A MAN on a mission at Percy Wood Golf and Country Retreat, new club pro David O’Brien has developed a passion for coaching and an action plan.
Wannabe players will often notice free “have a go at golf” taster sessions offered from time to time at clubs – with all equipment provided – but O’Brien is going one step further.
After 10 years at Burgham Park, he has just taken charge of the new David O’Brien Golf Academy at Percy Wood.
He said: “Golf is a game for everybody of all ages – men, women, boys and girls – and it is vital to the development of the sport anybody who wants to can give it a try.
“So there is a permanent standing offer at our new academy.
“Any time anybody who has never played golf before wants to take part in a free group taster session, all they have to do is pick up the phone and give me a ring.
“They can bring other beginners – friends or relations or work colleagues – along with them if they like.”
O’Brien, 30, a former pupil at Whickham Comprehensive, started playing golf at the Whickham club before switching to Burgham Park as a teenager.
The pro at Burgham then was Steve McNally, now at De Vere Slaley Hall. O’Brien earned his PGA Foundation Degree as an assistant with current Burgham pro David Mather.
O’Brien’s opportunity of his first club pro’s job cropped up when Peter Ritchie, who had been at Percy Wood for eight years, moved home to Yorkshire to run a city-centre golf retail store in Sheffield. Percy Wood complex manager Simon Olver said: “I am very excited to be working with David. His professional attitude towards the game is innovative.
“He brings a wealth of new ideas and techniques which will ensure the David O’Brien Golf Academy becomes one the North East’s top teaching facilities.
“An important part of his CV was the fact he has worked with Prudhoe Hospital and Gibside School delivering golf coaching to children with learning disabilities.”
The O’Brien academy and its covered driving range takes investment into Percy Wood to £450,000 since the name was changed from Swarland five years ago.
Drainage work has been carried out over the winter and the fourth hole is being revamped.
The competition tees are being brought forward 60 yards to 275 yards, giving big hitters the option of taking on the green.
Winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Gold Award for 2012-13, Percy Wood has views across the Simonside Hills and golfers share the course with red squirrels, pheasants and roe deer.
:: TO contact David O’Brien, phone 01670 787010, selecting option one.
