Trainee golf pro's plan for kids

NEV Austin is trying to give kids from the Ipswich region the help he never got.

The trainee golf professional, who learned to play in Toogoolawah/Esk, has big plans to take his expertise to regions like the one he grew up in.

The Church Hill 31-year-old is in the first of his three-year traineeship.

“My long-term goal is to become a full-time professional and coach juniors and ladies,” he said.

“Hopefully I can do it in the outlying areas of Ipswich like Boonah and Laidley and Gatton.”

Austin (pictured), a former butcher, has already approached the likes of Ipswich State High School, where he spoke to school children last week about his chosen profession, and the West Moreton Anglican College, about setting up golf programs.

“We had limited access to a pro as juniors,” Austin explained.

“If I can get one to become a PGA (Professional Golf Association) pro out of 100 [it will be worth it].

“There are hardly any out in the country becoming pros.

“There is a sort of a culture for rugby league and cricket that there isn’t for junior golf.”