My career started as Assistant Professional at Belhus Park in 1978. I qualified as a PGA Professional in 1981.
In La Manga, Spain at the 1983 European Tour School I came 5th with scores of 72, 71, 72 and 72. I played my first full season on the European Tour in 1984.
Early 1985 I played on the South African Sunshine Tour, my highlight included leading the Swazi Land Open after 27 holes, being seven under par quite a feat as we were graced with player's such as Nick Price and Mark McNulty. One of my most memorable evening's was being invited to dine with Gary Player on his ranch just outside Johannesburg.
I finally called the full-time playing career a day in November 1988, whilst at the Tour School after scoring 68 which was 4 under par, only to find that it did not make the cut!
In January 1989 I became Head Professional at Theydon Bois Golf Club. In the same year I became Captain of the Essex Professionals. I had five glorious years at the Club and during my time there won the Essex Open Championship, with scores of 66 and 70 around Braintree. Also I won the Essex Closed Pro-am with a score of 64, this was played at Theydon Bois and it became a new course record.
In 1994 I came to West Essex Golf Club and found that with being at such a busy Club the playing has had to take a back seat. However, the coaching has developed and my clients have ranged from professional to beginner. Some of the golfers? I have coached and worked with include Bernhard Langer, Simon Khan, Mark Davis, Robert Lee, Paul McKechnie (winner of PGA Euro Pro Tour Order of Merit 2002), Ron Tomlinson (British Blind Open Champion, 2002) and Tom Haylock (England International and winner Carris Trophy, Moor Park 2005).
I have written various magazine articles for Play Better Golf between 2003-2005.
In June 2005, I was elevated to Fellow of the P.G.A. for my services to golf over the past 27 years.
In Janyary 2006 I was awarded with a Diploma in Performance Coaching.
In February 2006 I attended a course on Golf Course Management.
In March 2006 I attended an Advanced Golf Course Agronomy course.
I thoroughly enjoy being a Club Professional and hope that I have many more years ahead of me!
Robert.