How did you find out about the job at Hillcrest?
I reached out to connect with Head Professionals in the Los Angeles area while I was on winter holiday in 2022. I then looked into the visa process with an immigration lawyer and was fortunate enough to fall under the 0-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa. However, as per the requirements of the visa, I needed a sponsor and a job offer. Armed with this knowledge, I decided to leave my job in France and move to Los Angeles on a three-month tourist visa to try and secure both. This was a very daunting process, yet very exciting at the same time. In those three months, I connected with as many people as possible and managed to get a sponsor and a job offer from Hillcrest, and I then applied for the visa.
Describe the facilities on offer at Hillcrest Country Club?
Hillcrest has some of the best facilities in the US, with a newly renovated 18-hole championship golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, a 5-hole par 3 course, multiple putting and chipping greens, and a 350-yard grass driving range with Trackman.
What does a typical working day involve?
I teach and play golf with members daily. I also assist the Head Professional in tournament organisation and maintaining inventory for the pro shop.
How did you find out about the job at Hillcrest?
I reached out to connect with Head Professionals in the Los Angeles area while I was on winter holiday in 2022. I then looked into the visa process with an immigration lawyer and was fortunate enough to fall under the 0-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa. However, as per the requirements of the visa, I needed a sponsor and a job offer. Armed with this knowledge, I decided to leave my job in France and move to Los Angeles on a three-month tourist visa to try and secure both. This was a very daunting process, yet very exciting at the same time. In those three months, I connected with as many people as possible and managed to get a sponsor and a job offer from Hillcrest, and I then applied for the visa.
Describe the facilities on offer at Hillcrest Country Club?
Hillcrest has some of the best facilities in the US, with a newly renovated 18-hole championship golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, a 5-hole par 3 course, multiple putting and chipping greens, and a 350-yard grass driving range with Trackman.
What does a typical working day involve?
I teach and play golf with members daily. I also assist the Head Professional in tournament organisation and maintaining inventory for the pro shop.
How did you find out about the job at Hillcrest?
I reached out to connect with Head Professionals in the Los Angeles area while I was on winter holiday in 2022. I then looked into the visa process with an immigration lawyer and was fortunate enough to fall under the 0-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa. However, as per the requirements of the visa, I needed a sponsor and a job offer. Armed with this knowledge, I decided to leave my job in France and move to Los Angeles on a three-month tourist visa to try and secure both. This was a very daunting process, yet very exciting at the same time. In those three months, I connected with as many people as possible and managed to get a sponsor and a job offer from Hillcrest, and I then applied for the visa.
Describe the facilities on offer at Hillcrest Country Club?
Hillcrest has some of the best facilities in the US, with a newly renovated 18-hole championship golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, a 5-hole par 3 course, multiple putting and chipping greens, and a 350-yard grass driving range with Trackman.
What does a typical working day involve?
I teach and play golf with members daily. I also assist the Head Professional in tournament organisation and maintaining inventory for the pro shop.
What are the most rewarding and the most challenging aspects of your job?
The most rewarding aspect is when I see clients reaching their golf potential. The most challenging is learning the procedures of a new club and navigating the cultural differences that come with working in a different country.
What do you aim or are hoping to achieve in this new role?
I have just enrolled in the PGA of America training and I’m looking forward to completing it this year. Having both the British PGA membership and American PGA membership will be a great achievement.
How many staff are employed at the country club?
There are five golf professionals and over 500 support staff employed at the country club.
How would you describe your coaching style and what kind of players are you coaching?
My coaching style is to keep things as simple as possible. I like to focus on one aspect at a time so clients can have a clear plan and know what to work on in order to achieve their goals. I teach all types of golfers from complete beginners to scratch golfers. We also have a busy junior and women’s programme which I organise and coach weekly.
How easy has it been to settle into the US way of life? What do you do away from work?
It’s been easy. It does help that there is no language barrier. There are similarities between the US and the UK, except for the weather. We are lucky to have nice weather year-round in southern California. In my free time, I like to go to the gym to keep as fit as possible, and I love going on hikes with my fiancé Jess and my dog Mumford.
Have you had any mentors during your career or someone who you have been able to lean on for advice? If so, who and what have you learned from them?
Yes, Carl Bianco, the Head Professional at Woking Golf Club, helped and guided me in the right direction when working under him. He also helped me succeed with my visa by writing required references. I am very grateful for all he has taught me and all he has done for me.
What do you know now that you wish you’d have known when you first started out?
The importance of working on your mental and physical health as it can really boost your confidence in your personal and professional life.
What advice would you pass on to other PGA Members who may be thinking about working overseas?
I would suggest that they travel around to learn how the industry operates in other countries and connect with as many people as possible. Always stay professional, you might bump into someone who can help your career down the road.
How easy has it been to settle into the US way of life? What do you do away from work?
It’s been easy. It does help that there is no language barrier. There are similarities between the US and the UK, except for the weather. We are lucky to have nice weather year-round in southern California. In my free time, I like to go to the gym to keep as fit as possible, and I love going on hikes with my fiancé Jess and my dog Mumford.
Have you had any mentors during your career or someone who you have been able to lean on for advice? If so, who and what have you learned from them?
Yes, Carl Bianco, the Head Professional at Woking Golf Club, helped and guided me in the right direction when working under him. He also helped me succeed with my visa by writing required references. I am very grateful for all he has taught me and all he has done for me.
What do you know now that you wish you’d have known when you first started out?
The importance of working on your mental and physical health as it can really boost your confidence in your personal and professional life.
What advice would you pass on to other PGA Members who may be thinking about working overseas?
I would suggest that they travel around to learn how the industry operates in other countries and connect with as many people as possible. Always stay professional, you might bump into someone who can help your career down the road.
How easy has it been to settle into the US way of life? What do you do away from work?
It’s been easy. It does help that there is no language barrier. There are similarities between the US and the UK, except for the weather. We are lucky to have nice weather year-round in southern California. In my free time, I like to go to the gym to keep as fit as possible, and I love going on hikes with my fiancé Jess and my dog Mumford.
Have you had any mentors during your career or someone who you have been able to lean on for advice? If so, who and what have you learned from them?
Yes, Carl Bianco, the Head Professional at Woking Golf Club, helped and guided me in the right direction when working under him. He also helped me succeed with my visa by writing required references. I am very grateful for all he has taught me and all he has done for me.
What do you know now that you wish you’d have known when you first started out?
The importance of working on your mental and physical health as it can really boost your confidence in your personal and professional life.
What advice would you pass on to other PGA Members who may be thinking about working overseas?
I would suggest that they travel around to learn how the industry operates in other countries and connect with as many people as possible. Always stay professional, you might bump into someone who can help your career down the road.
