Robertson prescribes practice ahead of Gog Magog test

Doctorgolf Stuart Robertson is prescribing himself practice, practice and more practice as he prepares for the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship qualifier at Gog Magog.

Robertson, who runs the Doctorgolf Academy at Ufford Park, will tee up in the regional heat on May 3 for the chance to grab a place in the final at the Oxfordshire in July.

The £78,000 championship is the flagship event for PGA Professionals in Great Britain & Ireland.

But as a full time academy coach at the prestigious Suffolk venue, Robertson himself admitted he has been struggling for time on the practice ground ahead of the event.

As well as overseeing all coaching elements at the busy club, Robertson is also on the board of directors and training three young PGA assistants who are completing their PGA Foundation Degrees.

“Naturally your swing gets a little bit rusty over the winter period,” Robertson explained. “And with everything going on here I find it can be really difficult to get away and find time to work on your own game.

“I’ll sometimes go to one of the local clubs to use their practice facilities, just so I can have a bit of time to concentrate on my game.

“I love my role at Ufford Park, though, we’ve really built the place so that people who come here, whether they’re young or old, have got everything they need – from a two-tier driving range to an academy studio.

“I do find that I’m working with a really broad range of people – I coach Suffolk under 12s and then just yesterday had someone in who is in their 70s come to me for a lesson.

“I’m very fortunate to have some good assistants here which means we can cater for everyone that wants to play here – and it gives me a bit of time to work on my own game!”

The 47-year-old holds fond memories of Gog Magog having played there in the Gogs Trophy in 1987 – a day which turned out to be a unique occasion in the Robertson household.

“I went there and hit a hole in one,” Robertson recalled. “I was only about 18 at the time, really pleased with myself and rushed home to tell my younger brother.

“He had been playing elsewhere and only turned round and told me that he had hit a hole in one too! I don’t know what odds you would get on that happening but I certainly remember the day every time I go back to Gog Magog!”

Other players competing in the regional qualifier at Gog Magog include: Samuel Cubitt (De Vere Dunston Hall), Crue Elliott (Sandy Lodge), Steven Hambling (Braintree), Ben Kerr (Bourn Golf & Leisure), Noel Quinn (Whipsnade Park) and Richard Webb (Tilsworth).