Neil McLauchlan is busy creating a framework for success and progression for his fellow PGA Professionals, building a dedicated team to meet the needs of both members and visitors.
Custom fittings in a state-of-the-art studio, coaching on expansive practice grounds and offering friendly and informative advice in the pro shop are all part of the Letchworth vision and Neil has already made his mark at the Hertfordshire club.
The 41-year-old has arrived wanting to serve club members, the wider Letchworth community and beyond. And he is aiming to deliver his ideas with a PGA Team of no less than six, four of whom are qualified and two that are just starting out on their Foundation Degree training. Each of the team has very defined roles, all based on serving McLauchlan’s vision for a golf academy at Letchworth.
The word ‘academy’ brings junior development to mind – and, indeed, the club’s 135-strong juniors community is a huge part of the deal for McLauchlan. But there is far more to his academy approach at Letchworth.
“The team are driven,” says McLauchlan. “They want to build something here alongside each other and I think that’s really important. That’s my job to make sure those guys are enthusiastic and incentivised to develop.”
And the last point is key for McLauchlan who has strong views when it comes to ensuring that his people can progress their careers within the PGA framework. He is keen for all of his qualified professionals to build their skill-sets and grow their individual worth through the appropriate pathways.
“We’re going to pick some courses over the winter, getting them involved in PGA Excel and PGA Learn,” says McLauchlan, outlining future personal development plans for his staff. “If you don’t invest in them, it’s pointless. They’ll become disillusioned. The minute they become disillusioned and don’t want to do it anymore, they’re not earning money and become a burden.”
McLauchlan is also putting his time and finance into his trainees Hayden and Sian (the latter is a joint-venture in alliance with the Mike Amos Letchworth Golf Foundation).
“I went through the programme,” says McLauchlan of the PGA Foundation degree training. “I’ve brought five or six trainees through the programme including James – and Matt Crowhurst did a bit of work with me when he started. So, I think it’s imperative that we do develop the trainees.”
In McLauchlan’s mind, he is running a business in which his employees can climb the ladder. It’s a business in which he is currently sitting at the helm, but one that – if it proceeds as envisaged – that he can promote from within and employ additional staff, as well as further trainees in the future.
“I want to be able to pass this on to somebody else in 15, 20 years’ time – somebody who works for me,” he adds. “It’s not just bringing on the trainees, it’s also bringing on the qualified professionals to a level that they’re comfortable running a business.”
That far-sighted outlook has helped create an enjoyable and inspiring atmosphere for those employed by McLauchlan. And life is never dull for those working for the current incumbent of the Letchworth head pro’s seat. “He’s on it all the time,” says Matt Bailey about his employer. “He’s constantly got new ideas every day.”
McLauchlan is also a very visible presence out there on the practice ground , taking care of the long list of clients that he coaches. Letchworth pro shop’s busy boss clearly sets the tone around the place – and he is thinking big.
“Our vision is to come in and develop an academy that is, within reason, unrivalled…help the golf club raise its profile and standing. Not just locally – nationally.”
Meet the team
