With several awards under her belt, a hat-trick of successes and a new business in action, we decided to ask Alex Mollin, our local golfing pro and former Rhodes Island Games Team Gold Medallist, a little more about the sport.
When did you first realise you wanted to become a golf pro?
Around the time I won my first Island Championship Match Play Title. This was when I realised it was something I really wanted to work towards. I also decided to set a few goals before turning professional, which included becoming Channel Island Champion and representing the Hampshire ladies first team. When I was offered a job at Les Mielles Golf Club as an Assistant Professional in 2010, I felt I was ready to embark on my PGA training and I’ll always be extremely grateful to them for the opportunity.
It must be a great life out in the open all day, tell us a little more about what drew you to the sport?
Even at school I couldn’t see myself in a 9-5 job. Being able to work outdoors allows me to enjoy a great lifestyle (well asides from having to cover myself in sunscreen on a daily basis!). It’s great to be able to call a passion work, but what really drew me to the sport was the opportunity to teach others.
Where’s your favourite place in the world to play?
Las Vegas. One of my favourite golf courses, Wolf Creek, sits close to the Grand Canyon, which makes the surrounding landscape pretty impressive! Of course, it’s always better to play golf on a sunny day and the USA has its fair share of good weather.
Any standout moments in your career?
Winning Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year 2014 at my Graduation in April. After having achieved Rookie Assistant of the Year and second year Assistant of the Year, this was the final hurdle! Standing on the stage in the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham, whilst being presented with Assistant of the Year and Female Assistant of the Year, was a huge achievement.
What would you do if you weren’t a pro golfer?
I actually trained as an accountant after school, but now, I really can’t see myself doing anything else. I have a great job, of course it’s not all it’s cracked up to be in the winter months, but when the sun shines, it’s incredible!
Do you have a preferred club?
My new Scotty Cameron Putter, part of my Titleist prize!
Any golfers you admire?
Locally, Tommy Horton for what he’s done for golf on the island, and on tour now Suzann Pettersen. I was caddying at the Ladies British Open qualifier a few years ago and saw her in tears by the 18th green – having missed the cut and struggling with her game so much that she was unable to complete a backswing. To see where she is today is a huge testament to her determination to succeed at the highest level.
What do you do when you’re not on the course?
Study! I have almost completed the Advanced Certificate in Golf Coaching so I have little time for anything else! On the rare ‘free’ occasions, I like the cinema and I ‘try’ to like going to the gym.
Your favourite or most handy golfing expression?
Fore! It basically means duck! There’s a ball heading your way!
Any tips for those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
It all comes down to dedication and belief and not being scared to attempt something that others say you shouldn’t. A great deal of hard work goes into becoming a PGA professional, which includes national coaching qualifications, competing in a minimum of 21 PGA events and a three year degree programme.
Your favourite golfing get-up?
With Jersey’s unpredictable weather – anything warm, windproof and waterproof!
Tell us a little more about the business side of things?
I founded Jersey Golf Coaching – Alex Mollin in 2013. Based at Les Mielles Golf Club, my aim is to enhance coaching opportunities within the island, introducing industry-leading technology such as Trackman, which is now used by many prominent professionals around the world. I’m also TPI certified, which means I have the ability to perform a golf specific physical examination and as such, I’m able to help identify limitations that are detrimental to performance.
Future plans?
One of my main goals is to help develop golf for all on the Island. This includes promoting ladies golf, giving the game a more social appeal. I’ll be holding some ladies introduction to golf lessons in August and also, a specific ladies programme starting in September. In addition, I’m keen to dispel the belief that perhaps a female professional is not the best option as a coach for a male golfer! My website is constantly updated with details of clinics, coffee mornings and coaching sessions amongst other things.
Just to make sure that my social life is pretty much non- existent, I’m also continuing with my studies, with several more qualifications that I hope to complete over the next few years!
WWW.JERSEYGOLFCOACHING.COM 07797 718 007 TWITTER: @ALEXMOLLIN FACEBOOK: JERSEY GOLF COACHING
