Golf pro's view of the golf pro

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31662, 24 April 1968, Page 15

Golf pro's view of the golf pro

'THE do-it-yourself attitude in New Zealand is a good thing for the country but a bad thing for its golfing population.

This is the view of John Brooker, professional to the Russley Golf Club. Although a “first year Kiwi” he has cast a perceptive glance at the country’s sporting life, and finds the independent attitude of the average golfer to be his most marked impression.

“Since golf became popular about three or four years ago, there has been growing concern among Canterbury professionals at the outlook of golfers generally,” he says. “They seem reluctant to seek advice; perhaps it is because the Kiwi is so used to ‘doing it himself.’ “The idea that club professionals are there for the benefit of low handicap players is a misconception,” he contends. “We are here to help the man who plays off scratch, or better, to the 36-handicapper. And we do not limit the service to the club member—the green fee player should not feel reticent about seeking advice from a professional. After all, we are not a race of super beings, virtually unapproachable. And we do not slap on a $2 fee for correcting a small fault in a golfer’s game.”

John Brooker is keen to help the game in Canterbury, and this desire has been heightened by his observations of golf in the country of his adoption, compared with those of the game in the country of his birth, England. "In England there are two types of courses: the municipal, for the average man, and the private, for the

bankers and company directors. It is refreshing to find that this barrier does not exist in New Zealand. There is no snob element in clubs here, but a spirit of togetherness and club spirit. It makes my job a lot easier if I am dealing with people, and not snobs.

“This is possibly why the standard of club golf here is higher than it is in the United Kingdom. Golf is not used for social climbing here; it is treated as a game, but the players want to do well.”

John Brooker holds definite views on the role of the club professional in New Zealand. He feels that the professional structure here is slightly weaker than in other countries because clubs are only just starting to realise the importance of the professional within the club framework.

“In most countries, the club professionals come from the ranks of the assistants, who have served a thorough apprenticeship under an experienced man. In New Zealand a great opportunity exists for young men to enter this field, with a view to gaining an appointment to a club in due course. At Russley, my assistant, Peter Hay, is gradually learning the ropes by watching me teach and helping me with the repair and maintenance of clubs. I think this type of planned development of a club professional’s career is infinitely better than the changing of status by good amateur players who are well-liked in their particular club, but who

know little of the many facets of the club professional’s role. The ability to play a good game of golf is just not enough.” This, he hastens to add, is no reflection on the worth of such club professionals in New Zealand. They are merely products of the situation that has prevailed. “Generally, New Zealand professionals do a good job,” he says. “But the job is a many-sided one. As well as being able to impart your knowledge you must have an easy manner with people and infinite patience. Then there is the less glamorous but equally important aspect of the repairs and maintenance of clubs. Anyone can file a club face, for instance, but to know what you are doing is another matter.

“As well as all this, a club professional must be an astute businessman, for he is involved in the buying and selling of clubs, and, in most cases, the stocking of a professional's shop. But one need not be too astute to make a good living at golf. I like to make a reasonable living, and make friends. I think that is more important.” There is no doubt that John Brooker regards himself as privileged to be holding the position of professional at such an important club as Russley. “I am very honoured and very proud that the club chose me for the position,” he says. “I know of at least 50 professionals in England who would have given their right arms to secure a position like this. “In fact, I would never have got such a good appointment in the United Kingdom if I had lived to be 100.”