PGA Member Gareth Johnston breathing new life into Bishopswood Golf Course

Not only is PGA Head Professional, Gareth Johnston, bringing his vast experience to Bishopswood Golf Course, but he has also created three new job roles as part of the Hampshire-based course’s stunning transformation.

Before taking on the lease at the start of August 2021, Bishopswood driving range was simply a ‘basic driving range shell’, according to Gareth. Now, it possesses state-of-the-art coaching and fitting facilities, with two swing studios equipped with TrackMan and cameras, as well as a private club building and fitting bay.

The venue has seen positive changes within its facilities and new staff, with Gareth welcoming Pete Powell from Ministry Golf, who is one of only a handful of golf’s Master Fitters and Club Makers in Europe.

“I’ve known Pete for a long time,” says Johnston. “His work with Elite Golfers and Tour Professionals throughout his 25-year career on the global Tours with Nike and Taylormade is enviable, and his reputation is second to none.

“He has built and fitted equipment at the highest level for top professionals like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Francesco Molinari, Sir Nick Faldo and Paul Casey, and he has been credited with well over a hundred wins including several Majors. When Nike Golf disbanded, Pete made it his mission to carry on and share his expertise and experiences with the wider golfing world, but at the right facility.

“So, he is now coming to Bishopswood and recreating his elite Tour workshop inside one of our private studios. It will be one of the only workshops in the country where you can actually pull the shutters up, hit premium balls onto the range outfield and have one of the ‘best in the business’ look after your kit for you. I mean, how exciting is that!”

Because of the hard work put in by Gareth and the management team at Bishopswood, it has allowed three new roles to be created at the club; a coaching only role, a retail role and a year one trainee position.

Gareth continued: “I’ve previously had the pleasure of working alongside and training fantastic staff that have gone on to be extremely successful. Tim Newton is now the PGA Head Professional at Frilford Heath. I’ve also had Fraser McDonald, who is the PGA Assistant Professional at Sand Martins Golf Club, Lewis Bird, who is the PGA Senior Assistant at Royal Mid Surrey and Alex Lodge, who is now the PGA Head Professional at Calcot Park, my former club.

“All the guys that came through as members of the team have gone on to elevate themselves to a level that, as their former mentor, you can only be proud of. So, in producing this great facility, again, I now need to find the staff that it deserves.”

With the new roles on offer, Bishopswood is not only giving the opportunity for individuals to work with one of the best club fitters in the world, but also to learn from a PGA Professional who has worked multiple roles at some of the Region’s finest courses.

“The roles provide Professionals with a great coaching opportunity at a vibrant golf club,” says Johnston. “I’ve put a number of trainees through their programmes successfully. I know what is required because I have done it myself and I understand and respect how difficult it is.

“Bishopswood is an up-and-coming, incredibly testing course, with superb facilities. I always remember seeing a social media post from a very popular online presence which stated: ‘For all you young Assistants out there who are absolutely desperate to find a role at a Private Members club, as the Head Professional, I sincerely suggest you also consider looking for a nine-hole, busy golf course that has a driving range because these are the next best thing.

“This is a testing nine-hole course in Hampshire and when you see the studios that have been built, with premium mats, premium golf balls, the ability to hit out onto a 260 yard driving range and receive ‘master club building/fitting’ with TrackMan behind you, cameras from all angles, the 60” Tv’s on the walls of each private bay - you haven’t really seen many facilities like that in this area. With what we have in place at Bishopswood, it is perfect for those who are looking to establish their career in the Professional ranks.”

If you are interested in applying for one of the roles, email Gareth at gareth@garethjohnstongolf.com, or check out his Instagram @gareth_johnston_golf and @bishopswood_driving_range

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