Return of the Matt at South Essex

One of Essex golf’s most popular figures, Matt Stables, has returned to South Essex Golf Centre as Golf Development Professional with a positive message to all golfers – and a promise to improve their game.

The experienced golf pro, who is an Advanced PGA Professional, has returned this summer after six years away from the club to develop a brand-new series of activities aimed at growing the game, and attracting golfers of all ages to the 27-hole golf complex.

“To me, golf is the best sport in the world, and for millions of people pure happiness is a day at the golf club with friends” said Matt Stables. “So I’m back here to engage local people not only with South Essex, but also with this amazing sport.”

And if your golf game is getting you down, Stables has this for you: “I’ll help you shoot four shots lower in the next 12 months” he promises, as he heads into the summer with new initiatives already established such as a Practice Club where both members and visiting golfers mingle with the common goal of shooting lower scores.

He has also started new Junior Classes at the weekends starting with Tiny Tots from four years of age, and is also hosting new coaching programmes for female golfers and seniors at South Essex.

To back up his new coaching plans, one of Stables’ first acts on his return to South Essex was to dramatically improve the Driving Range at the golf centre.

His range-refurbishment programme has already seen the introduction of all-new golf balls, hitting mats and lighting to the golf centre’s covered 14-bay range, with new range targets and fairway shaping on the outfield.

The 42 year old pro feels like he is back at home – he was the Head Professional at South Essex from 2009 to 2012, and has been welcomed back warmly by many of the club’s regulars. “South Essex is known as a great place for visitors” he said “but we’re actually also a great place to be a member. 27 holes playable all year round, a good

range, and a great atmosphere in the clubhouse – it’s always buzzing here, which is one of the reasons I’m back in this new role.”

Stables’ methods have made seismic changes to people’s golfing skills. “There’s no limit to how well you can play this game” he said. “I have a pupil who cut a massive 32 shots off his golf game this year! I just gave him a personalised plan of action, and it really paid off.

“If you want it badly enough, I can get you there.”

Stables has also coached other professional golfers, and also elite amateurs, but although it is seen mainly as a competitive sport he stresses that the emotional benefits of golf are also very important. “At a golf club like South Essex you make friends, you get fitter, you discover new things about yourself, and you set and achieve new goals – whatever your age.

“Playing golf is an intense emotional experience, and you feel truly alive out there on the course. That’s why we all love it so much. I’m back at South Essex to channel that passion and energy, into better performance. My goal here is to help you enjoy your golf more than ever!”