Certified Putting Instructor

Neil Cameron, a PGA professional since 2012, is building on his considerable coaching knowledge, recently qualifying as a Certified Putting Instructor (CPI), with a view to sharing his putting expertise with members and guests at the beautiful Blairgowrie Golf Club in Perthshire, Scotland.

The Certified Putting Instructor (CPI) Course, is a certification based on scientific principles offered by U.S. based Frankly Golf and the PGA with the goal of helping golfers putt better, adding an extra dimension to the services that the golf professional can deliver.

Certified Putting Instructor: Neil Cameron

“I enjoyed the CPI course. It reinforced some ideas I had and provided some I hadn’t thought about. The course was straightforward and simple with a few new elements which reinforced what was important.

“What was interesting was the importance of the correct length of putter in combination with the posture of the golfer to make sure that the shoulders and arms are working well.

“I also liked the fact that CPI course was not just technical, it included green reading and psychology as well. It helped me structure my lessons in a certain way and provide time to work on golfer’s routines, and change the approach of golfers to the putt. That, combined with the technical element helps a lot,” said Cameron.

Prior to turning professional in 2012 under the experienced eye of Charles Dernie, Cameron completed an Honours degree in Sport and Business at the University of Stirling, where he was also a member of its renowned golf scholarship scheme, alongside now European Tour player Richie Ramsay, as well as Jamie Mcleary.

He went on to continue his education with a Masters Degree in Sports Coaching in 2010.

“I enjoyed learning about coaching, particularly periodization and psychology. I decided to focus on golf and start my PGA training, which was a good route to follow as my qualifications give me a solid platform.

“I turned pro to be a coach and teach golf,” said Cameron, who looks forward to helping golfers at Blairgowrie with their game on the greens.

“Putting is a simple action, or at least it should be. Everyone can putt or chip.”

Charles Dernie, Head Professional at Blairgowrie Golf Club and former European Tour player was pleased to learn of Cameron’s new certification, always encouraging his staff to embark on education that will help them stand out from the crowd as they progress in their career.

“Neil is a very enthusiastic, good coach with a bright future. The CPI qualification adds another dimension to the coaching services we offer here at Blairgowrie Golf Club and it will prove to be very useful for our members and visitors.

“It’s good to see the CPI Course offering a wide depth of instruction for the coach covering all aspects of putting from technique, routines, drills and green reading.”

Dernie, who has 40 years of experience in the golf industry believes that if golfers spent more time working on their short game, they would see more improvement.

“The short game is extremely important and putting is a huge part of that and the average golfer can improve a great deal more with putting improvements compared to swing mechanics,” said Dernie.

Frank Thomas, founder of Frankly Golf and the CPI Course, former longtime USGA Technical Director and inventor of the graphite shaft said,

“Having met Neil prior to him becoming a CPI, I would now like to congratulate him on his certification. Neil has recognized the importance of investing and believing in yourself. He obviously has a bright and successful future and we wish him well.”