The recently-extended clubhouse at Royal County Down now houses a professional’s shop which is the equal of any in the country and the Club is fortunate to have associated with it a Head Professional and assistant professionals of such experience and expertise as Kevan Whitson and his staff. They pride themselves in being able to satisfy almost all the requirements of members and visitors for golfing equipment and tuition. They are the first point of contact for visitors – please call at the Professional’s shop on arrival, where they will be glad to welcome and help you.
Kevan Whitson
Kevan Whitson, the Head Professional, is an Advanced Fellow of the PGA. He came to Royal County Down in 1992, having grown up on the east coast of Scotland playing some of the oldest traditional links in the world. When he qualified as an assistant at the Royal Burgess Golfing Society in Edinburgh he was one of the youngest professionals in the history of the PGA. With a growing reputation as a teacher, he had to curtail his playing career, and over the years has coached many top amateurs and touring professionals. He is ranked by “Golf Monthly” as one of the top 25 teachers in the UK. He has published papers as a county and provincial coach, has acted as a consultant to the
Golfing Union of Ireland and the
Irish Ladies’ Golf Union and is much sought after as a speaker and golf consultant.
During his time at Royal County Down he has provided valuable input to many leading championships held at the Club, including the
Amateur Championship, the
British Ladies’ Amateur Open Championship, three
Seniors’ Open Championships and, in 2007, the
Walker Cup. In 2009 he was honoured by the PGA as a recipient of one of only four 5-Star Professional Awards, for which nominations are made by fellow professionals; past recipients include
Bernard Gallagher, John Jacobs, Mickey Walker, Severiano Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and
Bob Torrance.
Pro Shop Staff:
John Murray Senior Assistant Professional. John qualified in 2014 having spent three years in Portmarnock Golf Club before joining the team. John is a native of Newcastle where he played to a handicap of +1 before turning Pro.
Alex Shedden Assistant Professional. Qualified 2016. Alex Graduated from the University of Highlands and Islands and spent a season at Royal Dornoch.
Daniel Wright Third
Year Trainee. Daniel formerly a Professional Footballer with Wolves joined us in 2014.
To email Kevan or his team
rcdproshop@gmail.com
Please click the following links to view information on our
pro-shop brands,
equipment hire,
tuition and also visit our
online shop.