James Wheeler

Director of Golf Fitness | TPI Certified Fitness Instructor

1. Experience

James Wheeler has spent nearly two decades helping athletes maximize strength, performance, and longevity. After earning his B.S. in Exercise Sports Science from East Carolina University, James began his career as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), working with athletes at the highest levels of sport—including the NFL, MLB, and international competition.

In 2016, James founded Locomotion Athletics, starting with just a 2003 Honda Element and a handful of kettlebells. Since then, he has designed, constructed, and managed three different fitness facilities, growing Locomotion into a thriving San Diego community.

James has recently combined his lifelong passion for golf—he’s been playing since age 12 and competed in high school—with his professional expertise. Now certified through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI Level 1 & Golf Level 2), he helps golfers improve mobility, strength, and swing efficiency to elevate performance on the course while protecting long-term health.

2. Accolades

  • Elite Athlete Coach — Worked with numerous former NFL & MLB professional players such as Drew Brees, Darren Sproles, Gerald McCoy, Kyle Boller, Ricky Stanzi, Carson Palmer,  and many more.

  • Cross-Sport Expertise — Coached MLB players, international rugby athletes, professional wakeboarders, and Division I collegiate athletes.

  • Grassroots Builder — Started Locomotion Athletics out of the back of a Honda Element, growing it into a multi-facility training brand.

  • Facility Visionary — Designed, constructed, and managed three state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facilities.

  • Golf Athlete & Coach — Began playing at age 12, competed on his high school golf team, and now blends lifelong playing experience with elite TPI coaching.

  • Certified Specialist — Holds advanced credentials: CSCS, StrongFirst SFG1, StrongFirst SFB, Pain-Free Performance Specialist, Precision Nutrition Coach, and Titleist TPI Level 1 & Golf Level 2.

3. Fun Fact(s)

  • Dream Foursome: Tiger Woods, Lee Trevino, Xander Schauffele, and Tommy Fleetwood.

  • Beyond the Gym: Loves traveling, music, and exploring new golf courses whenever possible, and GO BIRDS! #Philly

  • Signature Philosophy: “Consistent Fundamentals Build Excellence” (CFBE) – the foundation of his coaching approach.

4. Favorite Club or Shot

  • Signature Shot: A controlled power fade with the driver, combining precision with strength.

5. Go-To San Diego Golf Course

  • Favorite Courses: Torrey Pines (South) and Enagic Golf Club—courses that combine challenge with coastal beauty.

6. Why I’m Excited to Be Part of SuperSwings / What I Enjoy Most About Helping Golfers

“Golf has been a lifelong passion, and being able to merge it with my career is a true gift. Helping golfers of all levels not only improve their game but also build strength, resilience, and confidence both on and off the course is what drives me every day at SuperSwings.”