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This edition we are profiling EGTF Professional Mark Sadler who has been working hard to develop and promote the Mobile Golf Academy in the UK.  You can find details on www.mobilegolfacademy.co.uk

I was born in Nottingham in April 1967 (yes, I've just reached the big 40!).  I started playing golf at around 12 years of age with a cut down 5 iron, pitching wedge and left handed putter.

I own the Mobile Golf Academy which I started just before passing the Diploma Course when I was still a PGA assistant.  I now have 10 Pro's working for/with me up and down the UK with a mixture of professionals from the EGTF and PGA.

I have made many great friendships with golf's leading organisations and teachers who all believe in the Mobile Golf Academy and the innovative service we offer.  Recently I gained the contract to provide all corporate tuition and golf simulation for Nick Faldo's events company and also a clothing sponsorship deal with the PGA Tour's leading clothing designer, Tony Q of Qaja Couture, so all the guys look rather nice now!  I still need more Pro's so if you are interested please contact me on 0115 913 1346, mobile 07900 530654 or email mark@mobilegolfacademy.co.uk

Where do you work?

I work in many varied places.  Schools, corporate events and in my indoor golf centre in Derbyshire along with Neil Bates, another EGTF Pro, who is a superb and extremely knowledgeable golf professional.

Where do you play golf?

Cotgrave Golf and Country Club in Nottingham.

When did you qualify for the EGTF?

September 2004 (turned Pro 2002).  Since then I have sought out and met some of the UK's leading teachers, but I'm still very eager to learn more so I'm looking forward to taking my Masters Diploma shortly.

Why did you become a Teaching Professional?

I used to work part time in a Pro Shop and my boss (a PGA Staff Tutor!) was on the beer the night before and couldn't do his first lesson of the day, so he got me to do it.  "Just tell him to swing his arms", he said.  I got the chap hitting it really well and he dropped my boss and had lessons with me!  I've loved it ever since.

What is the best thing about being a Teaching Professional?

The buzz I get from appreciative golfers when their particular problem is cured, is better than shooting a very low score.

What is the worst thing about being a Teaching Professional?

I honestly can't think of one that applies to me, I love my job.  I understand that PGA bias is a problem for many EGTF Pro's but ultimately a golf professional will be judged by the paying public on his/her teaching ability, not what qualification they hold.

How many lessons do you do in the summer?  How many in winter?

Because of the indoor centre, corporate events and school contracts, I am busy all year round.  The weather doesn't affect me but on average I teach about 30 - 35 hours per week.

What do you consider is the most important lesson you could give someone and why?

Grip and Grip Pressure!  Good golf starts with a good (natural) grip.  Far too many club golfers have a poor grip and hold onto the club for dear life!

What is your favourite drill and why?

The grip pressure drill - Too tight a hold creates many problems and inevitably leads to poor results.  The look on people's faces when I show them the correct grip pressure is usually one of amazement.

Who is your favourite player and why?

John Daley.  Obviously a hugely talented golfer, but he is also a very funny, down to earth 'regular' guy.

Who would be your ideal fourball and why?

John Daley (short game), for such a big fellow, his short game is awesome.  Ben Hogan (full swing), I would have loved to see the master at work and witness the best one plane golf swing in history.  EGTF/LPGA Tour Pro, Alison Nicholas MBE (course management), a superb ball striker, but you don't win 19 tour events (including the US Open) with great ball striking alone.  You have to know how to think your way around and play to your strengths.  Club golfers would do well to learn that their brain is a much more powerful tool than the latest 'big bertha'.  Maybe Alison could put together a seminar for EGTF members on this subject?

Which is the best course you have ever played and why?

The North West Golf Course in Lisfannon, Co Donnegal, Ireland.  Crystal blue sea on right, mountains on the left, incredibly friendly members and an immaculate links course.

What is the best and worst experience you have had in golf?

Best is turning Pro.  Worst ..... years ago my mate decided to do a 360 turn in a buggy, which he did superbly!  Trouble was the buggy carried on spinning and we both ended up in a bunker with the buggy on top of us.  Scared the be-jesus out of me!

What is the best tip you could give a junior golfer?

Don't let your mate drive the buggy!  Seriously it would be to not use your dad's old cut down clubs.  They would be incredibly stiff and virtually unusable.  Junior clubs with the correct flex shaft are very inexpensive nowadays so invest in clubs that juniors can use and have fun with.

Jeff Hawkes & Mark Sadler

What's in the bag?