We welcome our new Head Coach,
Martin Robinson
with a “Q & A”
The role of County Coach is of utmost strategic importance to the County. A role that requires a deep understanding of Golf and the intricacies of the Golf Swing
Martin Robinson, was appointed to this position as Head Coach in October but has been in a supportive role to the County for a number of years.
He has an impressive CV and reputation, gaining experience in the UK and abroad. He is now the Head PGA Professional based at the Brocket Hall Academy
We sat down recently with Martin to discuss his background in golf, his interests and his vision for the county and the challenges / opportunities that we will embrace and maximise
Sit back, relax and enjoy our conversation ……
Interview
Interviewer
- How long have you been involved in golf and with the County?
I have played golf as a Pro now for 20 years, having started at the age of 13, following in the spikes of an elder brother who also plays.
Like all of us who get this “Golf Bug” thing, all my free time was taken up learning the game and competing until turning Pro at the age of 18.
I owe so much to Caldy GC (a course used for Open Qualifying) on the Wirral adjacent to Hoylake, where not only did I learn the game, progressing to assistant Pro there too
From there I headed East, in fact to the Middle East, for 13 years, first destination was Bharain, then to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, finishing at The Montgomerie as Head Pro with Troon Golf.
The lure of the UK brought me back and of course my family
- Prior to Middlesex where else have you been based since your return to the UK
I spent a few years at the Shire and started work with Middlesex then, this will be my third season and first as Head Coach
I am currently Head Pro at Brocket Hall GC, where I have responsibility for all teaching aspects and the retail side of the business too
- Under your new role as Head County Coach, are there any key initiatives that need to be prioritized
Firstly, I will be introducing Harry Casey on board, formerly of Enfield
Many will know that he is the current PGA National Champion, which will give him a start on the British Masters in 2026
Secondly, following England Golf’s lead, I will be utilising the “Up Game App” this is a stats-based utility. England Golf encourages its usage for the elite golfers and has already been beneficial at the top echelons of the game with team Europe and the Ryder Cup. Eduardo Molinari is a big advocate. The Golfers in Middlesex can only benefit in this partnership.
- What is your style as Coach? And do you have a Coach that has influenced you?
Technical Vs Fitness and flexibility, flexibility in teaching style too, working with a player’s strengths too. With my background in Cheshire Golf, a major teaching influence for me was the coach – Kevin Jones
- Tell us about the Technology that you will be employing – such as TPI, Trackman, BodiTrak and what does Trained Brain qualified mean?
TPI, is used as tool to give a physical assessment of a player, Trackman, will give us hard analytical empirical data, BodiTrak is a tool that looks at – floor pressure – 60% weight is typical on the backswing and on your right-hand side and 80% on LHS through impact. Trained Brain is something we use to look at the psychological side of the game.
- How best can you support the elite players in the County? Assuming that they all already may have their own individual swing coaches, how will you help their development.
Most are open minded, we will establish a communication path of “what they are working on”, there is always one area they may have been neglected, giving us an opportunity to help the individual learn and expand knowledge.
- What are your next key commitments for the county? Or does it all go quiet now between now and April?
Two tranches of training are planned on course based first, Brief intro to Harry, Putting, warm up 18 hole playing lessons – first with the U18’s, Plus Men and Women elite groups, will all be involved starting on the weekend of 15th November.
Feb/Mar – technical based coaching will take place; we will work from data gained over the winter period
- Is it a hindrance or an advantage that the county is so much smaller than others?
Not a hindrance, opportunity to shine, playing opportunities are greater, plus we can nurture that all important team spirit key
- Which groups in Middlesex do you plan to work with?
At the moment I will be working with all teams, to reinforce and add to what we need to know
- Without divulging your secrets, what would a typical session (if there is such a thing), look like
Technical days will focus on adding skills to their arsenal, with the aim that the player will leave a session having added something new to their armory
- What in your view is Middlesex’s greatest strength?
Being in the catchment area of London and close to the northern home counties, this gives us access to a broad talent base, educated smart kids, camaraderie among all the players too.
- What if any challenges do, we face? Do we need more talented players maybe? Participation? Dedication.
Exam times are often a challenge as events like, 6-man team events come at the wrong times for education focused kids, strength in depth, we could always do with more players for all our teams to choose from (do let us know if you would like to be considered)
- Other than golf, what are your other great life passions?
Football, a lifelong Liverpool fan, I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, mountains and of course my kids.
- Who would be in your dream 4 Ball?
Tiger Woods, Steven Gerard, Justin Rose
- Other than your home course, which course would you go back to and play again?
Pebble Beach, everything you would need and expect from such a fantastic venue with so much history
- What is your choice of golf ball and why?
Pro V1 – for its consistency, soft enough to get the compression on full shots and great for around the greens too
- What’s the longest iron in your bag? And are there any clubs you would encourage the average golfer in Middlesex to consider?
3iron – driving iron – straightest option off the tee for many, what a great option to go to especially on the courses of Middlesex that have so many tight dog legs. A club for the course manager inside you!
- How many wedges do you carry?
Quite traditional really with 4 wedges – W, 50, 54, and 58 gaping.
- What’s the last thing you watched on Netflix / Streamed
A cooking program, on Apple TV called Knife Edge… Chasing Michelin Stars – “Experience the thrilling highs and crushing lows as the world’s best chefs pursue the ultimate accolade: a Michelin Star”
- Facebook / Twitter or Instagram?
Instagram – follow MartinRobinsonpga
- And finally, what would be your message to someone thinking about committing to county training who may not be involved currently and how can they get involved?
If you play your golf to enjoy being part of a team then we are 100% for you and can help you prepare for that, so if you like team aspect get involved – contact team managers,
We really are not a closed county; there are truly opportunities for all.
Interviewer: Thanks so much for your time Martin , I am sure you will inspire the current players to greater things and bring on those on the fringes to be real county assets
If you are interested in learning more about the county, check out the webpage
https://www.middlesexgolf.co.uk/
