1980 – 1983 TONY BRENT
1989 – 1992 MARK WRIGHT
1983 – 1989 MARK HOWELL
Tony was head professional at Badgemore Park for three years from 1980 – 1983. Tony’s focus was on the pro shop, developing the retail side of things. He enabled Mark Howell to be attached to the club as a Touring Professional from 1981 – 1983, with Mark coaching during the winter when he wasn’t at tour events.
Mark was head professional at Badgemore Park for three years from 1989 – 1992. Mark started playing golf aged 13 at Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight and was soon totally hooked on the game. Within two years he had reduced his handicap to 5. Mark started his PGA training at Ryde Golf Club at the age of 18. In 1989, he was approached to take over as the professional at Badgemore. With a young family – and a very supportive wife – he moved to Abingdon and started at Badgemore working out of a Portakabin until the new shop was built. From Badgemore, Mark acquired and moved to Westridge Golf Centre on the Isle of Wight. He acquired the derelict golf range and golf course site in early 1992, with the driving range opening in May of that year. The golf course opened in May 1993 and Mark continues to run and develop the club to this day.
Mark played on the European Tour for four years during the 1980s. In 1984, he won the South of England Foursomes championship with Barry Lane as his partner. In 1985, at the Italian Open, he won more money for a hole in one (£26,000) than Manuel Pinero picked up as the winner (£19,000)! Mark has finished in the top 10 in many opens, and holds the record for the lowest tournament round in England with a score of 61. He became a club professional in 1983 and has been the Berks, Bucks and Oxon champion four times. At Badgemore, Mark was the instigator of the Mark Howell Foursomes, known today as the Bob Tanner Four Ball Better Ball competition. From Badgemore Park, Mark moved to Henley Golf Club where his experience and enthusiasm ensures his place as a top coach. His pupils include young children, beginner adults as well as touring professionals. Some children taught by Mark are now professional golfers themselves.
ABOVE: MARK HOWELL WITH SEVE BALLESTEROS BELOW: MARK WRIGHT
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