Golf Academy
The St Leonards Golf Programme
St Andrews is known as the Home of Golf, and the Golf Programme at St Leonards is recognised as one of the finest golfing schools. Its six-tier specialist programme is delivered in partnership with the St Andrews Links, giving students access to some of the best Links courses, including the Old Course.
Our Golf Programme caters to all abilities, from complete beginners to the elite golfer aspiring to play on a professional level. St Leonards pupils also have a strong track record of securing prestigious Golf Scholarships at US universities including Lehigh University, University of Oregon, Iowa State, Houston Christian University, Furman University, and Wingate University. Our expert instructors are fully equipped to support future scholarship applications.
Fintan Bonner
Fintan Bonner is Director of Golf at St Leonards, and is a Senior Instructor at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy. He is a PGA Level 3 certified practitioner, a UKCC Level 3 qualified professional, a Class AA PGA Professional, and is K-Vest 3D and BodiTrak certified.
As a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Fintan delivers world-class instruction through a combination of strategic analysis, cutting-edge technology and effective communication.
His coaching career has seen him accompany players to tournaments all over the world, including European Tour events, Challenge Tour events, the US Kids World Championships and the Jack Bunny Tour Finals in Japan.
As well as being a highly-regarded instructor, Fintan is a Custom Fit specialist. He has led the leading Golf Programme at St Leonards since 2014.
Latest News
2025 St Leonards Golf Championships
The St Leonards Golf Championships welcomed 275 young players from over 30 schools across Scotland, making it the largest school golf tournament of its kind in the country.
Held on Wednesday 26 March, players aged 8 to 18 competed across four iconic St Andrews Links courses: the Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum and Balgove, on what was a bright but blustery day on the coast.
East of Scotland Golf Champions
St Leonards has been crowned East of Scotland Golf Champions for 2025, securing the title with a well-earned victory over Loretto School. The team put in a fantastic performance, earning wins against some of Scotland’s top golf academies.
This success has secured them a place at the U15 National Golf Championships, and following their strong position in the 2024 Swift Golf Rankings, St Leonards will also represent the UK at the World Championships in Boston later this year.
A remarkable achievement for our young golfers, and an exciting season ahead!
2025 Tom Morris Scholarship
Congratulations to Martin in Year 12, recipient of the 2024 Tom Morris Scholarship. Martin was also selected for the Swiss National Boys Team 2025, joining eight top U18 players competing in next year’s European Championships.
The Tom Morris Scholarship recognises outstanding talent, achievement and dedication to golf. Named after four-time Open Champion Tom Morris, the award places pupils among St Leonards’ top six-tier golf programme, delivered in partnership with St Andrews Links Trust.
The scholarship was presented by Tom Morris’ great-great-granddaughter, Sheila Walker, alongside Director of Golf Fintan Bonner, and Head of School Mr Brian.
World-Class Facilities
St Leonards golfers train at the St Andrews Links Academy, benefitting from some of the finest facilities and tracking technology in the world.
With a suite of indoor and outdoor bays, practice area for putting, and incredible views across the famous Old Course, the Golf Academy is truly unique.
Powered by state-of-the-art technology, the Academy gives St Leonards students access to Top Tracer, Digital V1 Pro, Trackman and SAMPuttLab systems, as well as a BodiTrak BalanceLab to evaluate balance and weight transfer during a golf swing.
St Leonards students are eligible for a coveted Links Ticket, at a minimal cost of around £50 per year, which gives access to the seven stunning Links Courses in St Andrews.
St Andrews Links and St Leonards are partnered with Callaway, providing custom branded Callaway kit for those enrolled on the Programme.
History of the Home of Golf
St Andrews is known worldwide as the Home of Golf, the sport having first been played on the links in the town in the early 15th century. Since then, St Andrews has hosted many famous championships, from the Open (including the 150th in 2022) to the Dunhill, the Walker Cup and the Amateur Championship.
Old Tom Morris was born and raised in the town, becoming known as The Grand Old Man of Golf. St Leonards School was once home to its own golf course designed by Old Tom Morris himself. We award a special Tom Morris Scholarship to one of our pupils each year in his memory.
Today, tourists and golfers travel to St Andrews to play the outstanding courses, see the iconic Swilcan Bridge, and watch some of the top talent the sport has to offer, playing here in the place it first took root.
For detailed information on our state-of-the-art facilities, expert coaching, and unique access to world-renowned courses, we invite you to explore the 2025 St Leonards Golf Academy Programme Guide.
Champions at Swifts Schools Golf JCB Tour Championship Finals
St Leonards Golf Academy won the Swifts Schools Golf JCB Tour Championship. As a result were placed placed No.1 in the UK Order of Merit for the 23/24 golf season.
Two of our teams travelled to the Championship in April 2024, and the St Leonards A Team was victorious by three Strokes over Wellington School. We are incredibly proud of all our players who represented the School. Congratulations to you all!
