Gloucestershire Golf Union
Lockdown Lounge: Player Spotlight. Charlie McLean
Name and home club
Charlie McLean- Cotswold Hills
How did you get into Golf and how long have you been playing?
I got into golf by my Grandad from around the age of 8 years old (22 years now). We started on the range just hitting balls, trying to hit it 50 yards, then 100 yards and so on. I qualified, in my Grandads mind for the 9 hole course at around the age 9, then managed to get on the 18 hole course 6 months later.
What courses do you enjoy playing in Gloucestershire and why?
I enjoy playing Long Ashton, I think it’s because it’s the first event of the year and always a heightened excitement to play in the first event. The course is always in great condition for that event, and in my opinion, ran the best of all events on the DS. I also enjoy Ross on Wye for its risk/ reward style layout
Describe your top three most memorable moments playing in a Gloucestershire county squad
1. Winning player of the year at the end of the 2019 season was a great honor, a nice moment to share with the team at the County Dinner.
2. SWW every year is great to be part of; the practice days, the banter, supporting each other on the course, and last but not least... winning!
3. A random one, but Jake Phillips and I played a county match at Royal Porthcawl, the lads we were playing stuffed one in close from about 180 yards on 16 and they were celebrating as they’d won; Jake followed it up putting it closer, looking at me saying “nope”. We still say “nope” to each other to this day
What do you look forward to the most in a season?
Competing. Playing the DS events, SWW, and County matches with all the boys.
How have you been keeping busy during 'Lockdown'?
Nothing overly exciting I’m afraid, my longest gap from golf since I broke my arm has been difficult. Glad the courses are back open and the weather is holding out for us
What are your golfing aspirations for the future?
Well I work full time so it will always be the amateur life for me. However I still have goals; first of all I want to win a DS event again, win county champs, win the Order of Merit (it’s been a while), get to England finals, and then win that
What one piece of advice can you offer golfers who have aspirations to play in a county team?
Work hard, work harder than anyone you know. Believe in yourself and enjoy the game. After all, it’s supposed to be fun.
How has the Gloucestershire Golf Union supported you to develop your game?
I’ve been a part of the
county since I was 13 years old, they have financially supported me with coaching funding and playing in National events. They still help me to this day, working with Dave Hares on the stats, trying to improve by those small fractions, if really helps
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