Lumb taking the positives into PGA captaincy

Nicky Lumb has embarked on his two year stint as PGA captain eager to emphasise the positives in the sport.

The Bristol Golf Centre-based PGA Master Professional succeeded Neil Selwyn-Smith at The PGA’s annual general meeting at The Belfry on Wednesday, April 1 – 40 years to the day he got his first job at Filton Golf Club.

Lumb, who will represent 7,500 of his fellow PGA Members, is keen to highlight the good work going on at grass roots in terms of numbers playing and those coming into the game.

“During my time in office I’d like to see Rory win at Augusta, Tiger start playing well again and more positive feedback from the powers that be about people playing the game,” said Lumb who will have Royal Liverpool’s John Heggarty as captain-elect.

“There is a lot of negativity but I don’t think there’s that much wrong with golf except that people aren’t positive enough.

“I can tell you that my friends who have got driving ranges, they are seeing more people using them over the last three or four years. You also hear that’s the same on pay and play courses.”

Lumb believes the role of the PGA pro is crucial in helping to further promote and grow the game.

“PGA pros have to go out and get more people playing golf. If it’s a matter of life and death and the only way you are going to survive if you are running a business is by getting people in, then you would find a way of getting people in, so I think it is about positivity.

“And that’s where pros come in. They can drive recruitment and member retention and have the expertise to grow the game.”

Lumb, who as a 10-year-old caddied at the West Bowling club in Yorkshire where his father was secretary, described the captaincy as a great honour.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what’s out there. Neil (Selwyn-Smith) has kept me informed so I have some idea of what’s going on but whatever is thrown at me I’m prepared for it.

“I see the role as promoting The PGA and the PGA pro. You are the figurehead for 7,500 members, I am a member and I am a proud member and I want to represent the membership.”

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones paid tribute to the outgoing captain, Neil Selwyn-Smith (below) while welcoming Lumb who becomes the 78th PGA Member to hold the role following in the footsteps of legendary figures such as Harry Vardon, James Braid and JH Taylor.

“Neil carried out his role with great dignity and decorum, he has been a wonderful ambassador for The PGA, easily making friends across the world on behalf of the Association,” said Jones.

“Nicky Lumb steps into his shoes and brings a wealth of experience within the professional game. He is respected by all and will lead The PGA over the next two years in his typically positive and assured way.”

Lumb became PGA qualified in 1980 and built up a successful club at Filton before moving to Hambrook Driving Range - now the Bristol Golf Centre which includes a pirate-themed adventure golf course to encourage more youngsters into the game.

He has also been an instrumental figure in the PGA education and training programmes since 1983 when he was invited to become commercial studies tutor going on to become a senior tutor in 1988.

The following year he became chairman of the PGA training committee which presided over a pivotal time in the Association’s history and he was involved in the building of the new PGA Training Academy, chairing the committee overseeing the PGA training manual re-write and served on the education review committee in 1989-90 and 1995-99.

He was also a three-time member of the PGAs of Europe training standards committee from 1991-96, 1998-2000 and 2002-09 and has been a member of the PGA Board of Directors since 2001.