Rickmansworth golfers struggling to lower their handicap now have a top new golf coach to visit, as a Director of Golf with twenty years’ experience of teaching golfers is in charge of daily affairs at the Nine of Herts golf course.

Professional Golfers’ Association-qualified Mark Tompkins is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Rickmansworth golf course, and also manages the new golf academy there.

Tompkins has vowed to make the golfing venue one of the busiest and most welcoming in the area.

“I thought that this course had great potential when it was being built,” he said, “and I applied for the job as soon as it was advertised.

“The Nine of Herts golf course is thriving, and there’s a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our golf course is particularly good for ladies, juniors and seniors, as it is challenging but not too daunting, and we are welcoming new faces all the time. It’s a great family day out.”

The Nine of Herts Golf Course is an open-to-all nine-hole ‘pay and play’ course which opened in April 2010. Its ‘Feel Free’ policies include no strict dress code; no members; and no need to pre-book. The golf course is already getting a reputation as a relaxed, family-friendly establishment.

40-year-old Tompkins started teaching golf in 1990, and comes to Nine of Herts from his previous job managing Ealing Golf Range. He played golf for Middlesex for several years, enjoys running and cycling, and is a keen Arsenal fan. His greatest love, however, is teaching golf.

After several successful supervised visits to the course from local schoolchildren, Tompkins hopes to take the sport into more primary and secondary schools, with the help of the local School Sport Partnership.

Another string to Tompkins’ bow is his skill in teaching golf to disabled people. He has nine years’ experience, and is convinced that golf can improve confidence and concentration levels among the disabled. Nine of Herts is currently running weekly golf lessons for children with disabilities, under the watchful eye of Tompkins. Almost a dozen children have signed up for the classes.

Tompkins adds: “ Crown Golf , which owns the Nine of Herts is at the forefront of golf coaching development nationwide, and we welcome absolutely anyone who wants to try out the sport. I have a great team of people to work with and a there’s a palpable buzz at the course day to day.

“I’m very much looking forward to getting to meet many more locals, and to bringing on the next generation of golf players.”

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