Simon Hanson has only just started this year in his role as the Head Professional at Kemnay Golf Club in Aberdeenshire, but he is already making a difference to his club members by becoming a Certified Putting Instructor (CPI) and offering some new services.
“I had seen the CPI Course through the PGA and thought it would be good to refresh my training and get up to date on the ideas and principles of putting. Hopefully, it will not only help my own putting, but help improve the putting performance of golfers who come to see me for a putter fitting or lesson.”
Hanson took advantage of the special PGA in Scotland subsidy offer and is in the process of converting an area of his pro shop to create an indoor putting studio.
“The indoor putting studio will enhance my business and allow me to work on putter fittings and lessons – whatever the weather. Since becoming a CPI, I have given some putter fittings and lessons which have made a massive difference to the golfers. Since becoming a CPI its created a lot of interest amongst my members who have seen that I have become qualified and they have been asking me about putting. I think it will be great over the winter months to work indoors and help them fix their putting.”
CPI Simon Hanson, ready to help golfers putt better!
Having been the Head Professional at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre for 4 years which he enjoyed, Hanson was ready to take on a new challenge and run his own business at Kemnay, having studied business at university in Edinburgh.
“Being the Club Professional at Kemnay is new role for me and I hope to build a good reputation for offering the best service and experience. I see the CPI Course as a notch on my belt and a good qualification for developing my coaching skills. I will continue to work hard to improve my coaching knowledge and not take any shortcuts.”
The CPI Course experience helped Hanson, who started playing golf at age 10 at Dufftown Golf Club, learn some new information about putting as well as reinforce some of his knowledge.
“I really enjoyed learning about the ways in which putters are designed and learning more about putter technology. Some of the practice drills I have used previously in lessons, but it was good to know that what I had been doing was correct. The six degrees of freedom in putting were new for me, I had never quite thought of putting this way before.”
Golfers who seek Hanson’s expert advice can be assured of an experience where they will leave with a plan for improvement.
“I want golfers who take a putting lesson with me to leave with confidence, knowing that they will be working on the right thing. I want to give them a structure and confidence to follow a routine and reduce the variance in their game.”
Frank Thomas, founder of Frankly Golf, former longtime USGA Technical Director, inventor of the graphite shaft and the person who introduced the Stimpmeter to the game, said
“We wish Simon the very best in his new business. With his entrepreneurial spirit and new CPI qualification I am sure he will fulfill his goals and help his club members at Kemnay Golf Club. Well done, Simon.”
Certified Putting Instructor 