From beginner to avid Golfer

Luke Mitchell started the game of golf during the pandemic, from his first evening at the driving range in 2020 to shooting an 83 at Chesfield Downs Golf Club in 2022.

Luke was selected as part of Cobra Golf’s Everyday Golfer campaign, taking three golfers throughout the ’23 season by providing new clubs and offering world-class coaching.

We look at his pathway into the game and how you can make the most out of your journey into golf.

What inspired you to play golf? “From a young age I was interested in the game from watching the Major championships each year. Yet my urge to try golf didn’t amount to anything with my social circle not being interested at the time. Several years later in my 30’s, my brother in-law and friends suggested to go to the driving range and this became a regular venture.

When you start playing golf, there is more bad shots than good, but that one good swing motivates you so much and the drive to practice becomes addictive.

What’s your favourite part of the game? “Now I’m playing regularly it’s brilliant, the social element is my favourite part as you don’t usually get four hours with friends or a potential new friend to play and chat, then shake hands and do it again the following week.

What steps did you take to get to where you are today? “When I started my journey with frequent trips to the range, my uncle, who is a low handicapper, recommended lessons from a PGA Professional. He was a big advocate of having an experienced PGA Coach to help mould my swing into the correct habits. This is where I started to understand the mechanics of the swing and the effort I was putting into the game was being rewarded.

How did you find your coach? “For me, I wanted to ensure that the PGA Professional would be beginner friendly, I didn’t want to have lessons off somebody too technical for where I was at. Secondly, I wanted someone who was easy to talk to, I wanted to enjoy the experience and get on well with my coach. I went through a process of speaking to fellow golfers and going to local courses in my area to find to coaches. Several friends recommended Danny Harwood PGA, from Chadwell Springs Golf Club, who I’ve been seeing up until this day.

How has Danny improved your game? “Seeing Danny regularly has helped me understand how your body moves through the golf ball. I have a much better understanding of the sequence of the swing. He is also good at updating me on my progress, he uses an app that he uploads my videos onto for references when I practice and is always on hand to answer any questions I have.

How would PGA Play have benefited you when finding a coach? “PGA Play would have made the process a lot easier. I was fortunate to have several golf courses within a small area where I live, but I did have to drive to each course to chat with coaches to make my decision. Looking at PGA Play, the site answers a lot of the questions I had and would have made it easier to speak with coaches through the platform.

What’s next for you in your golf game? “Me and my PGA Professional are working towards my official handicap, unofficially I’m 17. This year I became a member of a golf club and I’m looking to play and practice twice a week. I’d love to be a 12 handicap by the end of year, which we feel is achievable. Also, I’m very lucky to be included in Cobra Golf’s Everyday Golfers campaign which has included a new set of the latest Cobra Aerojet products. Our last part of the campaign was a day out of coaching with European Tour winner Simon Dyson, followed by a game at Woburn, which was very exciting.

Interested in taking up the game? Search for a PGA Professional today

Do you see a benefit from Custom Fitting? “I’ve been in a very fortunate position where I was fitted for a full set of brand-new clubs. From that experience I can really see a benefit from custom clubs, I’m a touch shorter than average so needed to have my clubs lie angle flatter. Having the right weight and flex of shaft also works with my golf swing, rather than against it.

“It’s been a noticeable difference with my good shots and more importantly, my bad shots aren’t as bad.

Even if you are a complete beginner, I highly recommend you being fitted for your clubs. If you’re brand new to the game, ask for advice from a Pro what clubs would suit you as a beginner.

What would be your one piece of advice to a new golfer starting out? “Get lessons from the start. They will put you on the right path to improving your golf and setting realistic targets for you to aim towards. Find a PGA Coach that you enjoy speaking to, and get a lesson booked in. They want you to be enjoying the game as much as possible.”

Interested in taking up the game or playing better?

PGA Play is the easy way to find a trusted PGA Professional who is an expert in golf coaching. Simply enter your postcode and you’ll be able to find and connect with your nearest PGA Professional. So, wherever you are and whatever stage of your golfing journey you’re on, a highly trained PGA Professional will be able to help.