PGA Trainee Will Warnock on adapting your career path in professional sport

Will Warnock always wanted to follow his father's footsteps in football. As the son of Neil Warnock, the ex-Leeds and Sheffield United manager now helping Torquay as an advisor, he grew up surrounded by the sport. But a broken foot made him realise that a career on the pitch wasn’t what he wanted.

It was in this moment the 18-year-old decided golf was the career he wanted to pursue. There was an instant love of the game and six years later Will is about to go into his third year of the PGA Training Programme.

PGA Trainee Will Warnock, with his Dad, former football manager Neil Warnock

How did you get into golf?

I started playing golf when I was 18 years old after I quit playing professional football. I played with my dad and brother at Rockcliffe Hall for the first time and played well, in that round I remember thinking I would love to do this as my career. I just loved the challenge of golf and how you can’t blame anyone else but yourself, what you put in is what you get out.

When did you realise it could be a career?

Not until I moved back home and started working at St Mellion. I have some great mentors in David Moon and Darren Gass who have helped me to understand the career I want in life. We had a few meetings and that’s when I decided the best route for me was to start the PGA training programme.

What made you decide to change sport from playing pro football to pro golf?

I was falling out of love with football slowly and I was going all over the country on trial trying to get a contract. That’s when I decided to move home and play for Bodmin for a season to get some game time. In the first game of the season, I broke my foot in three places and that’s when I realised I didn’t want to play football anymore. It was probably the best thing to ever happen to me as it made my decision clear of what I wanted in life and my career which was golf.

What did you know about PGA Qualifications before you began the training programme?

I didn’t really know too much as I was still new to the game of golf. I turned pro after two years of playing so I talked a lot with my mentors about what would be the best route to take for me. I just wanted to learn as much as I could about the golf industry and the PGA was the best place to do it.

Why should others follow in your footsteps and do the same?

The PGA has helped me to understand what part of the industry I want to work in and the parts I don't like as much. What appealed to me was that the qualification is accredited worldwide, you never know what opportunities could come about in your life so having a qualification that can open up so many different career paths is a good thing to have.

PGA Trainee, Will Warnock

How are you finding the course so far?

The last two years seem like they've flown by, I can't believe I'm in my final year already. Distance learning can be tough, but I enjoy learning about all the different parts of the industry even if I don't find some of them as interesting.

What aspects of the training do you enjoy the most?

I love the coaching side of the game and understanding the golf swing. Golf is such a technically complicated sport and the swing itself fascinates me. I also enjoy the coaching side as I like building relationships and helping people, it's a great feeling as a coach to improve someone so they can enjoy the game of golf.

How are you finding being a trainee at St.Mellion?

I'm very fortunate to be doing my PGA training at St Mellion. As I said, I have some great mentors who have helped me develop massively in a short period. I owe a lot to them because they've put a lot of time and effort into me. I have to say I don't love the shop work, but we have a great team which makes it enjoyable. The Nicklaus Course is definitely one of the best perks of the job as there aren’t many places better, it will always be my favourite golf course.

Do you plan to specialise in any particular area when qualified?

I want to specialise in coaching. My favourite aspect is the short game as I love the creativity and imagination needed, however, I really like coaching long game too. So, I don't think I will specialise in one certain area as I enjoy it all.

Will you play in PGA events?

When I finish my training I will probably play more PGA events as I love the competition and testing my game against other professionals.