Lynch is happy to tee-up golf lessons

Lynch, who hails from Birmingham but began his training at Halesowen Golf Club before moving on to coach at Warley Woods, set up his GL Golfing Academy almost seven years ago and has since coached thousands across the region.

Generally one of the sports that struggles with an elitist image, golf has faced an uphill struggle in recent times but things are brightening up according to Lynch.

He said: "A big part of what I'm trying to do is get the sport away from elitism.

"Golf needs to be more accessible, especially for the youngsters.

"What we're doing at Warley Woods at the moment is great. It's a nine-hole pay and play.

"There is no dress code. You can show up in your jeans and trainers rather than the old style of colours and trousers, where you needed a membership.

"It can definitely put youngsters off.

"With Rory McIlroy you have good young sportsmen putting a across a message about accessibility."

Lynch, who played several pro am events and turned professional in 2008, soon found himself turning his hand to coaching a year later.

Vision

He now works at several local schools throughout the week in a bid to promote the sport he loves.

"We're coaching around 800 students every year through the academy," he added.

"My vision was to grow the game and its participation levels.

"Everything spiralled from there, really. I work with around 25-30 schools in the area including 15 in Sandwell.

"All of the schools have taken really well to it. It's something different for them. I've been working with some of them for a good three or four years now.

"Brandhall Primary School in Oldbury is one of the schools I've been working with for a while and I try and encourage the kids to get involved at Warley Woods.

"Teachers are all quite keen for the kids to try it. I've had emails from three new schools in recent weeks.

"We cover the full range of school ages so the approach has to be different. With the primary schools I tend to make it more fun-based activities.

"They learn the basics – the hold and the stance – and if they enjoy it they come to the club and learn more about techniques.

"Back when I learned it was very 'old school'. We would line up and it was almost like an army procedure, but research has shown the kids want it more fun and relaxed."

Springfield Primary School, in Rowley Regis, and Ormiston Forge Academy, in Cradley Heath, are two more schools looking to acquire Lynch's unique training services.

Bristnall Hall (Oldbury) are another secondary school that proves children in their teenage years are also keen to get involved.

But according to Lynch, some establishments are looking to take it one step further.

"Brandhall Primary School has gone on to develop their own small course on site and that's great to see," said Lynch, who won his only pro am tournament in Portugal in 2007. "The Lyng Primary School (West Bromwich) have really tried to push it into their curriculum. It links with maths and helps with things like life skills and honesty.

"We're really trying to promote things like team work, respect and honesty.

"There was a school in south Birmingham, Redhill Junior, that noticed it helping some of the behavioural problems they had. They formed a system where to get out at play times they had to book slots and meet up at the holes on their course and it helped them."

Lynch received a huge set of Tri-Golf equipment from the Golf Foundation that helps the coaching function.

He also receives financial help from other organisations, such as the Sandwell Play Scheme on behalf of Sandwell Council, who helped host 100 children during last year's summer camp in August.

Any schools, colleges or those of any age looking to get in the swing of things can contact Lynch on enquiries@

glgolfacademy.com or visit his website http://glgolfacademy.com/ – where several different tuition courses can be found.