Garrick Porteous has agreed an attachment with the brand new golf academy at Longhirst Hall Golf Club. The Academy, being backed by former England cricketer Steve Harmison, is due to open next week.
Garrick, 25, the 2013 British Amateur champion and Challenge Tour player, will have free use of the facilities as he continues to establish himself in the professional ranks.
The Northumberland native, who is in action at the Medeira Islands Open this week, said: “I used to go down there as a youngster and I’ve seen the club evolve so I’m delighted to be linking up with them.
“The facilities are going to be brilliant and I’m very excited about it. It’s right on my doorstep and hopefully, with Steve on board, it can have a big influence throughout the North East.”
Steve, who, like Garrick, is represented by ISM, believes that having a professional working at the academy on a daily basis will help his plans to get local youngsters into the sport.
He said: “Garrick will have the chance to be himself and I know he will feel comfortable working at Longhirst.
“It will be a chance for kids in the area to come and watch someone who is starting his professional career and hopefully see him rise through the Challenge Tour to the European Tour first hand. He’ll get the best possible preparation with us and I’m sure it’s something that can work for everyone.”
Steve played for England between 2002 and 2009 and recently took over as manager of non-league football side Ashington.
The coaching of local youngsters will be headed by Longhirst’s head pro Carl Nicholls.
Longhirst Hall Golf Club http://longhirstgolf.co.uk
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