MINEHEAD Golf Club’s assistant professional Archie Walsh claimed third place in the Somerset and Gloucestershire PGA event staged at the West Somerset club with a three under par 69, writes Richard Walsh.

The 19-year-old, who hails from Watchet, was only taking part in his third PGA competition and had it not been for Covid-19 would never have embarked on a career in golf.

“I went to Danesfield and West Somerset College and started a course in Business Studies at Bridgwater College but then covid came along so I went to work for my dad, said Walsh.

“I had no intentions of becoming involved with the golf world and was going down the route of becoming a surveyor but then this chance came along and I took it.

“I got into golf through my family, really - my dad has been a member at Minehead for a number of years, in fact, before I was born and I started to play seven or eight years ago. However, it was my granddad who really got me into it - he used to take me to the driving range and to the pitch and putt, and when he passed away I decided to take the sport up for him.

“I have been a member at Minehead and West Somerset for about six years and was appointed as the assistant pro last April.”

“I’m in my first year following the PGA course that covers things like coaching, the rules of golf and playing professionally, and the business side of the game.”

The youngster added: “I practice quite a lot and get to play at least twice a week. I turned pro off a handicap of one and now I’m off scratch.”

Reflecting on his third place finish he said: “Considering I have only ever played in three tournaments I am pretty pleased to have finished in third place in last week’s PGA event at Minehead where I was playing alongside a lot of experienced professional players.

“I have been playing well round Minehead recently so I knew that it was an opportunity to try to prove myself a little bit. I made a few mistakes but I’m very happy with my round - shot three under par

Archie added: “A lot of people have helped me along the way and I would like to thank them all especially my main sponsors, the Freddie Pring Memorial Fund, and B Walsh and Sons Ltd, Building Contractors.”