Pembrey golf professional Martin Stimson is celebrating five years as the ‘Pro’ at the Ashburnham Championship Links golf course.
“It’ a marvellous course and one which makes it a pleasure coming to work every day,” said the 45-year-old.
Stimson has known the course as man and boy, being born in Pembrey and a former pupil of Glan-y-Mor School in Burry Port.
“I originally came here during the time Richard Player was here in the 1980s. I trained under Robert Ryder for five years.
“I went back into engineering work for a while, but then turned Pro when I was 30.
“I spent some time at Milford Haven, but then came back here as Pro in 2007.
“I’ve known some of the members since I was a boy and they are a great crowd.”
Stimson’s work as club Pro involves a number of duties.
“I run the club shop and, of course, I am available for lessons.
“We run a service centre for power caddies, we hire out buggies and we look after all sorts of repairs.
“The focus is always on looking after club members and making sure that the Ashburnham experience is one that they appreciate and enjoy.”
Stimson also takes part in competitions.
“As a PGA member, I compete on the west region circuit and try to qualify for The Open.”
Stimson is particularly pleased with the efforts being made at ‘The Ash’ to develop junior talent.
“Nia Greville, Elliot Anderson and Bobby Phillips are all great youngsters coming through the system here at ‘The Ash’.
“We have a good batch of 13-14 year-olds coming through, which will be the next generation of golfers here at The Ashburnham. I’ve even got my son into playing the game!”
The Ashburnham remains Stimson’s favourite course, but, when pressed, he will admit that he also admires St Enedoc in Cornwall.
He rates the Woodhall Spa course in Lincoln as the most challenging course he has played.
Stimson added: “As far as ‘The Ash’ is concerned, my favourite thing is the challenge it provides and the stunning location. I’ve been playing it since I was 14 and still find it provides a fresh challenge every day.
“From my perspective, the most demanding hole on the course is the 6th, a challenging par 3. It’s probably on the list of most challenging holes for members as well.”
You can contact Martin Stimson by email at pro@ashgolf.co.uk
The Ashburnham Golf Club will host a number of top events over the coming years –
2012 Welsh Ladies’ Open Stroke Play Championships
2013 Men’s Welsh Amateur Championships
2014 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships
2015 Men’s Welsh Stroke Play Championships
The Ashburnham is the course where the great Welshman and winning Ryder Cup Captain Dai Rees won the PGA title in 1959. It has long been regarded as one of the best links courses in Britain.
The Ashburnham takes its name from the 5th Earl of Ashburnham, who once owned the land and became the club’s inaugural President in 1894.
Two other Ryder Cup Captains have been successful in their playing careers at The Ashburnham in the shape of Bernard Gallacher, who won the Schweppes PGA Championship in 1969, and Sam Torrance, who won the Martini Tournament in 1976.
The Ashburnham has a proud history of hosting many of the major amateur tournaments, having first held a Welsh Amateur Championship in 1904.
Last year, The Ashburnham was the venue for the Men’s Home Internationals.
For further information about The Ashburnham Golf Club, contact -
The Clubhouse, Cliffe Terrace, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HN
Tel:01554 832269
Fax:01554 836974
Email:admin@ashgolf.co.uk
Website -
http://www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk
