Mark opens new horizons for Stamford
FORMER Fairfield junior star Mark Smith (pictured) has ended a 22-year wait for a PGA professional at Stamford Golf Club.
Mark joined the professional ranks by becoming the assistant professional to Colin Boyle at Ashton-under-Lyne where he successfully passed the coveted PGA examination two years ago.
Since then he has enjoyed playing in top regional professional competitions, teaching and continuing his work at Ashton.
Mark takes over at Stamford from Brian Badger, who served the club well for 22 years but because he was not a PGA professional it meant that the club was barred from taking part in Manchester Alliance competitions, including the Dunham Forest Trophy which the club had won twice in the past.
Mark said: “Stamford is a fine club with huge potential and will provide me with a great challenge, which I am relishing.
“I was very much involved in developing junior golf at Ashton and this is an area I will be looking to develop as well as teaching and providing a full professional service in the shop.
“I learned a lot while at Ashton with Colin Boyle and this will stand me in good stead over the coming months.
“I will still be looking to play in some professional competitions and also playing with Stamford members in the Manchester Alliance competitions.
Mark Smith