Current role
I am currently PGA Professional at Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire. We offer extensive lesson programmes for members and non members. With excellent facilities including an indoor coaching studio, 36 holes and outdoor grass driving range, we are able to offer first class coaching suitable for all golfers. In partnership with fellow AGMS graduate, Rob Darwin, who is now Head PGA professional, I am at the forefront of the creation and implementation of a range of programmes and marketing material as well as engaging with prospective clients through social networking. Myself and Rob have the goal to drive the academy forward and ensure that it becomes one of the leading academies in the south of England.
I truly believe that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the things I have without the AGMS degree and the University of Birmingham.
Career experiences
Since graduating from Birmingham in 2008 with a 2:1 degree, I took up a position of PGA Professional at Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes, part of the Burhill group. At Abbey Hill I was involved in the delivery of golf services, including retail, custom fitting and engaging with corporate and society golfers. I delivered a range of adult lesson programmes as well as driving junior golf forward at the Golf Centre and in the community. We offered an extensive ‘Golf for Schools’ programme which grew to form 0-50 participating schools in 2011. The number of junior who attended programmes at the centre in some form grew to over 1000 by the end of 2010. In 2010, I was promoted to Junior Academy Manager, leading the delivery and creation of junior provision as well as coordinating 3 other PGA Professionals. During my time at Abbey Hill, I was able to secure Golf Mark status, Golf Roots Facility status and made it the hub of junior golf in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area with significant funding from a range of SGB’s. In 2010, I secured the reward of ‘Employee of the Year’ for the Burhill Group. I was also made BB&O Junior County coach allowing me to work with and coach some of the most talented and rising junior golfers in the county. I am also a TPI certified Golf Fitness Instructor and in May 2011 I will be gaining accreditation of a TPI Junior Instructor. Currently I am enrolled on the Mphil B Sport Coaching course at the University of Birmingham with a view of carrying out a thesis exploring the barriers to children and parents in moving from school to golf club. During 2011 I will also be working with the Golf Foundation on a steering group for the redevelopment of the Junior Golf Passport.
What was the best thing about your time as an AGMS student?
Looking back on my time as an AGMS student, I have nothing but positive comments about my experience and the impact it has had on the development of my career and me personally. The AGMS degree allowed me to study and develop a career path in an industry which I love. The broad range of subjects and disciplines you study has allowed me to leave with a broader knowledge base and awareness of different philosophies and methods but the knowledge that everyone has own individual goals and capabilities. I truly believe that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the things I have without the AGMS degree and the University of Birmingham.
The University of Birmingham has a excellent reputation and will only stand you in got stead when you move into the job market. The quality of the lecturing and teaching is first class. The facilities available along with the support that is in place will only excel your learning and development. Birmingham as a city has outstanding transport links, housing and social activities which are vitally important to student life.
Advice to current students
To any prospective AGMS students, my advice is embrace the experience, work hard and don’t be afraid to get yourself out into the market place. The industry is crying out for those who have an aptitude work hard and learn. The golf industry is your oyster!