Golf professional Brexits Europe for Machrihanish
A BRITISH-BORN golfer who found an ace boyfriend in Kintyre will coach players on the best first tee in the world.
Golf is in the blood for Machrihanish’s new 32-year-old professional, Jennie Dunn.
Her dad has just retired to Liverpool after a professional life on the courses of Germany where her mum ran the pro shops. Brother Anthony, 28, is also a professional golfer.
Jennie, the former professional at Velden am Woerther See in Austria, took over in Machrihanish on April 1 after moving to live with her Kintyre-based boyfriend, Ollie Armour, in February.
Jennie, a former Bavarian ladies champion, said: ‘I started to play golf as soon as I could walk. I have spent some part of almost every day of my life on a golf course.
‘The first week has been really busy as the shop was an empty shell. Since I have been a head professional in Austria for the past two-and-a-half years, there has been little time for my own golf.
‘I have moved here to be nearer my family. The supposed remoteness of Machrihanish does not worry me because my Austria golf club was a way from anywhere.’
One of Jennie’s successes in Austria was developing a junior section. When she started there were 12 youngsters and 40 when she left.
Jennie said: ‘I went out to the schools to introduce children to golf. I already have a free taster session planned for Sunday April 23 at Machrihanish, from noon to 1pm for boys and 1pm to 2pm for girls.
‘It will be a chance for me to meet the youths but is for all levels, regardless of any ability.
‘In general, I really want to build up the coaching by the club.’