Peter Cowen, an English golf coach based between Rotherham and Dubai, has worked with several Major champions, from Graeme McDowell to Henrik Stenson. Here is an overview of his career, his students, his philosophy, and his video lessons.
Who is Peter Cowen?
Peter Cowen (known as “Peter Cowen”) is a British golf coach known for his technical yet pragmatic approach.
Although he receives less media attention than others, he is a true institution behind the scenes on the European Tour and the PGA Tour, where he is respected by the top players for his ability to “fix” swings and make them more consistent under pressure.
Peter Cowen, a professor for Europe’s elite
From Player to Coach
Born in 1951 in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Peter Cowen first played on the European Tour in the 1970s and early 1980s. Among his achievements, he won the Zambia Open in 1976. He then turned his attention to teaching, establishing two academies: one in Rotherham, England, and the other at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. He was named Coach of the Year in the United Kingdom in 2010.
His most famous students
Peter Cowen has built his reputation by working with a wide range of European players who have reached the pinnacle of their sport. He is known for his ability to quickly identify flaws in a swing and offer straightforward solutions, often based on physics and the fundamental principles of movement. His most notable successes include his work with:
- Brooks Koepka: a longtime student who turned to him right from the start of his career on the European Tour; Cowen coached him leading up to his first major title, the 2017 U.S. Open.
- Henrik Stenson: one of Cowen’s most successful partnerships, spanning more than fifteen years. He helped Stenson refine his game and his swing, leading up to his historic victory at the 2016 British Open, where he delivered one of the greatest performances in golf history.
- Lee Westwood: Cowen worked with Westwood for many years, helping him become one of the most consistent and reliable players on the Tour.
- Graeme McDowell: His victory at the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach was the first major title won by one of Cowen's students.
- Darren Clarke: Cowen was part of Clarke's entourage when he won the 2011 British Open.
- Gary Woodland: Winner of the 2019 U.S. Open.
He has also worked with Rory McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Danny Willett, and Sergio García.
Peter Cowen's Philosophy: Simplicity and Resilience
Peter Cowen’s philosophy is often summed up in two words: “solidity” and “simplicity.” He teaches swing principles that hold up under the pressure of major tournaments. He emphasizes positioning, balance, and an efficient sequence of movements, while avoiding overly complex or artistic swing motions that can fall apart at crucial moments.
Peter Cowen also has extensive expertise in the short game, and his work with Brooks Koepka on this aspect of the game has been particularly well-received. His coaching style is direct, honest, and results-oriented, which has earned him the respect of the golfing elite.
In short, Peter Cowen isn’t the most high-profile “star” coach, but his influence is profound and lasting. He is the “coach of coaches,” a technical expert whose record of Major Championship victories with his students is one of the most impressive in history.
Peter Cowen's Career
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Player | European Tour (1970s and early 1980s), winner of the 1976 Zambia Open and the 1992 PGA Cup |
| Academies | Rotherham (England) and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (Dubai) |
| Award | Coach of the Year in the United Kingdom (2010) |
| Student Representatives | McDowell (2010 U.S. Open), Clarke (2011 British Open), Stenson (2016 British Open), Koepka (2017 U.S. Open), Woodland (2019 U.S. Open) |
| Other students | Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Danny Willett, Sergio García |
Peter Cowen's Method in His Video Lessons
The Learning Pyramid
Peter Cowen talks about the "learning pyramid": you learn from the bottom up, and the bottom consists of your stance, arm position, and grip. For posture, he starts with feet shoulder-width apart—slightly narrower for short shots and slightly wider for long ones—standing up straight before leaning forward.
Pushing and pulling with your body
When faced with hands and a right forearm that “run” through impact, he points out that this is a consequence: when a car breaks down, you don’t change the windshield wipers—you check the engine. The “engine” is the body’s movement, which is why he uses the concept of “push/pull” to help golfers position their bodies better when using a driver.
Peter Cowen's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Stance and Pivot (Address posture, Stability and balance during rotation): The Best Posture, According to Peter Cowen.
- Body Rotation and Driving (Body Rotation, Driving): Peter Cowen's "push/pull" concept for better body positioning.
Do you like the coaches of champions? Check out the profiles of Butch Harmon, Claude Harmon III and Danny Maude, who appears in the lesson on push/pull, as well as that of his student Brooks Koepka.
FAQ About Peter Cowen
Who is Peter Cowen?
Peter Cowen is an English golf coach who was born in 1951 in Sheffield. He is a former European Tour player and has coached numerous champions on the European and American tours.
Where does Peter Cowen teach?
He has two academies named after him: one in Rotherham, England, and one at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in Dubai.
Which champions has Peter Cowen coached?
These include Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, Henrik Stenson, Brooks Koepka, Gary Woodland, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Danny Willett, and Sergio García.
What is Peter Cowen's philosophy?
Stability and simplicity: swing principles that hold up under pressure, based on posture, balance, and body movement rather than on the hands.
What lessons by Peter Cowen can be found on Best Golf Tips?
Two lessons: posture and the spiral pivot, and the concept of push/pull to improve body positioning with the driver.
