The most important shot in golf is the next one…

Former Business Administration Apprentice has recently taken his next shot and progressed onto a Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) degree.

Golf has been a part of Oliver Underhill-Smith life since he was three years old, over this time Oli has achieved a number of different achievements, such as winning the Myhill Trophy as well as being Norfolk champion for his age a number of times. After deciding he would like to peruse a career in the golf industry he took the opportunity to join the Mattishall Golf Club team back in June 2021 as Sales & Administration Apprentice. Throughout his Business Administration Apprenticeship Oli gained lots of on-the-job training and completed all his theoretical work to a high standard resulted in him achieving a distinction at end point assessment.

Alice Daniels, Poultec tutor said: ‘Oli is genuinely one of life's good eggs. Everyone who meets him just adores him! He is hard working, a cheeky chap and just a lovely human being! He was a brilliant Business Administration Apprentice who smashed it and gained a distinction, proving hard work pays off. He is crazy for golf! I think he will only excel in his new qualification and will show anyone his dedication and love for not only the sport but for the role of a PGA Pro.’

Oli’s average working week at the time of his Apprenticeship and at the moment involves custom fittings, running the golf shop, serving customers, taking bookings, answering the phone calls, running monthly in-house Trackman Simulator competitions, building and maintaining relationships with customers. As a training provider we pride ourselves in delivering training specific to the needs of both the business and staff, which resulted in us being able to select Business Administration units most suited to Oli’s role within the golf club. ‘Completing a business Apprenticeship made me become more aware of the fundamentals of business and the basics needed to run a successful business. I would advise anyone looking to do an Apprenticeship to do it and to start as soon as possible. It’s a great opportunity for anyone any age!’ says Oli.

Oli is now underway in becoming a PGA Professional, in October 2023 he began studying a PGA degree which is the most respected golf qualification in the world. Most of this degree is online but it does also require Oli to attend the headquarters and National Training Academy at The Belfry once a year. This degree entails learning various skills and techniques such as golf coaching, custom fitting and club assembling. This degree enables Oli to network with fellow PGA Trainees from all over the country. When on campus they often spend the evenings practicing what they’ve learnt on the driving range. ‘I have always looked up to PGA pro’s and I’m thrilled to now be studying the degree myself’ Oli says. 

As Oli has already made valuable connections with staff, members and visitors at Mattishall Golf Club he is looking forward to building these relationships further throughout the three years of becoming a PGA pro. After completing the degree Oli aims to start golf coaching and delivering even more at custom fitting to members at Mattishall Golf Club.

General Manager/ PGA Qualified Golf Professional, Matthew Gardner says ‘We are lucky to have Oli as a team member at Mattishall Golf Club. He is liked by all members and guests alike. His passion for golf shows out in his character. His main objective is to give the best experience possible to anyone who steps on site. All staff will be supporting and wishing him the best of luck in his PGA degree.’

 

The Apprenticeship route is a great way for anyone to kick start a career from a young age. Oli felt his Apprenticeship was the perfect stepping stone to achieving his aspirations and that aspiration is to become a well-known PGA Professional. Oli said he wasn’t quite aware how much the Apprenticeship would boost not only his knowledge but his confidence, self believe and motivational skills all of which have now led him to progressing onto another qualification. ‘I believe it is always good to have something to aim for and a want to achieve’ voiced Oli

‘Golf has always been a great passion of mine and I can’t wait to expand my knowledge even further. So far I feel my career path has been successful and I have loved every part of it…which is the most important thing.’ Noted Oli

Debbie Bales, Managing Director says ‘We are not surprised he completed his course with a distinction, knowing his dedication to his job. We are delighted he has decided to become a PGA Professional Golfer and pleased to be able to support Oli in his latest venture and wish him all the best.’