Gough is new Captain of The PGA in Surrey

Reigate Heath’s PGA Head Professional, Clifford Gough, has been elected to be the new Captain of The PGA in Surrey. Well known for his passion for getting children into golf, he’s also an enthusiast for foursomes golf and therein lies an opportunity for the county’s schedule.

As Gough explains: “It’s a terrific honour to be nominated by your peers to be their Captain, and it’s a decision that’s gone down very well with the members at Reigate Heath as well.”

He continues: “In terms of our schedule for The PGA in Surrey, I’m delighted that we’re very well supported but with the growing emphasis on faster golf, there’s one type of format I’m keen to promote: foursomes. It’s just an idea at this point, but we're trying everything we can to see a foursomes event at Reigate Heath as part of The PGA in Surrey schedule."

He adds: “We play a lot of fourball betterball and individual formats, so a foursomes event would provide something that’s completely different, fast and perhaps more importantly - fun.”

When it comes to getting children into golf, Gough certainly leads by example. Besides being the Surrey County coach for the under 12s, every Saturday there’s his Academy programme, assisted by his PGA Assistant Professional, Charlie Jones, that’s attracted healthy numbers of local youngsters along to learn to play.

As he comments: “To me, golf is - or should be - all about having fun, so much of my coaching is about getting them at whatever age to see golf as a great way to have fun. In the same way, I think a foursomes event for the Surrey PGA Professionals is an opportunity to remind all of us why we love golf – it can be very hard work, but it’s always fun.”