Clubs around the region have made key appointments, with several PGA professionals on the move and a new head greenkeeper joining the team at Linden Hall.
Jack Friar, the reigning club champion at Alnwick Golf Club, has joined Linden Hall as head greenkeeper. Jack started his career at Percy Wood and has since worked at Burgham Park, Alnwick and Morpeth. He said: “The foundations are great at Linden, the layout is fantastic, and I can’t wait to put my stamp on it. There’s a lot of investment going into the course and facilities, and I want to get the golf course to its absolute best. We’ve got a strong team of six and I’ve already received really good support from the management team, so I’m excited to get into it.”
Meanwhile, John Harrison and Richard Robson-Crosby have joined The Northumberland as the club’s resident professionals. North East & North West PGA chairman John joined the club from Longhirst Hall, while Richard made the move from Ponteland.
Richard said: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of The Northumberland so far. The people are great, the facilities are fantastic, and there’s already so much happening.
“It’s great to be working alongside John. He was part of the county coaching team when I played for Northumberland as an amateur, so I know him well and it’s been fantastic to pick his brain. The first two months have gone by fast and I’m keen to meet more people at the club and bring more clients here to work on their game. Add in the club’s beginner and junior programmes, and I’m excited about the busy schedule.”
Just down the road, Chris Matthews has taken up the role of club professional at Gosforth Golf Club. Chris, who takes over from Grahame Garland following his retirement from that role while he will retains the role of secretary, said: “I’ve settled in great and I’m really enjoying it. It’s been interesting getting things setup in terms of the shop and carrying on my coaching from nearly 10 years at Centurion Park. There’s lots to develop here – including increasing ladies and junior participation, and working with one-to-one clients on their game.”
Finally, Jack McCall has joined the Elite Golf Academies team and is now coaching at Morpeth Family Golf Centre. The third-year PGA trainee, who joined the team from Close House, said: “Joining the Elite team is a great opportunity to develop my skills as a coach, which is something I’m really keen to do. I’ve already learned a lot from Steve [Bainbridge] and it’s amazing to be able to draw on his experience. I’m looking forward to doing more coaching, particularly with junior golfers, and building a reputation up here in Morpeth. I’ve also been getting some more practice in and will hopefully get in some good performances in PGA events this summer.”
