Pumpherston Golf Club’s new Head Professional Gordon Robertson is all set for success on the green, having just become a Certified Putting Instructor (CPI), enabling him to add an additional service for his club members.
Robertson, who just started in his new role only 6 months ago said,
“The CPI Course was an ideal way to enhance the services I offer to the members. I read about it in the PGA of Scotland Weekly Updates and a friend did it and had told me about it.
“Just getting established at the golf club has meant it has been very busy for me this summer, but what I liked about the CPI Course was that it is online, it was easily accessible and I could do it in my own time and at my own speed.”
Robertson also enjoyed what he learned from the CPI Course and looks forward to passing it onto his members because in his new role he is able to do more teaching.
“There was a lot to learn from the CPI Course. Some people would say that they know how to give a putting lesson, but the CPI Course gives you the facts about putting. It gives you a good way to explain the various teaching points to your students and be most effective. I liked the process outlined in the course, and particularly the section about Diagnostics and the 6 degrees of freedom. The various putting drills that were part of the course will be very helpful for my lessons. The CPI Course has broadened my horizons.”
Gordon Robertson, Certified Putting Instructor
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.
Hailing from Airdrie, Robertson was introduced to the game of golf by his dad when he was only 8 years old. He pursued playing the game, but 7 years ago had to make a decision.
“I reached a crossroads. I had been taking part time jobs that would suit me so I could play golf, but I really had to decide what I wanted to do. I felt it was a bit late to go down the playing route, whereas the PGA route made sense and was an easy choice. I wanted a career in golf and was willing to work hard for it. So I enrolled in the PGA Training programme and started learning.”
Robertson was fortunate to become an Assistant at Airdrie Golf Club, completing his PGA training under Simon McLean.
“I am so grateful to both Simon and his father in law John Mulgrew for the advice and mentoring that they have given me throughout my career, enabling me to get to where I am now.”
PGA Master Professional John Mulgrew, who was pivotal in the establishment of the industry-standard PGA Director of Golf qualification, was delighted to hear the news.
“Further education is important for all professionals, I would like to congratulate Gordon on attaining the Certified Putting Instructor (CPI) Status,” said Mulgrew.
Now, Robertson wants to serve his members in the best way possible and build relationships.
“I started as Head Professional in March and it’s really been all about establishing the business and putting my own stamp on it. I have spent lots of time getting involved in the club, getting to know the members and looking after them.
“I have great facilities here at Pumpherston and look forward to making the most of delivering a certified service for putting to my members. Many golfers don’t realise how often they use a putter.”
Frank Thomas, founder of Frankly Golf and the CPI Course, former longtime USGA Technical Director and inventor of the graphite shaft said,
“Gordon is a wonderful example of a PGA professional who has rounded out his education with the CPI Course, making him an expert in teaching his members the fundamentals of putting in a systematic and structured format. We are very proud of Gordon.”
Certified Putting Instructor 