International Sports Management has completed the signing of Manchester golfer Joe Bannan.
Bannan, 22, is attached to Manchester Golf Club and has recently returned from four years in the United States playing college golf for Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia.
The youngster has just turned professional and is coached by Gareth Benson, fitness coach James Thompson and six-time European Tour winner Simon Dyson, who was represented by ISM throughout his career.
Bannan said: “I have been working with Simon Dyson on my game and he has made some great changes to the performance aspects with some great practice sessions. With the addition of Chubby and ISM’s support, I feel that I have a very strong team behind me.
“Chubby knows the game inside and out both on the course and just as importantly, what it takes to succeed. He has worked with some of the best names in golf so I’ll look to learn as much as I can from him. It’s great to have the support of someone like him.”
Set up by former European Tour player, Chubby Chandler, in 1989, ISM has always been a strong supporter of north west golfers with the likes of Dave Horsey, Matt Nixon, Tom Murray and Jacob Oakley also on their books.
ISM Chief Executive Officer Chandler said: “We have always been keen to support and guide golfers from the north west and this has never changed despite our success on the global stage.
“Joe has shown a lot of potential and has made great improvements since working with Simon Dyson and we are pleased to be supporting him as he embarks on his professional career.
“It is a very difficult time for young players to turn professional given the relative lack of opportunities to progress onto the European Tour ladder over the next year so for Joe and many others, the aim is to work on their game as much as possible in the next twelve months to prepare for the EuroPro Tour and ultimately, 2021 European Tour Qualifying School.”
The Thomas University 2019 Team MVP will be looking to secure his PGA EuroPro card at their September qualifying school which will give him the chance to earn a Challenge Tour card in 2021 and a chance to compete on Europe’s second tier.
In the meantime, like many other golfers, Bannan will play the regional circuits offered by the Clutch Pro Tour, the 2020 Pro Tour and the north west based 1836 Tour.