World's top coach unveils academy plan - and it could be at Goodwood

David Leadbetter – the man who coached six players who have reached No1 in the world – has 28 academies in 13 countries, but has yet to set up a base in the UK.

Originally from West Sussex, Leadbetter would love to have a base in the county. Preliminary talks have taken place, and the Observer understands more are planned.

Leadbetter is now based mainly in America, but his mother lives in Rustington – and on a flying visit to the UK, he outlined his plans to expand his continually-expanding golf empire.

“We have been talking to Goodwood about doing something, but it’s in the very early stages,” he said.

“Goodwood is a lovely facility – I was amazed what I found there, and it has real potential to do something.

“People know about Goodwood not only in the local market, but worldwide. It’s a fabulous place, and it would be an ideal location.

“One of things that’s very important to us when we open an academy is the location, and potential practice facilities. Goodwood doesn’t have that at the moment, but I know they’re looking at doing something.

“It’s certainly a nice amenity, and it would be nice for me to have something close to home.

“Goodwood has a fabulous product, with the hotel and the two courses and, of course, its own airfield as well as not being that far from Gatwick. Space to develop would not be an issue for them at all, either.

“It ticks all the boxes for me, with the facilities it could offer and being close to an area I know well.”

And the possibility of linking the Leadbetter brand, one of the most prestigious in golf, with Goodwood and its reputation for quality is one that excites him.

Leadbetter added: “We have some exciting things in the pipeline as far as changing the way the game is coached.

“You have got to keep progressing – I’ve always been at the cutting edge of instruction, and we have to see if we can get people to play this game in a more correct manner and enjoy playing a bit more. For many of us, that’s a lifetime’s pursuit!”

Leadbetter is a household name around the world, but his early years were spent in the family home in Worthing.

His family moved to Rhodesia, where he played golf with the likes of Nick Price and Mark McNulty. After a spell in South Africa, he came back to the UK and tried to get his European Tour card.

Leadbetter moved to the States in 1980. He does not have time to coach a lot of players, but still works with several stars, including Ernie Els, Ian Poulter, Michelle Wie and Suzann Pettersen.

COLIN CHANNON