his remarkable coaching methodology. With over 20 years of experience, he has mentored a New Zealand Amateur Champion, several International Amateur Champions, Australian Junior Champions, and 3 x Junior WorldStar Champions. Rodney's students have excelled at both national and international championships across various age groups.
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A finalist for several prestigious awards, including PGA Professional Coach and National Community Coach of the Year at The National Golf Awards, his coaching methods have been refined over nearly two decades and cater to golfers of all skill levels.
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Originating from Christchurch, Rodney began playing golf at the age of seven, going on to have a spectacular amateur career representing Canterbury at both the junior and senior levels.

Rodney also acts as our Head Club Fitter, using his extensive coaching experience to assist golfers find the right equipment to enhance their game. His belief that "Golf is Simple" reflects his commitment to making the game accessible and enjoyable for all.

●  PGA Professional

With over a decade of experience, Jess excels in designing and implementing beginner programs for both juniors and women.
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Her passion for introducing individuals to golf is evident as she guides players of all abilities, helping them integrate golf into their lives, whether they aim to compete or simply enjoy the social and outdoor aspects of the game.
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Inspired by her father, Jess's golf journey began at a young age and has held a special place in her heart ever since. She proudly brings a strong female presence to the golf course, having represented Canterbury for four years and earning accolades such as the Canterbury Women’s Order of Merit and Women’s Golfer of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

●  PGA Professional

Harry is passionate about helping as many people as possible to play the game of golf and delivers a lot of junior, ladies, and men’s group coaching sessions. In individual lessons, he coaches players of all abilities and skill levels to help them achieve their goals.

Harry grew up in Central Otago where he represented Otago in both age group and senior representative teams before moving to Australia to play and complete his PGA Traineeship. During his time in Australia, he spent time coaching at Australian Top 20 club, Metropolitan, as well as experienced premium club fitting with Pureform. Since moving back to New Zealand, Harry has been coaching locally in Christchurch.

Harry joins us in a part time capacity, while continuing to coach in Mid Canterbury. He will be available Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.

●  PGA Professional

One of our newest team members, Matt Holten, returns to Clearwater in the role of PGA Professional at the Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre. Matt has spent his teaching career at Clearwater and Waimari Beach, before becoming the Titleist Club Fitter for the South Island. Matt will be providing fitting and coaching services at the facility.

Before teaching, Matt represented New Zealand as an amateur before entering the touring professional ranks in 2005 at the Singapore Open. After a number of years on tour in Australia and Asia, Matt decided to formalise his golfing credentials as a full member of the NZPGA.

Matt is a magnificent ambassador for golf – he loves the game and wants everyone to reach their potential while realising, through his own first-hand experiences, that golf is a game of inches – small changes making huge differences and patience being a key.

●  Trainee Professional

Hailing from China, and bilingual in both Mandarin and English, Steven Yang’s golf journey spans over a decade, during which time he has gained a profound understanding of the game under the mentorship of our Head Professional, Rodney Yee.
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Steven’s coaching philosophy combines the latest training aids and cutting-edge techniques with a personalised approach, ensuring tailored support for each player.
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Whether it's perfecting swing mechanics, mastering the short game, or crafting a winning course management strategy, Steven’s expertise is evident.

●  Trainee Professional

At just 20 years old, McKenzie joins our team at the Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre as a Trainee Professional. McKenzie has been a member at Russley since he was 14, participating in their junior program, run by Rodney. From there, he became heavily involved in developing and executing the junior program, while representing the club in interclub matches. McKenzie’s specific focus will be junior golf and running the Sir Bob’s Junior Program.  

McKenzie’s exceptional attention to detail is evident in his own golf game and takes great pride in his coaching. Being a first-year trainee PGA professional, McKenzie is already well-positioned to help you build confidence and elevate your game.