About Tim

I started swinging a golf club when I was just a knee-high to a grasshopper, gripping those plastic clubs with a determination that would set the tone for my lifelong love of the game. I was about 8 when I took my first swing, and from that moment, there was no looking back. Golf wasn’t just a game to me; it was a calling.

You can imagine the sight: a gangly 13-year-old me, too tall for the junior clubs but not quite ready for the men’s. That’s when I took to the fairway with ladies’ clubs. It may not have been the conventional path, but on the golf course, it’s not about fitting in; it’s about finding your swing. And find it I did.

When I was big enough to handle men’s golf clubs, my folks gifted me a RAM Accubar set of Irons and Metals, complete with a sleek Adidas golf bag and trolley for Christmas. Clutching my RAM Zebra putter, a trusty ally I still wield today, I knew I wanted to deepen my understanding of the game.

Joining the Newcastle United Golf Club was more than a membership; it was becoming part of a legacy. With a voracious appetite, I devoured golf books and watched videos endlessly, soaking up every detail. Jack Nicklaus’ ‘Golf My Way’ wasn’t just instructional content; it was the gospel according to the Golden Bear himself.

I’m going to tell you something here: I practiced with an intensity that would make most people’s heads spin. Over 100 balls a day, come rain, shine, or snow – yes, even in the snow, I was out there, clearing patches of green to tee off. It was this dedication that honed the purity and consistency of my shots, a testament to the GripItAndRipIt philosophy.

My journey in golf is more than a sequence of events; it’s a testament to passion and perseverance. From plastic sticks to a refined swing, every step has been guided by the pure love of the game. This isn’t just my history; it’s a reflection of the spirit that drives every golfer who truly loves the sport.

From Novice to Bandit: Reflecting on a Lifetime of Golf

I recall the thrill of being invited to join the junior golf team at 15, an opportunity that meant the world to me. Representing Newcastle United Golf Club in the junior league was a significant milestone in my life. The league’s match play format, where we all started off scratch, taught me invaluable lessons about competition and self-improvement.

The higher the stakes, the more I thrived. Playing against those better than me didn’t intimidate me; it drove me to elevate my game. And soon enough, I was winning matches, feeling elated every time I outplayed an opponent. It wasn’t just a game; it was a test of skill and nerve, and I realized I loved the challenge.

At 16, I entered the George Johnson Trophy competition – a turning point for sure. I’ll never forget the 85 I shot on a par 73 – quite the feat, especially after starting with a seven on the par four first! Winning that trophy and being rewarded with the crystal wine/decanter set was beyond joyous. That set is cherished and brought out only for the most special occasions.

Golf is a journey, and mine saw a swift drop in handicap, reaching the coveted single figures. But as I think back over my days of competitive play and sheer dedication to the game, I realize that life – with all its twists and turns – took me down different paths. Entering my early 20s, my regular golf games gave way to work commitments and life’s unpredictabilities.

Despite the slowdown, my love for golf has never waned. These days, I might be found relishing the occasional golf trip or casually swinging at the local course, where I still wield the clubs with pride and precision, albeit not quite at my peak performance level. And let’s not forget the hours I spend following tournaments on TV, forever analysing swings and strategies.

Sharing this lifelong passion is exactly why GripItAndRipIt was born. Through this website, I aim to impart not just techniques or tips, but also the love and respect I hold for this incredible sport. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone whose interest has just been sparked, I hope my experiences and insights will help you on your own golf journey. Here’s to great golfing ahead!