The 2022 North East & North West PGA Mizuno Order of Merit winner on his first steps in the game, his favourite places to play, and his dream fourball
The 2022 season proved a highly successful one for Penrith-based PGA professional Tim Dykes. Winner of this year’s North East & North West PGA Mizuno Order of Merit, 42-year-old Tim won the Sunderland of Scotland Masters at Westerhope, and finished second in both the Northumberland & Durham Open and the NE/NW PGA Championship en-route to winning the circuit’s season-long points race. He also picked up a pair of pro am wins, a top-12 finish in the national PGA Professional Championship at Slaley Hall, and was voted Player of the Year by his fellow professionals, here’s more from our round…
How much golf do you get to play?
All my golf these days is competitive, either in pro ams or tournaments. I used to play every day, but in balancing family life and my role as director of golf at Penrith, I’ve had to cut down to playing a couple of times per week in the summer.
How did you get into golf?
I started when I was 11, joined my local club in Wrexham and played every day I could. I worked through the system pretty quickly and got into the Welsh boys’ before playing for the men’s team. I kept that up until I was 26 and turned professional, playing on the Challenge Tour and a tiny bit on the European Tour before joining the PGA in 2014.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
I’m happy to play anywhere, but if I have to pick one – I’ve always enjoyed a trip over to Alnmouth Golf Club. It’s a cracking place to be on a summer day, whether you play well or not.
And further afield?
I’ve been very lucky to play all over the world and there are so many places I’d love to go back to. Again, if I can only pick one to go back to, it would have to be New Zealand to play Jack’s Point and Kauri Cliffs – two of the most spectacular places in the world.
What’s your best score?
I’ve shot 10 under-par at Wrexham a couple of times. Low scores are always a nice feeling, no matter where you’re playing.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
Being part of the only Welsh team to ever win the men’s Home Internationals in 2002, at Royal St David’s in Wales, was very special and is still such an important memory.
What about embarrassing moments on the course?
I’ve got plenty of stories of making a fool of myself on the golf course. While I can’t share them all, for various reasons, I’ll admit to drop-kicking my driver and it landing on my playing partner’s head. He was quite a high profile player at the time, and it was definitely a low point in my career.
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
While I used to be superstitious about the number on my golf ball, I got over it the day I ran out balls, played with what I had left, and shot a decent score. It had nothing to do with the number on the ball – though maybe it would have if I’d played poorly?
What are your strengths on the course?
When I’m playing well, my long game is good. I’ll hit a lot of fairways and greens, and give myself a lot of chances, whenever I shoot a low score.
And your weaknesses?
My wedge play and short game weren’t as good in 2022 as they have been in the past, and I’ve got a plan to address those issues. I’ve always been feel-based around the greens and I need to spend some time on that part of the game to get back to my best.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
My Callaway Rogue ST driver – there’s no better feeling than smashing a drive down the middle and opening up the golf course.
Who is your best golfing friend?
Andy Bostock from back home in Wrexham. I’m not actually sure we get on while playing as there’s so much back and forth – the normal stuff blokes say when they’ve known each other so long – though we’re great, old friends. We grew up together, played golf as juniors, and still get together regularly for a game.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a PGA professional?
I have no idea! Maybe some corporate role, though I don’t think I would enjoy it as much as being a PGA pro.
Who is your favourite golfer?
I watched so much golf growing up and Ernie Els was always my favourite player.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
I enjoy watching events on courses I’ve played – a US Open at Pebble Beach is always a good one. I also like to pop the golf on in the winter months to get a bit of inspiration when the weather isn’t quite as nice at home.
Who do you admire?
Anyone who gets on with it – those people with drive who don’t waste time complaining and go about what they’re doing the right way.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
My dad, brother and grandad – we played together when I was younger and it would be nice to be back on a golf course with just the four of us.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
Keep it – I’ll try and hit the next shot better.
