Aspiring young golf professionals can now gain an invaluable insight into the potential pitfalls of joining the pro ranks with the launch of a book entitled ‘Pro Golf Secrets Revealed’ by author Stephen Govenlock.
Launched with the endorsement of the flamboyant Ian Poulter in St Andrews on the eve of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, this unique book uses a light-hearted tone and is fun to read. Its advice however is deadly serious and a ‘must-read’ for anyone considering life on a professional golf tour.
“‘Pro Golf Secrets Revealed’ offers a relaxed, but valuable insight into all the issues which can, and do, influence the ability of a promising young golfer to fulfil their true potential,” commented Poulter, who appears on the cover of the book, albeit in cartoon form, playing a guitar whilst simultaneously swinging a golf club.
“Whether you are a young aspiring amateur golfer, a young pro just starting out, or a golf enthusiast, the content of this book will be of great value to many and an eye-opener to others,” he continued.
In his guide, Govenlock cleverly explores a variety of issues that a promising golfer is likely to encounter should he wish to embark on a career as a pro, such as choosing the right caddy and developing his self image, whilst a series of amusing cartoons featuring “Bob” illustrate the dangers that lurk around every corner in the world of commercial golf.
Edinburgh-born author Govenlock, who has been in and around the game of golf for over 38 years, both as a talented young amateur and as a pro player manager has compiled ‘Pro Golf Secrets Revealed’ to “give all aspiring golfers an insight into the difficult Business of Being® a Pro golfer.”
Having rubbed shoulders with the pros when trying to qualify for the 1984 Open Championship, he turned his attention to the management and guidance of young Scottish professionals. Between 1995 and 2002 he delivered a prodigious level of success when managing young players such as Alastair Forsyth and David Drysdale, to win 26, 72 hole pro events and a first and third place in the European Tour qualifying school.
He is therefore well placed to reveal the pros and cons facing young golfers as they try and make the successful transition from the amateur into the pro game.
“Golf is and has been my passion for as long as I can remember and I have been involved in almost every aspect of the game,” said Govenlock at the book launch. “With ‘Pro Golf Secrets Revealed’, I hope to give young golfers access to the information which I am confident will assist them to get as close as possible to achieving their full potential.”
In addition to being aimed at aspiring pros, the book would be a good read for parents of youngsters looking at a professional career or anyone with an interest in the insider story of being a pro golfer.
In addition to Poulter’s endorsement, the book has also received plaudits from a number of other channels including Scott Cranfield, European Tour coach, Sky Sports coach and founder of the Cranfield Golf Academies.
“This book will act as a great sounding board for any young player trying to make it as a pro or simply help them improve the way they manage themselves and their game. Each chapter is thought provoking and requires the reader to delve inside himself for some honest answers,” comments Cranfield.
‘Pro Golf Secrets Revealed’, published by the Business of Being Publishing Ltd, is priced at £11.99 and can be purchased in WH Smith, Borders Bookshops and a number of golf pro shops and high street golf retailers across the UK. For a sneak preview, visit www.progolfsecrets.co.uk