Alex Fortey is an English golf coach and the founder of The Art of Simple Golf, who advocates for a simple swing tailored to the amateur golfer’s body. Here is a summary of his background, his method, and his video lessons.
Who is Alex Fortey?
Alex Fortey is a golf coach based in the West Midlands, England. He founded and runs The Art of Simple Golf, an online teaching method featured on his YouTube channel, website, and training courses.
Before becoming a golf instructor, he competed for several years on the European Tour with a +3 handicap. His videos are based on the observation that, because amateur golfers lack the physical conditioning of top champions, they should often simplify their swing rather than try to imitate them too quickly.
Alex Fortey and The Art of Simple Golf
Alex Fortey built *The Art of Simple Golf* around one idea: a swing that is gentle on the body, based on proper setup, correct alignment, a natural rhythm, and the use of gravity and leverage rather than brute force.
An online method
His YouTube channel has attracted a large community of amateur golfers. He also offers online courses covering the swing, driving, iron play, the short game, and putting, as well as specific training for golfers with limited mobility.
Additional Tips for Club Coaching
His advice often complements that of club instructors: he emphasizes simple adjustments that you can make on your own at the driving range.
The Career of Alex Fortey
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Structure | Founder and Head Coach of The Art of Simple Golf |
| Location | West Midlands, England (United Kingdom) |
| Gaming Experience | Several years of competition on the European circuit, +3 handicap |
| Education | YouTube channel, website, and online courses (swing, driving, irons, short game, putting) |
Alex Fortey's Method: Simplifying the Swing
His lessons focus on a few key principles: shortening the backswing with both the driver and the irons to make better contact with the ball “square,” starting with compact swings on the driving range, and standing the right distance from the ball, since that determines the entire swing.
Chipping with a bounce
When chipping, he learns to play the bounce: the club shouldn’t dig into the ground but should bounce off its sole, which increases the margin for error. He recommends standing a little closer to the ball—roughly at eye level—without taking too wide a stance or leaning too far forward, with hands raised and arms kept close to the torso.
Alex Fortey's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Driving (Driving): Beginners, shorten your backswing when driving.
- Range Practice (Range Practice): Start with compact, short swings.
- Address Posture and Stance (Address posture): The right distance from the ball determines your swing.
- Short Game (Wedge play = Pitching and Chipping): Use the bounce when chipping and keep your arms and torso connected.
Do you like Alex Fortey's simple tips? Check out the fact sheets from Danny Maude and Rick Shiels.
FAQ About Alex Fortey
Who is Alex Fortey?
Alex Fortey is an English golf coach and the founder and head coach of The Art of Simple Golf, an online teaching method designed to help amateur golfers develop a simple swing that’s tailored to their bodies.
Where does Alex Fortey teach?
He is based in the West Midlands, England, and teaches primarily online through his YouTube channel, his website, and his courses.
What is Alex Fortey's method?
He emphasizes proper setup, correct alignment, a natural rhythm, and shorter, more compact swings, rather than focusing on power.
What lessons by Alex Fortey can be found on Best Golf Tips?
Four lessons in a nutshell: shorten your backswing when driving, start with compact swings, maintain the correct distance from the ball, and use the bounce when chipping.
