The PGA professional and former Walker Cup player shares his favourite places to play in the North East and beyond along with some of his fondest golf memories, and who he would choose to join him in his dream fourball
Matty Lamb has had a fascinating career in golf so far.
A decorated amateur who took up the game at Hexham Golf Club and went on to represent his county and country with distinction, Matty turned professional shortly after competing in the pinnacle of the amateur game, The Walker Cup, in 2021 at Seminole – where he earned three points from a possible four and won both his singles matches.
Now 28 years old, he joined the St Andrews Links Golf Academy team earlier this summer and is teaching at the Home of Golf while taking up playing opportunities, primarily in PGA tournaments, as often as possible.
A winner of several professional events, including the Coca-Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship in 2024, we caught up with Matty for a round…
How much golf do you get to play?
Having started a new job this summer, my tournament golf has been a little more limited. I’m playing as much as I can and still practising, and I’m planning to play one or two events each month for the rest of this season. I’m still very keen to play and I think it’s important to continue competing and enjoy playing alongside coaching.
How did you get into golf?
I got into it with my brother, Chris, and his friends. I went along to some junior coaching at Hexham with Chris McDonnell at first, quickly got involved in a really strong group of juniors, and that became my friendship group. I started improving and got into the junior county system, then won a Scottish under-14 event. From there, I just kept climbing the ladder, had a good season nationally when I was 15 and was selected for the England boys’ squad. I had some amazing experiences with England, playing all over the world, and kept progressing right up to The Walker Cup at the end of my amateur career.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
Hexham Golf Club will always be home, it’s where I grew up and I have so many amazing memories there. If I can choose a second course, it would be The Hunting at Slaley Hall, which is brilliant, especially late on a summer evening.
And further afield?
TPC Sawgrass is my favourite course in the world. I got to compete in the Junior Players and I shot 90 in the first round before shooting in the low 70s on day two. It’s an iconic course and every hole requires something different.
What’s your best score?
I shot nine under-par on the Old Course in the second round of the St Andrews Links Trophy in 2019, having shot eight under-par on the Jubilee Course the day before, and I went on to finish second.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
I’ve always loved team events – from The Big Six with Northumberland to the Home Internationals with England – and The Walker Cup was the pinnacle of all those experiences. Having wanted to be a part of it for so long, it was a great feeling when I made the team, and I loved every minute of the event. I played well that week too, which helps, and I’ll never forget that experience.
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
I played the final event on the EuroPro Tour at Lough Erne when my game was in a pretty bad place, and you had to finish the tournament to receive any prize money. I nearly ran out of golf balls in one of the rounds and, to be honest, I’m proud I finished that event and picked up my £500. Looking back, I can smile about it, but it wasn’t fun at the time!
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
I’m not superstitious, but when I was playing a lot I had some great processes to get ready physically and mentally for tournament rounds.
What are your strengths on the course?
My short game and putting are pretty good. I enjoy pulling off hard shots around the greens, and I think a lot of creativity when you’re practising helps when you get into tournament situations.
And your weaknesses?
Accuracy off the tee can hold me back at times, and I find it’s important to have a solid go-to shot off the tee when I’m playing competitively.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
I’ve never been much of a gear guy, but I do love my Callaway Opus 58° wedge.
Who is your best golfing friend?
Having grown up playing so much golf, and with it being such a huge part of my life, I have so many friends that I love to play with. The one I play the most with is probably [Hexham professional] Jonny Richardson. He’s a great guy to spend a couple of hours with and we have a lot of fun on the golf course together.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional golfer?
It’s hard to say as I’ve never done anything else. I’ve always been creative and enjoyed art and graphic design, so something to do with those appeals to me, or maybe something in strength and conditioning.
Who is your favourite golfer?
I like watching Rory McIlroy as he hits shots no one else in the world can hit. He’s very human and he’s someone I look up to.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
The Masters is my favourite event of the year. It’s always great to see Augusta National on TV, you know all the holes and what shots are coming up, and it’s a great way to start the season.
Who do you admire?
My mum as she never loses her cool and she’s the kindest person I’ve ever met. I know I’ll never be as calm as she is, but I would love to be like her.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
It would have to be three golfers in their prime and I’d choose Tiger Woods in 2001, Rory McIlroy in 2012, and Scottie Scheffler in 2025.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
I would take it on the final hole of the Cubefunder Shootout at Harleyford in 2022, where I had a chance to win and hit my tee shot out of bounds. I’d still hit driver and just give myself the chance to win. It was one of those crossroads moments and who knows what could have happened, but I’ve hit thousands of shots to get here and have loads more to hit.
