Aspiring tour pro needs a bit of help and advice

[Eldbee]

I am an Amateur Golfer from Oxfordshire, England. My goal is to make it onto the European tour by the time I am 25. I am trying to play a full season this summer including county matches, county order of merit and National tournaments. I am struggling to find ways to fund my season at the moment, I am happy to work but I am struggling to find a job that will be flexible enough to allow me time off for tournaments and practice and I have only managed to raise minimal sponsorship. So far in 2013 I have already managed to secure a 4th place finish in the Algarve Winter Tour (Portuguese Pro Tour) at Vale De Pinta in some tough conditions and I am hoping it is a sign of things to come this season. If anyone could help me out with sponsorship advice? ways to drive season cost down? Job oppurtunities? it would be greatly appreciated!

About me

Full Name: Elliot David Bradley

Residence: Witney, Oxfordshire, UK

Born: June 3rd, 1993 (JR, Ox)

School: Henry Box (Witney, Ox) University: Plymouth University (Saltash, Cornwall)

Height: 6’2” Weight: 14st2

‘ I’m the eldest sibling from a rather large family which can make life a bit hectic but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I really enjoy spending what downtime I have available socialising with my friends as any other 19 year old does, trips to the cinema or nandos always make for a good time. If I’m in a bit of a quieter mood I also am quite fond of getting out my guitar and having a little play around with it, I find something quite relaxing about it. My real passion though is golf!’

I am currently studying in my final year at TGC (tournament golf college). The course is designed to provide elite golfers with the knowledge and facilities to prepare themselves for tackling the world of professional golf. I am learning not just about the golf swing itself but also the science behind golf with modules including; fitness training, performance analysis, psychology, nutrition, performance lifestyle management and conditioning for performance.

The other aspect of the education is to give a knowledge of golf as a business with different modules covering; business management, golf tour business, research methods, business planning, media and communications and a final research project.

About my golf

I am a golfer residing in Oxfordshire, UK. My aim is to become successful as a touring professional player on both the European and PGA circuit, I currently play off a +1 handicap and play as a member at both Frilford Heath G.C and Carswell Golf and Country Club.

Carswell is where I started playing golf in my early teens and got my first handicap of 22 as a 15 year old. It is a friendly golf club and the atmosphere there is brilliant. I felt I matured whilst playing regularly up there due to the interactions I had with many of the adult members. I have a strong connection with Carswell and I don’t think I would be in the position I am in now without the experience I gained at the club.  I was heavily involved in both the junior team and the mens team and I learnt many things which I still carry today both on and off the golf course.

Whilst I am still a loyal member at Carswell I made the decision a couple of years ago to also join Frilford Heath. Which is a well established golf club with 54 championship golf holes. As much as I still enjoy myself at Carswell I felt the move was one which would allow me to push myself onto the next level. Since being a member at Frilford I have reduced my handicap from 3 to scratch and become friends with a lot of very impressive golfers. Frilford has six professional golfers who have been competing throughout 2012 and two of which are playing European tour events in 2013. Being able to associate with these players has really brought my game forward and I really enjoy the challenge playing with them presents.

Aims for 2013

I have set my sights high whilst setting my main goals for the 2013 season:

· Get myself to a +3 or better handicap

· Move into the top 1500 in the WAGR (world amateur golf rankings)

· Find myself sponsorship to allow me to play a full UK amateur season

I have chosen these goals as I believe it will put me on the brink of the England squad for the following year which I see as the next significant step. I believe that these goals are aiming high but they are also achievable which is key to good goal setting. I am a very hard working individual when it comes to my golf, both on and off the golf course. I have a strong belief in the role fitness plays within the game and am working hard all year round to improve my body for the game.

I believe it is important to have a stable base and flexibility in order to produce a consistent golf swing. If there is too much lateral movement in the lower body it becomes hard to return the club to impact in the correct position without having to time a compensation, which is a cause of inconsistency in the golf swing and often a loss of distance.

I also think that in the modern game physical power is becoming a big factor. Power is a combination of strength and speed and if you aren’t in the gym developing both these factors then you are limiting your potential. I spend large amounts of time in the gym doing big power moves such as; squats, deadlifts and benchpress in order to increase my physical strength which is one of the components of power. I then put that together with explosive full body moves like; pull ups, box jumps and rotation presses to increase the explosive speed of my muscles.

Fitness Coach: Ali Galbraith

‘The benefit of using the services of a Personal Trainer is that the exercises you do are personalised to you, based on what you can do and on what you want to achieve - e.g. muscle tone, increased strength or stamina, or weight loss/gain Whatever your goal may be, your Personal Trainer should be with you every step of the way - with Alistair Galbraith Fitness, you can guarantee it.

Alistair is passionate about his work and will give you all the tools and motivation you need to succeed - as a team’

Coaching

Swing Coach: Darren Gass

‘I have been teaching golf for over 18 years in both the UK and abroad. Venues include places such as the exclusive Emirates Golf Club, Dubai where I was based before moving to St Mellion. Over this time I have had the fortune to work with and learn from some of the worlds leading authorities on golf coaching and its related areas, and it’s these experiences that have helped to shape my own unique coaching development approach.

I am now widely known for my work and success with elite players as under my tutelage players have competed on all major European Tours, Asian Tour and in the Open Championship. I have coached National Champions at Men’s, Youth’s, and Boy’s level and for many years lead the coaching for the Cornwall County Teams. In 2001 I coached Scott Godfrey as he became Cornwall’s first and as yet only English Amateur Champion’

2013 season plan

My aim is to use 2013 as my first full national amateur season after building up the experience through county and youths events over the past few years. This will be my first attempt to really go out there and show people what I’m capable of given the proper chance.

The tournaments I am looking to have in my schedule are as follows:

· Selborne Salver 20 ^th April (Blackmoor)

· Hampshire Hog 21 ^st April (North Hants)

· South East of England Links 9 ^th -11 ^th May (Royal Cinque Ports and St. Georges)

· Scottish U21’s Championship 10 ^th -12 ^th May (Lanark)

· Brabazon Trophy Southern Qualifier 14 ^th May (Enmore Park)

· Welsh Open Championship 17 ^th -19 ^th May (Royal Porthcrawl)

· Lagonda Trophy 29 ^th -30 ^th May (Gog Magog)

· Scottish Open Championship 31 ^st May-2 ^nd June (Southerness)

· Welsh U21’s Championship 1 ^st -2 ^nd June (Monmothshire)

· Gold Medal 12 ^th June (Frilford Heath)

· Berkshire Trophy 22 ^nd -23 ^rd June (The Berkshire)

· Reigonal Open Qualifying 24 ^th June (unconfirmed)

· Brabazon Trophy 26 ^th -29 ^th June (Formby)

· Local Open Qualifying 2 ^nd July (unconfirmed)

· Midlands Youths Championship 10 ^th -12 ^th July (Stoke Rochford)

· The British Open 18 ^th -21 ^st July (Muirfield)

· South of England Championship 23 ^rd -25 ^th July (Walton Heath)

· English Amateur Championship 29 ^th July- 3 ^rd August (Frilford Heath)

· North of England U21’s Championship 6 ^th -8 ^th August (unconfirmed)

· Stoke Poges Trophy 17 ^th -18 ^th August (Stoke Park)

· Midland Open Championship 23 ^rd -24 ^th August (Gay Hill and Fulford Heath)

· Lee Westwood Trophy Date TBC (Rotheram)

· BBO Amateur Championships Date TBC (unconfirmed)

Clearly this schedule is subject to change as a lot of events are unconfirmed so haven’t been included and obviously a few overlap. I am trying to focus purely on world ranking events and it also depends whether or not I meet the entry requirements for each tournament.

My predicted costs for the season is between £5000-£6000 to cover travel, coaching, accommodation, entry fees etc for all the tournaments. As it stands at the moment I will be raising the funds from working full time and trying to practice around my work. Inevitably this will take away from the time I have to spend actually practicing my golf.

With these costs clearly succeeding in golf isn’t solely about playing well. I also need to build a business around myself and develop relationships with people who can benefit from my profile as a golfer.

In todays world the internet is a useful tool for this:

Website www.elliotbradley.com

Twitter @EDBgolf

Email edb1993@gmail.com

I send out a monthly email newsletter to anyone who is interested in what I am doing and how I am getting on. I fairly regularly get into the local press both by representing Frilford and also from my individual achievements which I believe reflects well upon me. I associate myself with a few local businesses who help me out with my season and to show my gratitude I present at events or meetings when requested. There are currently three companies I associate with. One is my fathers company MD2MD because I like to do what I can to help out my dad for supporting me to chase my dreams. The other two are BP Collins LLP and The Rooflight Company. These companies have both made donations to cover expenses in my 2012 season and I am very grateful to them for this.

I try to offer what I can in return for the money that is donated to me in the form of regular attendance for the company. That ranges from golf days, to general meetings or even just helping out at events. I also provide a link on my webpage and spread word about each company by word of mouth. Being a member at two golf courses I hope this is of value to them.

Unfortunately as an amateur I am unable to wear company logos whilst I am competing due to the rules of amateur status but the people who help me out now are obviously getting themselves into a favourable position for when I decide the time is right for me to turn professional which is certainly the plan for the future.

[cipher]

Huh? Is this a sales pitch?  You said all that to ask about Sponsorship and Job Advice?

[Eldbee]

Hi, Its just asking for advice and I cut and pasted in a document I produced previously that explains about myself in case anybody wanted to know any more about me.

Thanks

[cipher]

There are probably not too many aspiring tour pros here that can give you a lot of advise.  There is Liam from big break if he sees the post.   It sounds like you have some good people behind you already,  just work hard, play hard.  That is all you can do.  I would not worry too much about sponsors, and really just work on your game endlessly.  If you get there the opportunities will come.  Good luck, and hopefully someone can give you better advise.

[meenman]

stop wasting our time posting here and go practice if you are serious about being a pro

[dsc123]

Originally Posted by cipher

Huh? Is this a sales pitch?  You said all that to ask about Sponsorship and Job Advice?

I think its a résumé .

(edited at 1:59 to include the dancing banana)

[Ernest Jones]

Pssst, wanna buy some forged cavity-back blades?

[cipher]

Oh , figured this would happen. I honestly feel bad for this young man, but at the same time it is self inflicted.  Nobody here knows if you have a chance to make it or not.  But people probably will not respond well if you post an advertisement for yourself in the attempt to validate your skills.  The best advise I can actually give is maybe better put like this.  Think about Hogan in the modern day.  Would he have made a website about himself, and would he post his credentials out there for people to see before he made it?  The way to make it is still through hard work and inward mental strength as far as I am concerned.

[meenman]

bottom line is this clown (and it feels like 100s of others) come on this site with their *i am going to be a pro* crap, yet have never contributed anything to the site.

I dont (and wont) feel bad for them - if they need encouragement, I am sure that they have parents that will tell them how well they will do.

Now if he wants to pay us to boost his ego, that is another story altogether.

[Mordan]

I think everyone is being a little unfair. Yes it's another "I'm going to be a pro one day" threads, but at least this guy has a plan, and some results to back it up. A 4th on a Portugese Pro Tour isn't something to be laughed at.

That said, the advice he seems to really need is how to raise the funds required to play golf pretty much full time. At his level sponsorship is really only going to be on a local/personal level. So it means finding a job, but as he's already found it's pretty hard to find a job that you can schedule around your other interests as freely as he needs to.

EDIT: Also should say I agree with meenman that contributing a little to the site first would mean he's more likely to get a favourable response.

[SimpleSimon]

I am new to the ST. So I haven't seen the all of the "going pro" threads. I think all hes doing is seeing if anybody else was ever in a situation like he is in, and how they were able to get the cash without losing a ton of practice time. He is new to the site as well, he doesn't know what he should or should not do. He's just seeking advice and right now that's all that matters to him.

Unfortunately I suck at golf and I have to pay to play as well so the only advice I can give you is to keep practicing and try placing higher in more events. If you are as good as you say you are @ 19 years old, practice is the only thing that can help you right now.

[phillyk]

I don't know anything about how you would go about and gain sponsors or money to get on a circuit.  but, what I will say, is make sure you are not only physically ready but mentally as well.  it is no simple path to get on a tour.  There's a lot of patience and understanding that must go into the life.  Also in the golf game.  +1 is a great start, especially at 19.  To get better, you have to trust the swing, not put an expectation on it.  Build more and more trust, and know your swing better than the coach.  Never expect your body to hit the ball well, you must trust that your body, from the practice and knowledge, to hit it well.

[Harmonious]

Well, since you plan on playing the Open at Muirfield, then I suggest you finish in the top 20 or so.  You'll get more notice from that than posting your c.v. and personal website here.

[turtleback]

OK so the guy is in a program that is specifically designed to prepare folks for top-level tournament golf.

Am I the only one that thinks it must be a pretty crappy program if he feels compelled to come to this site, where virtually none of us have ever competed at anywhere near that level, for advice?  Why isn't his program giving him the necessary guidance?

And does anyone who would even have advice for someone in that position really give a rat's ruddy rectum about the size of his family and how many siblings he has and that he likes to go to movies I(and nandos, whatever that is) and sometimes play the guitar?  Or any of the other details he provides?   This comes across as one weird dude, making an even weirder post, to me.  Is he asking for advice or asking us all out on a date???

[MacDutch]

To most people the OP was a bit to much to consume. So here's the main reason for his post.

Originally Posted by Eldbee

If anyone could help me out with sponsorship advice? ways to drive season cost down? Job oppurtunities? it would be greatly appreciated!

@Eldbee

Sorry I can't help you, wish you all the luck in reaching your goals.

[Mr. Desmond]

I suggest you talk with businessmen who play golf in your hometown and who are wealthy -- golf nuts probably wish they had the opportunity to be a pro, and are more likely to help a player - I would develop a business plan, costs per year, what you would contribute, what you needed, percentage of earnings you would repay, etc.

[slodsm]

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond

I suggest you talk with businessmen who play golf in your hometown and who are wealthy -- golf nuts probably wish they had the opportunity to be a pro, and are more likely to help a player - I would develop a business plan, costs per year, what you would contribute, what you needed, percentage of earnings you would repay, etc.

At least someone gave this guy some sound and helpful advice instead of a bunch of bitter complaints and gripes towards a guy who's obviously got some skill and is on his way but needs a bit of advice from some people who may have been in a similar situation before.

He's new, he has no idea who's on this site and whether people can give him helpful advice or not.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by slodsm

At least someone gave this guy some sound and helpful advice instead of a bunch of bitter complaints and gripes towards a guy who's obviously got some skill and is on his way but needs a bit of advice from some people who may have been in a similar situation before.

Let's be real here: the OP in this thread is a lot different from the opening posts we see in a lot of "future pro" threads around here.  That's why he isn't being flamed to the hills.