A passion for golf and sport has been the guiding force in Peter Martin’s career.
Read how he became Director of Golf at Colin Glen
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I started playing golf and caddying for my dad at the age of five and dreamed about becoming a professional. I was an Irish International at 15 and competed for Ireland Junior and Senior levels up until I was 23, when I decided to turn PGA Professional. I enjoyed playing in the region and on the European Tour and Challenge Tour, all while completing my PGA apprenticeship under Michael McGivern at Belvoir Park Golf Club. In 2008 I became Director of Golf at Colin Glen. I love it and have enjoyed seeing the golf facilities develop with the leadership of our Chief Executive, Colin O’Neill and a great team.
What was your favourite subject at school?
That’s an easy one – P.E.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I wanted to be confident I had something to fall back on if my playing career didn’t work out. As a teenager, my pursuit of becoming a golf pro took over so I really didn’t see the bigger picture and give school much attention. Once I knew I wanted to teach and become a PGA Professional, I needed specific qualifications so I completed an NVQ in Business Development alongside my PGA as entrance to the course.
How did you get into your area of work?
My PGA Professional tutor and friend, Michael McGivern was my role model and I learned a lot from him, working at Belvoir Park. You have to love golf, but there’s more to being a Club Professional than that; you’re front-of-house looking after members and visitors, developing relationships with your pupils and are in charge of the daily running of a busy shop. No day is the same and I gained a lot of great experience.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I’m lucky as this really is all I ever wanted to do and hope to continue as long as I can.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
It definitely helps to have a profile as a good amateur player, but you also need the confidence and ability to play and teach others. The PGA helps provide the knowledge and qualifications needed. You never stop learning, and the PGA will keep pushing you to continue your development, whether it’s coaching or running a successful business.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Base entry routes are usually through the PGA, or at least that was the case when I was going through it. It was really focused on your skills as a player, but as the wider golf industry has evolved and grown, I’m sure there are many branches to get involved in now in order to progress.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Straightforward thinking and good communication skills are very important. Colin Glen is unique, as not only are you working with golf members, but also players using the TopTracer Driving Range and other state-of-the-art sports leisure facilities. Parents might leave their kids off for football and nip in for a golf lesson or bucket of balls themselves. It’s all about understanding your market and looking after a wide variety of customers to meet their needs.
What does a typical day entail?
For me, like most people, it starts with the school run. We have a great management team at Colin Glen who are very organised, and we recently began working with MiTSO Marketing who have helped us build a great website and online booking system, so we know what’s coming each day and how to prepare for it. This means I get to focus on what I love doing: teaching.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I love the variety of work that is involved in Colin Glen. We have two teams, Forest Park and Leisure, and we take on all challenges together, whether it’s finding new funding opportunities or planning new outdoor attractions like Ireland’s first Alpine coaster and Ireland’s longest ziplines which we’re excited to be launching this summer. Everything we do aims to help Colin Glen Trust become a self-sustained charity and to make our local community proud.
Why is what you do important?
In the current climate, it’s important that people have outdoor spaces where they can exercise safely to help their mental well-being, learn a new pastime or even inspire a child to dream like me of becoming a Pro.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/ role?
Golf as a sport has been lucky as it’s been one of the first restrictions to be lifted after lockdown. This has created a mini ‘boom’ for golf, but when our facilities are closed for long periods of time, it is very frustrating. Seeing busy parks every weekend but empty golf courses has been hard to understand at times. I’m looking forward to brighter days ahead!
What adjustments have you had to make?
It’s more difficult to maintain relationships virtually, so communicating with our customers has remained a top priority for us. We have also created some great online content across our website and social channels, including online lessons and coaching videos. We’re always evolving and trying new things as an organisation.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. The PGA can open many doors. I have friends who are now teaching in Dubai and all over the world, and even caddying for world number ones and winning majors.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
It would have to be something sport-related, that’s for sure. Something that makes me want to go in everyday, but I really can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Slow down and enjoy the experience.
Describe your ideal day off.
A pre-Covid Saturday would be spent getting the breakfast on early before I bring my youngest son, Patrick to his football in the morning, back for lunch and then head out again for my son Aaron’s 2pm kick off for Crumlin United. Home for 5pm so I can get ready to take my wife, Clara out for a meal. Lastly, finish off the evening watching (you guessed it) the golf!
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Know that it will rarely be handed to you. Always keep learning and developing your skills. Even now, I still look at golf jobs around the world and what it would take to get there. Always be ready to grasp opportunities and stay positive.
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