Two PGA Professionals who have suffered from skin cancer hope new PGA Official Supplier Techniblock can help raise awareness among other golfers to take proper protection from the sun.
Jamie Cundy and Andrew Simmonds have welcomed the three-year agreement with Techniblock which offers a non-greasy, fast drying, ethanol-based sun spray alternative to traditional rub in emulsifier and oil based lotions.
Techniblock was developed in South Africa but was launched in the UK five years ago by Bedfordshire couple David and Tracey Parry impressed by its easy to use and apply characteristics.
Set up as an ecommerce business, the Parrys are now aiming to reach more golfers through PGA pros on the back of its widespread use among golfers in South Africa.
“Techniblock is very big in South Africa within the golf industry because people find it so easy to use,” said Tracey from Langford.
“It’s not greasy, you can spray it on and you don’t really have to rub it in, it’s quick and easy to use and lasts the entire time it takes to do 18 holes. We felt if we were going to open it up to a particular sporting industry, golf is a good one to start.”
Cundy, the head PGA Professional at Dudley Golf Club, is already using Techniblock at his club.
“It’s a great addition to the pro shop counter and the key is that it’s making people aware of the dangers of the sun, the pro is selling the benefits of taking precautions, giving a service and also making margin too,” he said.
Simmonds, who runs the South Buckinghamshire Golf Academy and Blue Mountain Golf Centre where he has just been given the all clear after a melanoma on his back, has also given the thumbs up to Techniblock and believes having it readily available in the pro shop will encourage more golfers to take precautions.
“Without a doubt it is massively important, having it easily accessible, and the fact it is easy to use and apply will help encourage more to take protection,” he said.
For the Parrys, obtaining PGA Official Supplier status is a huge step in a journey that began with holiday visits to her sister in South Africa.
“It was always very hot and we noticed her children used to be in and out of the water but never seemed to put any sun screen on and never got burnt,” added Tracey. “It turned out they were using Techniblock, so we started to use it. Eventually we thought there’s an opportunity here and we literally jumped on an aeroplane, flew over to South Africa, contacted the manufacturers and said can we come and talk about your product.
“They were receptive to it, and that is how it started. We always wanted to get into retail but didn’t want to put it into the supermarket or a big chemist chain because we don’t feel it is the right platform for this product.
“With the connection between the PGA pro and the club golfers, we feel this is the ideal retail outlet to reach a targeted audience.
“We’re hoping if we can get the pros to use the product for themselves and see how well the product works and how easy it is to use, that they will then use that opportunity to say to their members that you should be trying this product, and thinking about sun safety on the golf course.”
Techniblock www.techniblock.co.uk