I think the best reward a Golf Professional can have is training and developing your professionals to move on to their own positions.

South Fork Country Club

Tim Garvin

Head Golf Professional
South Fork Country Club
,

Golf Professional Since: 2002

How to Find Tim:

Tim Garvin - South Fork Country Club

South Fork Country Club will celebrate our 100 year anniversary next year and is undergoing a full re-design project by Gil Hanse. It has been a challenging year as our rounds are up and interest in joining the club is at an all time high.

How old were you when you got started in golf and what eventually pulled you into becoming a golf professional?

As a second generation Golf Professional I grew up around the game in Philadelphia. My father, Buzz Garvin, worked as the Head Professional at Philmont Country Club, Overbrook Golf Club, and finally at The Club at Admirals Cove. I watched as my father commanded the respect of his members as a player and a Golf Professional. I was always around shagging balls, caddying, washing carts, and the like. I was hooked from an early age.

What are 2 trends in golf that you’re excited about?

I am excited to see a resurgence in the game of golf. During this pandemic golf was really the only activity. It brought new players to the game, players back to the game, and became one of the only sports available to children. I think the second trend is that golf is becoming more fun. Music on the course, scooters and alternative ways to play the game. Get them on the course and leave the old rules behind, it has been fun to watch. We purchased 15 three wheel scooters this year with Bluetooth capability and it has been a complete home run.

What sets you apart from other golf professionals?

I love being a mentor to my assistant professionals. Watching them grow and promoting them to better positions has been a staple of my career. I think the best reward a Golf Professional can have is training and developing your professionals to move on to their own positions. We need to work together as a team for the best interest of our members. Relationships with the membership, the entire membership, is crucial to success. Each member should be serviced to the highest level by a friendly, confident, and team oriented staff member.

What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?

The completion of our course renovation by renowned architect Gil Hanse is very exciting. Gil’s relationship with us dates back very early for some original work. We are very fortunate to be moving forward, under difficult circumstances due to Covid. Construction has just begun and we are ecstatic to see the end result.

Any advice for someone considering pursuing a career as a golf teaching professional?

Personally shadow as many great golf instructors as you can and take notes. Then blend your knowledge into your own teaching style. Communication and building a relationship with your students is vital to your and their success. Anyone can give a golf lesson, it takes a coach with great communication skills to make someone a better player. Follow up with students and mark their progression and be honest. Not every student is right for every golf instructor, tell it like it is and if there is a lack of communication, refer another coach. It’s about making them better….

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