Like many golfers I first became interested in the sport when I saw my first tournament on the television. For me, that tournament was the 1986 U.S. Masters, which turned out to be one of the most iconic golfing events in history. Entering the back nine several legends of the game were in with a chance of winning including Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Tom Kite, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price and Tom Watson.  I remember sitting in the lounge watching in awe, as my dad explained to me what was happening. Whether it was the amazing colours that Augusta presented on my TV screen or the cacophony of noise being produced by the adoring galleries as big Jack charged through the field, from that moment on golf had me completely hooked. Within a week or so I had made my first visit to the local pitch & putt and a lifelong obsession had begun.  

Six years later I remember sitting in my 'A' level Economics class at college, staring out of the window at the beautiful blue sky outside and not hearing a single word the teacher was saying. I had done well at secondary school so everyone naturally expected me to take to college easily, get good results and then progress on through university. Nothing could have been further from my mind though as all I could think about was golf. I was decent player by this point having got down to scratch by the age of sixteen.  None of my performances in any of the bigger amateur or junior events had pointed to me being good enough to make a living from playing golf but that didn't matter, all I wanted to do was turn professional. When the bell sounded for the end of the Economics class, I walked out of college, got straight on the bus, and travelled to my local golf club, never returning to college again. I would stop at nothing to get better. I was sure, if I practised hard enough, I could turn pro and become good enough to make a living on the tour.  

With the benefit of hindsight, I probably should've stayed at college and done something more productive with my life. I'm now in my twenty seventh year as a PGA Professional golfer and my biggest claim to fame remains winning the Darwen Pro-Am twice in a dominant five-year stretch. There have been some good rounds here and there;  I once won a mini tour event around St Annes Old Links with a 66 (-6) against a field that contained no less than seven tour players. Overall though, it has been a career that promised little and delivered less.  

As it is with many sports, if you are playing professionally at anything other than the top level, it is extremely hard work and filled with all the wrong kinds of pressure. I would often find myself driving 200 miles to somewhere like Darlington on a drizzly Sunday morning to play in a Pro-am, desperately needing to win the first prize of £600.00 to pay the mortgage. I would frequently play great all the way round only to finish double bogey, bogey for +2, finish in 9th place and win £84.00 (less 6% PGA levy). 

The long drive home after such a disappointing finish would often consist of listening to sad songs whilst the final two holes replayed over and over in my mind, agressively changing gear as the emotive chord change kicked in and a single tear rolled down my cheek. I knew that I would soon be explaining to my beloved, that all my efforts had resulted in me making a nett loss on the day. At this point the golden arches of McDonalds would often make an appearance. For a brief moment, the pain would be eased as the magical brown paper bag was handed across at the drive through. 

There is a more positive side to this though. For the best part of my adult life, I did something I absolutely loved doing almost every single day. No-one had to force me to get up at 6am to go and practice. I couldn’t wait for the alarm to go off so I could get after it again. I loved the process of trying to improve and competing against other talented golfers. Reaching the top in any sport is always going to be a long shot as there are thousands and thousands of highly skilled individuals all desperate to make it to the top, regardless of the sport you are trying to succeed in. 

A life in professional golf offers you some great experiences, and allows you to meet some amazing people along the way. You often get to travel to exotic places and play golf in some stunning locations, all whilst having the chance of earning some money if you perform well. If the time ever comes where you decide you are never going to make it as a player, there are numerous pathways available to you that allow you to make a good living within the game. All my years of golfing experience allowed me to find employment with Scottsdale Golf and I couldn't be happier with the way things turned out. I am however, fast approaching fifty years of age and despite loving my job, I can't shake the thought that by the time I hit the big 5-0, I will be good enough to make it on the Senior's tour. All I can say is watch this space, (and don't tell my wife!).