[box]This edition we are profiling EGTF Professional Rozalyn Adams. Roz says, “I was first introduced into golf by my mother at the age of 5, and by the time I was 10 it was the one sport that I excelled at.[/box]
I had the opportunity to make it a career at 16, but decided not to at that time and stopped playing seriously. I found my desire to play again in my mid-forties and was surprised how well I could still play, and soon got down to a 1 handicap and started playing competitive golf and doing well. This led to me wanting to understand my own swing and brought me into teaching. Before doing the Diploma Course I had set up my own Clinic as a Beauty Therapist and then specialising in Electrolysis and Laser treatments.”
Where do you work?
I established abcSwingbuild Golf in 2006, based in a high street location in Welling, Kent. The shop was fitted out with a custom built indoor practice facility using the Vector launch monitor, complete with projector and impact screen. I had the floor specially contoured as a putting green which worked very well. The shop was trialed for 18 months to establish the basic parameters for a larger indoor facility, which I am researching at present.
Where do you play golf?
I play at Addington Court GC along with the other Crown golf clubs in the S.E. London area. These courses are maintained in excellent condition and allow me to play all the different type of shots.
Why did you become a teaching professional?
I believe that golf is a way of life. It keeps you fit. It will show up your failings even in the most level headed of people and when you have overcome these, it makes you a stronger person. It’s sociable and something you can do all your life. If I can help someone achieve this, I am fulfilling my potential.
What is the best thing about being a teaching professional?
Helping people of all golfing abilities reach their potential.
What is the worst thing about being a teaching professional?
Not being able to teach.
How many lessons do you give in the Summer and the Winter?
At the moment very few as I am in the process of selling my Laser Clinic and resourcing suitable teaching premises.
What do you consider is the most important lesson you could give someone and why?
Not to get frustrated, to be patient. Why? Because golf is the one sport that you can play all your life and those feelings take away the enjoyment.
What is your favourite drill and why?
Playing with my eyes closed. It promotes exceptional feel and balance, especially when putting.
Who is your favourite player and why?
Lee Trevino. He entertained people with his relaxed, jovial style of play. But even more because he did not have the classic swing and visualised the shape of the shot he wanted to hit and then believed in his ability to play it.
Who would be your ideal fourball and why?
Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Anika Soransen and me! They are the epitome of what’s good in golf and because I would have the chance to learn from the best.
Which is the best Course you have ever played and why?
The Old Course at St Andrews. There is no other course like it and all the great players have made their mark there. When you reach the 18th hole, drive at the clock, walk up the vast fairway over ‘Granny Clarke’s Wynd’ and get ready to hit your approach to the famous 18th green just beyond the valley of sin, your heart will be thumping, and if you succeed in hitting your ball to the heart of the green you will be acknowledged by an applause from a small crowd of golfing enthusiasts who are always there watching.
What’s the best and worst experience you have had in golf?
Playing for England. When you wear the uniform of your Country it’s a special feeling. The worst was when I played in the Armature Ladies British Open at Princes GC in Kent a few years ago. The wind was gusting around 30mph and the rain was hitting us sideways. My caddy had to hold the umbrella horizontally while I gripped the club and then whip it away at the last minute before I swung the club.
Do you still strive to improve standards?
Always.
What’s the best tip you could give a junior golfer?
Whenever you practice or play, never get frustrated or lose your temper. Golf is a game of fun, enjoy it.
What’s in the bag?
EGTF Golf Professional Roz Newport
My clubs consist of two Drivers, a 9.0′ and a 10.5′ depending on the wind and the roll available. I have a 3 Wood which has a low kick point for getting those fairway shots up in the air and I grip down the shaft to make this a 5 Wood. I then have a 9 Wood and a 29′ rescue club which gives me mid range flexibility from 150-175 yards to attack the green from the fairway and the light rough. My Irons go from 5 to 9 and are custom made with Nippon pro lightweight steel shafts for control and accuracy. I have four Wedges to choose from and will either play all of them and drop my 5 Iron or play 3 Wedges and keep the 5 Iron depending on the course I am playing. I have three putters to choose from. Two are standard weight but vary in design and the third has 80g of lead powder in the bottom of the shaft for playing slow greens.
When I am teaching I carry two 9 irons (LH & RH) and a putter. If my pupil is a junior I have two purpose made junior 9 irons of varying length and a junior putter. I also have a number of shafts without heads to use as alignment aids etc. I also have a putting rail which is a great tool to help teach accuracy in putting. Lots of extra long tee pegs are a simple way of setting up fun drills.
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