The Academy
The Academy at The Blackwood is North Down’s centre of excellence for golf improvement. We have PGA Professionals waiting to help you start your journey to better golf. Superb facilities with our driving range, putting green, short game area plus TWO courses to choose from and state of the art technology with Foesight Sports and Toptracer. With all this your improvement is personally guaranteed! Regardless of your age or ability, we can help you learn how to play golf.
Our PGA Professionals
As a professional Golf Coach, I have gathered a wealth of experience from a variety of some of the most recognised coaches in the world. It was a privilege for me to begin my coaching career with Michael Bannon , coach to Rory McIlroy. Michaels focus on the fundamentals of the game have become a bedrock for my teaching and helps me focus on individuals rather than swing styles or methods. Also influenced by Claude Harmon and Justin Parsons coach to Open Champion Brian Harman.
The use of modern technologies combined with a TPI education helps me to leave no stone unturned in identifying your swing characteristics and finding your most efficient swing.
Finding a plan for you is a critical moment in the path to improvement and this plan begins with assessment of your game and identifying the areas of focus to meet your goals. That might be better course management , a better putting stroke or maybe some swing education. You can be a better golfer with a plan , call me now to be your improvement partner in golf.
30 min Lesson – £35
45 min lesson – £45
With over 45 years of playing experience, including time as a former Sunshine tour player, I am now a fully qualified PGA Professional at Blackwood Golf Centre, dedicated to helping golfers of all ages improve with confidence and clear direction. My coaching blends simple, effective instruction with modern technology, using our Toptracer driving range, video analysis, and indoor studio to deliver structured, high-quality sessions all year round.
I also offer on-course lessons focused on course strategy, shot selection, and decision-making—essential skills that directly influence scoring. Every player benefits from a personalised plan, so we set clear, achievable goals that guide practice and track real progress.
Alongside individual coaching, I run the Blackwood Kids Academy, coaching over 40 young golfers each week. I also host highly popular Summer and Easter junior coaching camps, giving children a fun, energetic, and supportive environment to learn and grow.
Whether you’re new to the game or striving for more consistent, confident golf, I’m here to help you play smarter, develop faster, and enjoy the game more than ever.
Coaching Rates:
Summer & Easter junior camps: £100 per child
Individual lesson (30 min): £30
Individual lesson (60 min): £60
On-course lesson (2 hours): £100
Stephen Rourke –
Steven Rourke, a dedicated golf professional based at the esteemed Blackwood Golf Centre near Bangor, specialises in golf lessons geared towards improving your game and boosting the overall joy that this fantastic sport brings you. With years of experience under his belt, Steven, a respected PGA professional, possesses the skill and knowledge to help golfers of all abilities, from those just teeing off their journeys to seasoned players keen to refine their techniques. Blackwood Golf Centre is equipped with a covered driving range and state-of-the-art indoor studio, fully loaded with Toptracer technology delivering accurate data about your swing. This means all lessons can proceed as scheduled, irrespective of the weather. Steven Rourke’s lessons focus on pivotal aspects of the game such as golf fundamentals, swing basics, short game, long game, and course management. This comprehensive approach to coaching ensures that you gain holistic understanding of the game and make noticeable improvement where it matters most. In addition to his technical teaching, Steven also possesses a welcoming and patient coaching style, ensuring that you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your learning journey. No concern is too small and no goal too ambitious; Steven is there to listen and guide you every step of the way, making positive changes to your game that result in noticeable success on the fairway. So why wait? Get in touch with Steven Rourke at Blackwood Golf Centre today and take your golfing experience to the next level. Reignite your passion for the sport and revel in the satisfaction of an ever-improving performance.
Contact Stephen on 0777 1727448
30 min lesson – £30
45 min lesson – £40
Junior Academy
If you’re under 18 then we make sure that you have FUN at the Academy. It’s not all about distance, how hard you hit the ball or serious competition – at the Academy we have games aplenty and make learning about golf as fun as we can. Weekly classes take place at weekends and we have a range of camps at Easter, Summer and Halloween holidays.
From 4 to 17
Email – mccleanjohn74@gmail.com