One of the region’s most-respected PGA professionals makes the move to Longhirst’s academy and driving range
PGA professional John Harrison has made the move to Longhirst Hall, where he’ll be working alongside long-time friend and student, and fellow PGA pro, Paul Fiddes.
John, who spent 29 years at Matfen Hall before making the move north to Longhirst, has more than 46 years’ experience as a professional. A respected player, with wins in 46 consecutive years on the PGA circuit, he has coached some of the region’s best golfers – from three-time European Tour winner Ken Ferrie to current DP World Tour members Garrick Porteous and Andrew Wilson.
“I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running at Longhirst,” said John. “It’s a busy club with a keen membership of players of all ages, and the academy setup is already thriving with Paul kept very busy with his own teaching diary.
“Having met Graham Chambers [Longhirst’s director of golf] , I know it’s going to be a fantastic place to coach. The club is moving forward at pace and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the Longhirst family – it’s going to be a lot of fun.
“Teaming back up with Paul, who did his training with me at Matfen, will be fantastic as well. We’ve been friends for a long time and he was very keen to get me up to Longhirst when the opportunity came up. I’m sure we’ll have a great time working together again.”
Graham Chambers added: “Welcoming a PGA professional with John’s experience is a brilliant addition to Longhirst. We’ve progressed a great deal since 2020 and we’ve worked hard to raise the bar as membership and rounds played continue to rise.
“Since Paul arrived, he’s increased the level of coaching we offer immensely – from individual sessions to our now thriving junior section. As we began looking to bring in a second professional, the opportunity to welcome John to the team was far too good to pass up. I’m sure John and Paul will advance our academy to the next level together, and we’re looking forward to supporting them in every way we can to do that.”
