Dearden steps aside from playing

Matthew Dearden, who has become head professional at the prestigious Glamorganshire Golf Club at Penarth, has abandoned an extensive playing after travelling all over Europe.

The 2012 PGA in Wales and West order of merit champion succeeded Andrew Kerr-Smith who retired after 39 years at the oldest inland course in Wales where the Stableford scoring system was developed.

A Yorkshireman, he took over from the legendary Sid Mouland, father of successful Tour player Mark, when he joined the parkland course with views over the Bristol Channel that was founded in 1890.

Now Dearden, 39, from Church Village, near Pontypridd, is looking ahead and his immediate future is satisfying the requirements of members. He has refurbished the club shop and added an indoor simulator.

He has competed in tournaments on the European tour, Challenge tour, EPD tour, PGA Europro tour and PGA regional and national events.  Although the club want him to continue playing, he is only playing in Order of Merit tournaments and local pro-ams for the time being.

He has been a professional for more than 20 years and has spent time at the Vale of Glamorgan, Celtic Manor, was club pro at Lantrisant & Pontyclun Golf Club and more recently worked with Adam Constable at Cardiff Golf Club.

“I still want to compete but my immediate priority is looking after the club and our members. We have 180 playing in club competitions and have a strong membership,” he said.

Junior coaching is another priority and this is being largely undertaken by Rhys Pugh, 24, now in his second year of training. He was a star of Welsh amateur golf, a member of two Walker Cup teams and European champion.

He was previously at Bryn Meadows and joined The Glamorganshire after Alex Price moved to Pontypool. He played in South Wales PGA medals during the winter and the early season regional assistants’ Sprint Series but his priority now is passing his exams.