Matthew Tipper: My career as a PGA Professional overseas

16/01/2023

Matthew Tipper originates from Porthcawl, South Wales and has established himself as one of golf’s most sought-after short game specialists.

The 44-year-old, who graduated through The PGA’s Training Programme in 2003, speaks about his varied career which has seen Tipper travel the world extensively, working in Malaysia, Dubai, Portugal, Poland to be name a few. He has worked with the likes of David Leadbetter and James Sieckmann and one of his most prominent students is DP World Tour Adrian Meronk.

What has been your career path to date?

I graduated to f PGA Membership in 2003. From there I started my first coaching job in 2003 as an overseas seasonal professional at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai. I was there for two seasons before accepting a role in 2005 at Campo Real just outside Lisbon where I was tasked to set up the teaching academy. David Leadbetter was a great role model for me and I always wanted to work for him and so towards the end of 2005, I was offered the opportunity to start my journey for the David Leadbetter Golf Academy as it was known then at Mission Hills in China, the biggest golf club in the world. I went through my certification and over the next four years in China/Hong Kong rose through the ranks to senior certified instructor and eventually academy director in South Korea in 2009.

The following year I wanted to move closer to the UK and the opportunity to open Poland’s first LGA academy in Eastern Europe became available and this is where I have been since. I left the LGA organisation in 2012 and went out on my own opening MTGA at Toya Golf and Country Club, Wroclaw, Poland. It was here in 2010 when I first met a 16-year-old Adrian Meronk and we’ve been working together ever since.

In 2016 I started flying to the USA to shadow world-renowned short game expert and 2018 USA PGA Coach of the Year, James Sieckmann. From these trips I was delighted to be asked by James to open and run Your Short Game Solution Europe/Australasia, which remains my role today. I fly all over the world coaching and speaking on behalf of James to national teams, amateurs and tour professionals.

How did you find about your current job and how long have you been there?

I found out about the role through the Leadbetter organisation and I’ve been associated to the club since 2010.

What attracted you to working in Poland?

The first reason was it was closer to home after being in Asia for nearly 10 years. It was also an amazing city to live, but also the facilities and club were amazing and it just felt like home.

What professional qualifications do you hold?

I’m a PGA Professional, NLP Master Practitioner, Aim Point Certified, Trackman Level 1,2. Kvest Level 1,2,3,

What does a typical working day involve?

That’s a tough question as a lot of the time it will involve an airport somewhere along a week. I probably travel 2-3 weeks per month.

What are the most rewarding and the most challenging parts of your job?

The most rewarding is obviously being able to hopefully change someone’s life for the better whether that be a tour pro or just an amateur wanting to improve their handicap. I travel a lot so many people see that as a challenge, but I actually enjoy it. I’m grateful for my PGA qualification as it has allowed me to see the world doing something I love.

How do you see your role developing in the years ahead?

I hope I’m still traveling the tours and to different parts of the world spreading the message on behalf of my mentor, James Sieckmann. I know we have zoom etc, but the personal touch is far more impactful if you ask me.

How would you rate the current strength of the golf industry?

I think there is a great opportunity out there for anyone who’s passionate about the different parts of the golf Industry. First find your passion then go all in.

What advice would you pass on to other PGA Members who may be interested in working abroad?

Immerse yourself in the local cultures and get to understand how they behave and think. How you may have done it in the UK doesn’t necessarily work in Asia or Middle East etc. Communicate effectively and be open to change.

Tipper leads an exciting line-up of high-profile speakers confirmed for the 2023 PGA Members’ International Conference.

The eagerly anticipated conference returns next year to the world-renowned Laguna Phuket, Thailand. It promises to bring PGA Members and golfing delegates together from all over the world.

CLICK HERE to book your place at the 2023 PGA Members’ International Conference.