Two-time Welsh National PGA Championship winner Toby Hunt is making a big career change by relinquishing his role as head professional at St Mellons Golf Club, Cardiff, to concentrate on playing and coaching.
Hunt succeeded his coach, mentor, and former boss Barry Thomas as head pro at the club two years ago and describes the experience as ‘rewarding’.
He has also been a regular competitor in regional and national PGA tournaments during that time and, more often than not, his name can be found at the top of the leaderboard or thereabouts.
In the season just past, he finished in the top five in the four regional Order of Merit events he contested, winning one and coming second in two others to qualify for next year’s PGA Play-Offs in Cyprus.
In addition, he was victorious in the Asbri Welsh National PGA Championship, a tournament that has been won by some of the country’s most celebrated golfers, including Ian Woosnam, the 1991 US Masters champion.
Hunt’s victory at Machynys Peninsula marked the second time he had won the event and he wants to try and build on these tournament successes. Furthermore, at the age of 30, he feels time is on his side to make a go of it.
“That’s definitely been a factor in my thinking,” he said. “So have some of the results I’ve had this year, especially winning the Asbri Welsh National PGA Championship, and finishing second in the West region’s Order of Merit despite missing one of the events.
Hunt is due to leave St Mellons at the end of December and will spring into playing action immediately.
“I’ve got some pro-ams to play in at the start of the year,” he said, “and I have several other events lined up, notably the PGA Play-Offs in Cyprus in April, which could lead to some DP World Tour starts.
“Hopefully, I’m eligible to play in final Open qualifying in July after a top 10 finish in last year’s PGA Professional Championship, and I’ll do Q School for the DP World Tour in September.
“I will also try to defend my Welsh National PGA Championship and play in the regional Order of Merit events. And, not that I’ve really investigated it yet, but I might try do something in America as well.
“I’m also keen to continue coaching and, although it’s a shame to leave after two rewarding years, the time has come to step away from a golf club environment.
“In that respect I’ll miss the members who have supported me and wished me well, but I can’t wait to see what the next few years bring.”
