Simon Swales

"I actually started here on 1st August last year," said Simon when I spoke to him recently. "But I'd been stocking the shop for a couple of months before that. Since then it's been all go. Great fun but very busy."

Simon was born in Bath but, with a mother from Barry, he has strong Welsh connections. He went to school in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and he was a sportsman from the very beginning. He played soccer for the school, in the midfield, and was also selected for Wiltshire Schoolboys.

"I enjoyed playing soccer when I was young," he said. "And when I was older, too. In fact I was still playing at club level last year."

Golf came early to Simon Swales. He took it up at the age of eight. His family all played the game so it was natural that he should start, too. He became a member at Chippenham Golf Club and his handicap soon began to tumble.

By the time it reached 2, Simon was playing for the Wiltshire County team. It was a high quality environment as he found himself playing alongside people such as David Howell.

"It was an exciting time," he said, "playing with golfers like David Howell. But I'd always wanted to turn professional. And that was my aim."

After school he had initially followed a course in Business Studies (HND) but at that time Bowood Golf Club had just opened outside Calne. When the opportunity to train there as a professional came up Simon seized it eagerly.

He worked with Nigel Blenkarne and loved his time at Bowood. The facilities were good and the complex operated a rota system so that there was not only one assistant professional on duty in the shop. They all had plenty of opportunity to play and teach.

Simon completed his PGA qualification in 1997 and stayed at Bowood for a while. He even took over as head pro for a short period after Nigel Blenkarne left.

"I finally finished at Bowood in June 2001," Simon said. "I had - and still have - a good relationship with Lord Lansdowne, the owner. And I've been made an Honorary Life Member at the club. I really enjoyed my time there - I actually lived on the site, in the Gate House. It's a great golf complex with a seriously good course."

After leaving Bowood he went to West Wilts Golf Club at Warminster. He spent just over three years there as club professional, only leaving in August 2004 to take up his present post at Radyr.

He was Secretary of the Wiltshire PGA for a few years, organising tournaments and finding sponsorship. He played a bit and won some Pro Ams but was really interested in the teaching side of the job.

"When I saw the Radyr job advertised I was interested immediately," he said. "The club has got a great reputation and I'd always wanted to work at a members club. So I was really pleased to be offered the position. And I've loved it. I'm having a great time - I love the Welsh hospitality."

Simon met his wife while he was at Bowood - they married in the summer of 2004. He intends to play some limited competitive events this year in the Alliance but there is an awful lot going on at the club at the moment.

"To start with we've got huge alterations taking place in my shop," he said, "and I'm also heavily involved with Golf Development Wales, encouraging women to take up the game. We had an Open Day here at the club and offered participants a series of six free lessons. Nearly 200 lady golfers took part and I'll be coaching them this winter."

Simon also teaches the Elite Squad at Cardiff University and writes about the sport. He is very active with the club members and is heavily involved with teaching. A new Ladies boutique is being established in his pro shop (it should be open at the end of February). So it's certainly a busy time for him.

Simon's other interests include soccer and rugby. Since moving to Radyr he has become particularly interested in Welsh rugby. He also enjoys travel and spending time with his family.

"Radyr is a great club," he said. "I'm really excited to be here - and I want to be here for a very long time."

Good luck to Simon and to Radyr.

Simon Swales: Fact File Present Position: Head Professional, Radyr Golf Club Honours: Wiltshire County Team Coach: Cardiff University Elite Squad Lessons: £18 per half hour (group options available)