Kevin Caplehorn
has fulfilled a lifelong career ambition, but the Chandler's Ford Golf Academy professional is certainly not resting on his laurels.
Having recently returned to the academy after a 12-year absence, a dream has become
reality for the 31-year-old with the commencement of a full-time teaching post.
The Totton golfer is understandably thrilled: "Teaching full-time is something I have wanted to do since turning pro ten years ago. It is certainly one major career goal and dream ticked off the wish list." Going hand in hand with his new role is a move back to his roots: "As a 19-year-old amateur player I was keen to have a crack at earning a living from the sport.
"I practised hard at the Chandler's Ford Golf Academy and helped out in the shop, gaining invaluable experience, before being taken on by Ian Young at Stoneham after lowering my handicap to three. "Under his guidance I went on to pass the Professional Golfers' Association exams which cover club repair, teaching, playing and retail management. "Then came spells with Gary Stubbington at Corhampton, which was another great learning experience, Paultons and Botley Park before I found the pull of a full-time teaching position just too great an opportunity to turn down."
Familiar surroundings and a dream fulfilled, some might think Caplehorn would be in the career comfort zone. Not a bit of it, as he explained.
"I've been back at Chandler's Ford for about seven weeks and I'm now heavily involved with an innovative project that I believe will be massive for ladies' golf.
"Lady Masters Golf (LMG) in simple terms is an exciting new structured coaching programme designed to open up the game of golf to thousands more women in the United Kingdom and Ireland - and courses are starting at Chandler's Ford this autumn. "I just think it's such a good idea as it shows women how they can be part of club life, while, at the same time, giving structured tuition and a way in to what in the past has been a very male-orientated sport."
Kevin's packed schedule doesn't end with the LMG initiative as he was a busy man at
Wentworth last week during the HSBC World Matchplay event.
Although he'd have loved to have been competing for the £1m first prize against the likes of Retief Goosen, pictured left, et al, a slipped disc earlier in his career put paid to his tournament golf ambitions.
He did, however, rub shoulders with the future stars of the game after being asked to teach at the HSBC Golf Roadshow, which offered free ten-minute lessons to all who visited the event.
"It was a honour to teach at Wentworth on behalf of the PGA and work with many of the children who came to watch the game's top players.
"I have been to the event many times but really felt part of it last week. I just hope that some of the children I gave a quick clinic to will benefit from the coaching and, who knows, may even play in the World Matchplay one day - obviously not forgetting the help I gave them!"

call Kevin Caplehorn at the academy on 023 8061 4111 to book your place on the course.

From the archive, first published Wednesday 21st Sep 2005.