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SUCCESS STORY: Ex-golf students become internet stars

Published
Thursday 19 Nov 2015

Two former Myerscough College golf students whose online videos attract millions of views have opened a new state-of-the-art coaching centre.

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PGA teaching professionals, Peter Finch and Rick Shiels, have gone on to become internationally recognised coaches and have now begun a new venture based at the Lytham Golf Academy, after a number of years based in Manchester.

Their YouTube channel, with in excess of 120,000 subscribers, contains videos have so far been viewed more than 29 million times and are set to launch a brand new Quest Golf Channel, as part of their new venture, at the end of the month.  In addition, they boast a following of more than 60,000 on social media channels Twitter and Instagram.

Rick, who originally hails from Bolton, says: ‘’We’re delighted to be based here and the prospect of coaching out of a great facility like Lytham Golf Academy is really exciting.

’Our internet presence is incredible. I shot my first online video a few years ago at our previous base at the Trafford Golf Centre and it took off from there.

“The videos have been viewed by golfers from all over the world, many of whom have flown in to see us for lessons as a result, which is amazing! Hopefully that will continue as well as meeting and coaching plenty of local-based golfers.

‘’We want to inspire golfers everywhere to enjoy their golf and take their games to the next level.”

The pair have racked up around a thousand videos between them on a host of golfing topics including coaching tips, equipment reviews, course videos, vlogs as well as general golf entertainment.

Peter, who comes from Preston, joined the golf centre at Trafford not long after his former Myerscough College Golf Academy classmate Rick and soon started his own videos.

He said: “It was great to be coaching in Manchester, but the opportunity to move to Lytham and set up our own teaching bay was too good to miss. We can’t wait to get started.

‘’It promises to be a really exciting time ahead for Rick and me.

“It doesn’t matter to me if you’ve never picked up a club before or you’ve aspirations of playing on tour. My goal as a coach is to improve every player who comes to me for help. This is my passion, helping others to improve.”

As well as the latest technology, their new set-up also includes an innovative online booking system to let clients keep stats on their game and their improvement. The coaching bay is fitted out with launch monitors and other technology to help players improve their game.

Rick Daniels is Course Leader in the Foundation Degree in Golf Management at Myerscough College and Rick and Peter’s former tutor. He said: ‘’I’m delighted to see them doing so well.

’Their success is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work, and demonstrates that within the industry there are a number of career pathways available to students, other than simply playing.’’

 

 

by Dave Salmon

dsalmon@myerscough.ac.uk