Hawkings passes on PGA skills to players (From Malvern Gazette)

Hawkings passes on PGA skills to players

2:00pm Saturday 16th January 2010 in Sport

A WORCESTERSHIRE golf pro has set up a coaching base in Malvern which boasts state-of-the-art facilities.

Graham Hawkings, who has been a PGA professional for more than 20 years, will be teaching golfers of all abilities from his new base at Malvern College.

Hawkings’ high-tech set-up features the latest ‘GASP’ video analysis system, similar to that used on Sky Sports’ golf coverage.

It uses a high-speed camera capable of taking up to 1,200-frames-per-second, ensuring that every detail of the swing is caught.

Hawkings said: “I pride myself on my bespoke coaching, where pupils benefit from the most innovative, scientific and proven methods, ensuring the elite to the beginner are all guaranteed a fantastic learning experience.

As well as one-off lessons, I develop individual programmes to ensure players are able to enjoy their golf and have the best experience they can on the golf course.

“Along with traditional teaching methods and aids, I offer the opportunity for golfers to have their swing video-analysed.

“The emphasis is on consistent development through all the areas of the game, highlighting and reinforcing the strengths while helping to improve any areas of weakness.

“Ensuring the pupils have a full understanding of what they have improved upon is key to the successful coaching sessions.”

Hawkings is a highly-respected coach who began his amateur career at The Worcestershire.

As an amateur he soon moved through the ranks of junior, colt, second and first team county golf, taking in along the way tournaments such as the English Amateur Championship and The Brabazon Trophy.

He turned professional in 1988 and soon passed the required examinations to become a fully-qualified PGA class ‘A’ professional.

This was later followed by a diploma in sports psychology from Newcastle College and a level three coaching qualification within the PGA. Hawkings added: “The basic skills and principals I apply allow me to pass on my knowledge to all standards of pupil from complete beginner to the elite golfer.”

Hawkings has run a number of summer schools for juniors and, in 1996, was selected by the PGA to act as one of their coaches at The Open Championship.

Since 2005, he has had his own clubs out again and has been competing regularly in senior golf tournaments, some of which have been affiliated to the European Seniors Tour.

During these events he has rubbed shoulders with ex-major champions and Ryder Cup players.

In 2006, Hawkings attended the European Seniors Tour School in Portugal, which helped him gain an insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level.

If anyone would like his assistance in improving their game, call the Malvern-based coach on (01886) 880551 or 07786 931743.

He also has a website, at grahamhawkingsgolf.co.uk