The Open golf reaches its conclusion at Hoylake today, but one of Non-League football‘s masters is preparing to tee off a whole new career as a professional golfer.
Jamie Cook has been part of Conference promotion winning sides at both Oxford United and Crawley in his two spells as a full-time footballer with each club.
But this week he took inspiration from Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter as he completed a two-day residential course at The Belfry that allows him to turn pro on the PGA tour, while studying for a three-year degree in golf studies.
Forward Cook had planned to retire from football after two years in Conference North with Oxford City.
But the 34-year-old has decided to keep playing, answering new Court Place Farm boss Justin Merritt’s call to carry on, alongside his part-time work in the club shop at Heythrop Park and trying to earn a living in competitions nationwide.
He told The NLP: “Doing the course this week gives me the qualification to sign contracts as a pro, which take two weeks to process. After that I can enter competitions.
“I’m going to be studying by Distance Learning from September for a three-year degree that can open up avenues to work in other areas of golf – like teaching, custom-fitting for a manufacturer or being a director of golf – should I prove not good enough to make a living from playing.”
The scratch golfer adds: “It’s the route Ian Poulter took. He had a handicap of four, but joined the PGA and has gone on to do what he’s done.
“I’m a late starter in golf terms, although I gave it a go once before after leaving Stevenage in 2005, just entering competitions without joining the PGA. I still had the football itch, and joined Witney Town before rejoining Graham Westley at Rushden & Diamonds, then Crawley and Oxford.
“I don’t regret picking up my football career, because I’ve had a lot of success. I was intent on retiring but when I was injured for a couple of months before the end of the season, I really missed it.
“So I’m going to juggle both sports while I still feel fit and sharp because you’re a long time retired, but from now on it’s the golf that takes priority and the manager knows I might have to miss the odd game in Conference North.”
Still a fairway to go in both golf and football careers then for a man who puts the pitch into Non-League!
Article first appeared in The Non-League Paper on Sunday, July 20
