Ian Walley takes up captaincy

The new captain of The PGA in England (Midlands) Ian Walley is looking forward to a productive year of growth in the region following his recent appointment as the region’s captain.

The Kedleston Park head pro’s turn at the helm represents a natural progression for a man who has already achieved so much in his golfing career, both on and off the course.

Tournament achievements have been frequent, many in combination with a successful spell as head pro and manager at Shirland Golf Club before he returned to his roots at Kedleston, the club where he began his PGA career in 1998. Walley served as Derbyshire PGA captain in 2011 and 2012 and is also head coach to the current Derbyshire Union of Golf Clubs playing squads.

Walley has his priorities set for a challenging year ahead and knows his role is vital in helping to boost the regional golfing circuit in what are still testing times.

“I'm looking to help push this year’s Order of Merit events, trying to see if we can add more to the schedule as well as attracting the sponsors, that's not been easy in recent times but we're not alone as a region in facing those sort of difficulties of late,” he explained.

“James Brown (The PGA in England (Midlands) secretary) is out there trying to attract new companies to help take us forward as well as streamlining the organisation, looking ahead to this season we've still got some great events in the schedule and a lot to look forward to.”

Walley has also sought out the previous captains amongst his peers in the Midlands for their advice on having a good year.

“I speak to Cameron Clark a lot,” he said. “He had a very successful year as captain, raising a lot of money for charity. He continues to do that as a result of his captain’s year with his annual charity pro-am. I'd like to emulate that success, charity fund raising is vitally important and a big part of my job this year.”

Walley is also a passionate advocate of the benefits of belonging to such a large and prestigious organisation.

“I'm a representative of all the PGA Professionals in the region, they all have different reasons in becoming a PGA pro, teaching, playing, retailing, managing, its finding a common goal and the PGA Midlands does that,” he said.

“It's all about getting the word out there that if there are problems encountered by the pros, employment issues, learning issues, contact the PGA Midlands office and the help is there. The PGA do a lot for us but we have to access that information and the services they provide.”

As for the benefits to golfers of joining himself and fellow pros at a PGA Midlands pro-am, he concluded: “It’s good for an amateur golfer to get the chance to spend four or five hours in the company of a professional, to see how they manage the golf course, shot selections, you can learn a lot.

“I would urge the pros to give something back to their guests, a follow up lesson, a few tips, it's a relationship builder, bringing club members closer to their pros. ”

Ian also has a regional 'major' to organise at home as The Midlands Masters is once again held at Kedleston Park in late July. He's set himself a 40 team target, just another factor to suspect he has a busy year ahead.