Sports Shop Newsletter

Welcoming Max Orrin, PGA Assistant Professional …

I’m delighted to welcome Max to the Sports Shop Team, he is a professional and joining us to begin his PGA Training in September. Max is a fantastic golfer who had a very successful amateur career reaching World No.3 and has spent 13 years on the DP World and Challenge tour as a playing professional gaining eight victories.

We have a fantastic introductory offer for you to take advantage of, take a 30 minute lesson with Max through the month of September for just £20! (limited to one per member). We also have a number of dates where you can go and play nine holes with Max to see how it’s done whilst getting some tips on the way!

Max adopts a fluid coaching style, working with what each player already has and adapting his approach to suit their individual goals. Drawing on his playing experience, he aims to help golfers improve their game while leaving every lesson with a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve and how to achieve it. I am excited for Max to share his knowledge and help Members get more from their golf.

Max is in the Sports Shop Wednesday to Sunday.

Click here to book a half price golf lesson with Max in September

Click here to play 9 holes with Max

Where did you grow up and how did you get into golf?

I grew up down in Birchington-on-Sea in Kent. A small village right on the Kent coast. I was first introduced to golf at age 9 by my dad at a pitch and putt with just a pitching wedge and a putter and my love of the game grew from there. I joined a par three course within a few months and practiced every day and hour I could.

You had a fantastic amateur career, what were your highlights and what was your best achievement?

I had a successful amateur career, progressing through county teams and into the England national squads. By the age of 16, I had won four national events, including the South East of England and West of England Championships, as well as the European Team Championships. I also reached the semi-finals of both the British Amateur and US Amateur and climbed to World No. 3 in the amateur rankings. However, my proudest achievement was representing Great Britain and Ireland in the 2013 Walker Cup against the USA, playing alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and against Justin Thomas.

When did you turn professional, off what handicap and why did you pursue this career?

I turned professional after the 2013 Walker Cup at just 17, playing off a +5 handicap. I had the opportunity to go to America and enter the college system, but I loved playing golf and felt ready to take on the professional ranks. I wanted to test my game against the world’s best and couldn’t wait to get started.

You have been successful in your playing career, how many events have you won and what was your best victory?

I’ve now been a professional for 13 years, including five years on the DP World Tour and six years on the European Challenge Tour. Throughout my career, I’ve had eight professional wins, including two on the Challenge Tour. Golf has taken me to every continent and to so many incredible countries that I could only have dreamed of visiting. I’m incredibly grateful for the career I’ve had so far.

My highlight was winning my first Challenge Tour event in Oman in 2014. It meant so much to prove to myself that I was good enough to compete and win at that level, and it really kick-started my professional career.

What is your favourite golf course?

I would have to say my favourite golf course is the one of my victory in Oman. A beautiful coastal course and very tough, Al Mouj Golf. It can get very windy there but a truly stunning golf course.

Have you had any holes in one?

I’ve had 26 holes-in-one throughout my career, with 18 of them coming at North Foreland Golf Club, where I grew up playing on the par-3 course. If you haven’t been, it’s a beautiful links course and well worth a visit! My other eight holes-in-one have come as a professional at different events around the world, with my favourite coming at the K Club in Ireland.

What is your best round of golf?

I have two rounds that have really stuck with me throughout my professional career. In 2014, I shot a 63 (-10) at Penina Golf Club in Portugal. More recently, in July this year, I shot a 60 at Hertfordshire Golf Club in the Clutch Pro Tour, narrowly missing out on a 59 when my final putt lipped out. Devastatingly close, but it’s definitely my favourite round to date!

What are your favourite golf brands and what’s in your bag?

I’m a fan of lots of different brands and products, and these days my bag reflects that. I used to be very much Titleist, but I now have a mixed bag featuring Titleist woods, Mizuno irons, a TaylorMade Spider putter and DTB wedges. There are so many great clubs out there at the moment, it’s hard not to love them all!

Favourite golfer of all time and dream fourball?

Tiger was my idol growing up as he was to lots of players, my dream fourball would be him, Seve and Denzel Washington!

Who are your favourite pro’s to watch and who has the best golf swing?

I love watching any type of golf at every level, there are so many good players now that all have different qualities that you can learn from and I just enjoy taking it all in and learning from the best. I very much like the purest golf swings like Adam Scott or a Louis Oosthuizen but also really admire the quirky swings of a John Rahm or a Scottie Scheffler.

What is your coaching style?

I would describe my coaching style as very fluid. I like to work with what each player has, drawing on my experience to help them improve their game and swing. I adapt my approach to suit what each player wants from their lesson, while making sure they leave with a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve and how to achieve it. I’m excited to pass on as much of my knowledge and experience as I can!

What has made you want to make the move to Roehampton Club?

I’m really excited to be joining Roehampton Club, having been drawn to its outstanding reputation, strong sense of community and commitment to its Members. When I first visited, I could immediately see what makes the Club so special, and the passion Ricky and the team have for delivering a great experience really stood out to me.

What are you looking forward to the most at Roehampton Club?

I’m most looking forward to getting to know the Members, becoming part of the Roehampton Club community and building strong relationships through coaching. I’m excited to work with golfers of all levels, helping them achieve their goals and enjoy their time on the course. I’m also looking forward to sharing my experience as a playing professional, particularly around course management and strategy, while continuing to learn and develop alongside the team. The indoor golf centre is an exciting project which will be an incredible addition to the Club.

What are your favourite things to do outside of golf?

Outside of golf, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also really enjoy sport as a whole, so any sport that is on I will always be watching! I am a huge Chelsea fan so look forward to discussing next season with the members! Next year I will also be getting married so that has taken a lot of my free time up this year.