New Assistant
As the autumn approaches I can reflect on another busy year. A new assistant, Nick in January, new beginnings for Tom in the office, and Luffenham’s final year as an Open Qualifier. Have I said it’s been busy?
I’m extremely proud of how all my assistants turn out, I take great pleasure in my assistant being head hunted by others who think so highly of Sam.
Neither Sam, Nick or myself ever expected for Sam to be leaving at the end of June, I’d never stand in anyone’s career development, but Sam leaving when he did has meant some of the high standards for which I set myself and my staff have dropped. We’ve not done the newsletter as much as we’d have liked and both mine and Nick’s golf is nothing like as good as it should be.
I thought I had a new assistant lined up all ready to start in the first week in July. Sadly, that didn’t happen which has meant starting again, putting adverts in the PGA website and magazine and waiting to see the quality of applicant!
I can now reveal the new assistant (the chosen one) will be starting in the next three to four weeks. His name is Simon Humphrey from the North, 3 handicap, approaching 21 years of age – you’ll be able to spot him, he’s the tallest of the three of us!
Trust me; he’ll be fantastic, just like all his predecessors, he has very big boots to fill!
When I first started as head professional, I don’t think I ever appreciated the importance of an Assistant Pro. These day’s they are the most important part of my business. Without them, I have no business. Nick has worked 60 hours+ per week without a break since July, he has constantly smiled, and nothing has been too much trouble, just as I would expect a member of staff to be. He has done every single scorecard, administered every single competition (including opens) not once complaining.
How do I go about thanking somebody? Do I give them money? Do I give them time? How do I show my gratitude? To be honest, I don’t know. What I do know for sure is that I will always be forever grateful for Nick’s support in more ways than one through this summer. Thank you Nick.
In the golfing world this week… Did you see Tiger’s teaser on social media last week? Woods posted a video of him practicing his pitching on Thursday (watch video) with the comment, ‘Dr. gave me the ok to start pitching’. You’ll be aware that the 14-time major winner is recovering from his fourth back surgery but the question still remains: will he ever return to his best? Taking place this week is the 2017 World Long Drive Championship in America. Britain’s best hope is Joe Miller - last year’s champion - but it’ll take something hugely impressive to beat World Number One Maurice Allen, whose longest drive this season is a mere 484 yards...
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