Traineeship reignites passion for golf
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
TASMANIA Golf Club trainee professional Erin Bumford's love affair with golf began in 1998 at the age of 10.
The then Sorell Primary School student frequently accompanied her father Tony during his rounds at the course in Barilla Bay.
Recognising Erin's eagerness, Tony enrolled his daughter in clinics at the club where she came under the watchful eye of her long-time coach Doug Murray.
Under Murray's guidance Bumford progressed quickly, and in 2001 was named in the Tasmanian girl's team.
In 2003 she was elevated to the Tasmanian women's team but her passion for the sport waned.
However, following the passing of Murray in 2008, Erin decided to pursue the sport once again.
``I had toyed with the idea of commencing a PGA traineeship and decided that our time here is too short and that I should just do it,''she said.
She commenced her traineeship in January this year.
Trainee professionals undertake a rigorous educational program and are required to submit 26 academic-based assessments per year.
``I submit assignments every 1-2 weeks based around coaching, business management, finance, professional skills and golf club technology,'' Bumford said.
``I also have to maintain a playing average of 5.75 over 30 rounds for the first year of my traineeship. This average needs to be below the 4.0 mark in my third and final year.''
Upon graduation, Bumford will be awarded full vocational membership of the PGA of Australia along with coaching accreditation.
Bumford still aims to play golf professionally, but since starting her traineeship, now sees coaching in a new light.
``There aren't any female professionals in the state currently and I'm keen to rectify this imbalance,'' she said.
This article was orginally published in The Mercury.