Classy Spalding Golf club professional Keogh proud of his double award win

Adam Keogh admits that his first year as Spalding Golf Club’s resident professional has been a bit of a whirlwind – but it couldn’t have gone much better on a personal level.

Having won both the PGA Lincolnshire Professional of the Year award and the PGA Midlands Professional of the Year title in recent months, Keogh couldn’t have expected much more after replacing Chris Huggins at the Surfleet Course in May.

Winning the Midlands crown is a particularly impressive achievement for the Spalding ace, considering there are a massive 790 PGA Professionals eligible for the award.

And the humble Keogh, who also won the Midland Order of Merit award last year, admits his title double is a “sizeable achievement”.

“It was a bit of a surprise to get the Midlands award,” said the Spalding pro. “If you consider I was up against 790 others, it is a sizeable achievement for me.

“It was great to be nominated for the prize after winning the Lincolnshire award, but I perhaps thought I had a better chance of winning the Player of the Year award.

“That’s obviously an aim for next year, but my overall target is to improve and develop in all areas.

“Since taking over from Chris (Huggins), it has been a whirlwind ten months or so.

“The workload has been bigger than I imagined, but that’s fine – I accept that and just enjoy the job.”

As well as his individual efforts out on the course, a huge part of Keogh’s job is helping coach and develop the club’s youngsters.

He feels that Spalding have an exciting crop of talent at their disposal, but admits that they are looking to attract more under-14 players to the Surfleet course.

“Spalding is a very progressive club,” added Keogh. “There has been plenty of renovation recently.

“That includes both on and off the course.

“We’re looking to move forward and have some bigger competitions lined up for the coming years.

“One of my big aims is to help the club get a bit more depth in the junior section, especially at under-14 level.

“We have a bit of a void at that age and we’re hoping to attract more people to the club. But there are some very talented players here.

“That’s a big part of my job and something I enjoy.”

Anybody interested in trying out Spalding’s junior coaching lessons can attend a free taster session on March 24 (10am-11am). Get in touch for further details on 01775 680386.

Keogh will run the session, along with PGA level one coaches.

Should junior players wish to sign up for further sessions, the coaching will take the form of the Junior Golf Passport, a structured learning programme for children aged between six and 16 years, endorsed by the PGA.

The multi-layered programme progresses a complete novice golfer into a junior golfer ready for membership at a golf club.

Any children wanting to attend the taster session can bring their parents, who will be treated to a free hot drink.