My Golfing History − The Early Years |
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As a junior I used to fade the ball. It was an accurate way of getting round
a golf course but due to the glancing nature of the strike I lacked power.
When I turned professional at the age of 17 my boss Jack Busson told me I
would never make it unless I learned how to draw the ball. Years later I
look back and know he was absolutely right − but it took me years of
experimentation to find out how to do it!!
I tried everything I could think of, every swing that had been written about and every new piece of equipment. I improved in the late 80’s and even won the first ‘Shooting Star Award’ for the most improved player on the order of merit. But I was still not convinced about my game and needed the ultimate test to prove my swing was trustworthy. In 1991 I qualified for the British Open at Birkdale my nemesis. I have never been so nervous, in practise I had visions of my tee shot in the first round flying straight out of bounds! Four days later I walked off the last green having shot 71 in the final round. My game had stood up, I had made the cut and I genuinely felt I had completed my journey. I was finally able to concentrate on how to score lower rather than the mechanics of my swing. A week later I started a great run of events − to name a few: European Tour Card holder 1978 − 1985 1991 and 1992 Southern Professional Champion 1991 and 1992 Southern Club Professional Champion 1992 National PGA Club Professional Champion 1988 and 1992 PGA Cup team v USA 2005 Jamega Tour Order of Merit winner 2008 Seniors tour card holder |
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