Triple tonic for highflying Nick

A former rival of American Ryder Cup stars Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson is in celebratory mode after finishing third in the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year awards.

Nicholas Olson, above right, who became a dad 11 weeks ago following the birth of daughter Violet, has also been promoted to head professional at Kent-based Chart Hills completing a hat-trick of good news stories.

The 31-year-old was recognised for his achievements at the annual PGA Graduation at the University of Birmingham today (Wednesday April 14) where he received a cheque for £1,500 from Titleist brand director Matthew Johnson and Ryder Cup director Richard Hills.

“It’s great to have the rewards for three years of hard work,” said Olson who finished behind Julie Otto (centre) and Hiddo Uhlenbeck (left).

“I started out on the training programme targeting the No 1 spot and have had a good crack at it.

“Life is going well at the moment having been given the head professional role and with the birth of my daughter, although there is a slight lack of sleep!

“I am adapting to the role having been playing and coaching more but also looking at the retail side and the running of the department. I enjoy the coaching but was always looking at going into management.”

Olson was a very talented amateur playing off a handicap of plus three and is a former England Schools captain.

He went to university in South Carolina, where he attained a business degree and also crossed swords with two of the best known players on the planet.

“Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson were both playing contemporaries. Dustin was at Coastal Carolina University and was normally No 1, but I did beat him to Freshman of the Year.”