Concession Golf Club pro earns international honor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Jonathan Yarwood was 13 years old the first time he watched a golf professional shape a young life.

Yarwood was living in England at the time, and he was the one whose life was forever impacted by the actions of the local pro. Yarwood lived near a municipal golf course, but his family couldn’t afford to play. Instead, Yarwood and his friends caddied and seatched for golf balls. One day, they found a 4-wood and began playing golf on the local soccer fields.

Soon, the assistant golf professional began offering free lessons, and Yarwood signed up. Recognizing Yarwood’s potential, the pro began working closely with him.

“He took me under his wing,” said Yarwood, founder of The Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy at The Concession Golf Club. “A PGA professional can have a big influence and shape (young) golfers’ lives. Whether you’re a beginner or a tournament player I encourage everyone to (seek out) a PGA professional.”

Since then, Yarwood developed a passion for not only the game of golf but also for helping young golfers achieve their goals. And last month, Yarwood was recognized for his achievements to the game of golf with the UK PGA Master Professional award.

The UK PGA Master Professional award is the highest honor awarded by the UK PGA’s Accreditation for Prior Achievement and Learning panel. Yarwood was awarded the status by a panel of his peers based on his achievements and what he has contributed to the game of golf.

Yarwood is the youngest pro ever to receive the award.

“It’s normally reserved for those who are quite old and at the end of their careers,” Yarwood said. “I was fortunate enough to come to America and become exposed to a lot of good players. I’ve been able to steer them toward some of the biggest titles in golf on several occasions, and as a result, I’ve achieved a lot in such a short period of time.”

Yarwood learned he was eligible for the award last year and will receive his award at the British Open in July.

“It’s quite an incredible thing really,” Yarwood said. “It’s been a journey (becoming) a professional in England. I started at the bottom of the ladder. It’s quite remarkable and something I’m very proud of.”

Championship coach
After earning British PGA Class A professional status, Yarwood moved to the United States in 1996 with his wife, Deborah, with nothing more than a suitcase.

“I embodied the ‘American Dream,’” Yarwood said.

Yarwood spent nine years working with David Leadbetter at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy at IMG Academy before branching out on his own.

During that time, Yarwood met Michael Campbell, whom he recruited and began coaching full time. In 2005, Yarwood watched his pupil win the U.S. Open. Aside from Campbell, Yarwood has coached a record five United States Golf Association Champions, including two U.S. Amateur Champions and two U.S. Girls Champions.

Yarwood has also coached PGA, LPGA, Asian and Multiple Challenge tour winners, among numerous other junior, collegiate, amateur and professional golfers. But when it comes to coaching, Yarwood credits his players’ success to their own hard work and dedication.

“I’m only a small part of somebody’s success,” Yarwood said. “I don’t take a huge amount of credit. I enjoy being a part of the team and knowing that I’ve given my few cents worth.

“I treat all of my players as if they’re Olympic athletes,” he said. “One size doesn’t fit all. I treat every individual differently. That’s the only way you can be if you’re dealing with talented individuals.”

Today, Yarwood spends his days running The Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy at The Concession Golf Club, which he opened about three years ago.

“It’s been great over the years to be exposed to talented individuals and then supply them with a little of my talents,” Yarwood said. “When those two things collide you get a positive result.

“A teacher never stops learning,” he said. “I’ve been taught and humbled by this great game. I enjoy what I do and the (interaction) it brings. The results take care of themselves.”

For more information on The Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy visit its website at www.golfjy.com.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].