Damon Helps Golfers see the Woods from the Tees

If practice truly provides the key to perfection, then Damon Airey is something of a specialist within golfing circles.

Based in the beautiful Shropshire setting of Hawkstone Park, Damon's expert tuition helps many budding golfers realise their ambitions on the course.

As resident teaching professional, he is PGA qualified to coach all levels, from complete novice to expert golfer.
Sowing The Seeds It was by chance that Damon found a set of golf clubs in his house when he was 13 years old - nobody in the family played golf. But Damon seized the opportunity to make some use of them and, with friends, started to play regularly at Keswick Golf Club.

Within a year, Damon began to compete in junior tournaments and was delighted to win his very first one. Within 18 months, Damon was down to a single figure handicap and golf seemed destined to play a big part in his future.

At 19, Damon was taken on as a trainee golf professional at Beadale Golf Club in Yorkshire and from here he progressed to York then Shrewsbury Golf Club.

Now with 12 years experience as a golf professional, including three years as a full-time professional tour player, Damon is more than qualified to demonstrate the finer points of the game to members and visitors alike at Hawkstone Park where he has worked for two years.

As one of the venues for this year's prestigious MasterCard Tour, Hawkstone Park boasts two championship courses, with panoramic views of some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.

For those wishing to perfect their swing, Hawkstone also offers an excellent six hole Academy Course built in silver birch wood, as well as a driving range and short game facilities.

Having previously coached at clubs in Yorkshire and Cumbria, Damon has developed a soft spot for the unspoilt beauty of Hawkstone Park. Set amidst acres of rolling countryside, Hawkstone is already well on the way to establishing itself as a renowned venue for golfing tuition.

However, Damon believes that some of his main skills lie in his short game and it is these skills he finds many want to learn during his lessons.

Commenting on his position, Damon said: " The most inspiring aspect of my job is teaching people to feel at ease on the course. There is a general misconception that golf is a difficult sport and I think a lot of people find it intimidating. My job is to take away that apprehension and show just how enjoyable the game really is."

Damon is happy to have golf as his chosen career but names music and books as his other passions. He points to two key figures in the golfing world that he respects above all other - Jack Nicholas and Nick Faldo - because 'they've got to the top of the game through strength of spirit and hard work'.

With plans to extend coaching facilities in the pipeline for 2002, Hawkstone Park aims to build on the strength of its existing customer base. Contrary to popular opinion, golf at Hawkstone is a female-friendly sport, with more than 50 percent of tutees being 'of the fairer sex'.

Damon currently offers golf tuition on Hawkstone's six hole Academy Course for both individual and group bookings. Lessons on an individual basis are five for £80 and 10 for £160. Group bookings for five lessons are just £35 a head and £70 per head for the 10 lessons required to get up to scratch.