Shannon Sandiford has taken on the role of PGA professional at Pakenham Golf Club.
By John Gavegan
PAKENHAM Golf Club members can now improve their games, thanks to new PGA professional Shannon Sandiford.
Sandiford is the first resident professional at the club in more than 10 years.
Sandiford, 22, is working in the golf shop and is keen to promote teaching with men’s and women’s clinics, junior programs, oneonone instruction, as well as advice on equipment.
“The only way to choose the right equipment is to get advice from a professional – you can’t get this at a store,” he said. Sandiford plans to incorporate the latest methods in his teaching, such as the VI Golf computer program, which records swings on video, he said.
“As well as easily identifying problems, the swing is stored on a computer and improvements can be seen over a period,” he said.
“I really enjoy teaching, it’s very satisfying to help people improve their games and see the enjoyment they get,” he said.
Sandiford, who lives at Hampton Park, spent more than four years at Cranbourne Golf Club, where he completed his PGA traineeship under professional Peter McKillop. He started hitting golf balls at the age of five and joined his first club, Brighton, at the age of 11, before being a member of Keysborough Golf Club for seven years.
Sandiford has played in many tournaments, such as the Vic Open, South Australian PGA and other events in New South Wales and Queensland.
One of his goals at Pakenham is to encourage more young people to play and plans to target schools in the area and introduce junior programs.
“I want to get kids, both boys and girls of all ages and standards, playing, learning all areas of the game the right way, not develop bad habits and then continue with it,” he said.
Sandiford is also keen to encourage more women to play golf and plans to organise programs and clinics.
“Many feel nervous about taking up the game, so learning in a group and playing together is the best way to overcome this. It’s fun, a good social outlet and many friends are made this way,” he said.
Sandiford said he was looking forward to working at Pakenham, which he described as a great club.
“People in the area, both members and nonmembers, are welcome to see me for advice and help with their game,” he said. Sandiford can be contacted at Pakenham Golf Club golf shop, phone 5941 4083.
