Meet Club Champion 2011-12

Alan Rigby

Age: 45 - Handicap: 3

Other Sports: Scuba diving, fell walking

Are you a golf addict? Yes, I practice for hours on end. I do think though some of the shine has been taken away, probably because you see all these kids taking it so seriously these days – they look like they don’t seem to have the sheer enjoyment of learning and drawing enthusiasm from improvement. It seems so structured now.

What would improve your game? As you get older the flexibility goes, so I recently took up yoga.

Greatest golf moment? Being selected to play for Cheshire many years ago and realising that the pro game is a job like all others – and the glitz and glamour comes after hard graft and positive thinking!

Do you have a golfing moment you would prefer to forget? Pointing out Angel Cabreras’ ball wedged in the roots of a clump of gorse at the Open at Royal Liverpool while I was stewarding. Going on to say that if I was him I would have hit iron off the tee! Good job I don’t understand Spanish!

Favourite golf course? Not actually my fave, but West Lancs – because anybody who thinks they are of a certain standard should play there in a "gentle breeze" and see if they really are of the standard they think. It is the most relentless golf course in the UK bar none.

Who have you most admired? Seve, of course. He got me into the game along with millions like me, a true competitor.

What was the best advice you were ever given? Hit the shot in your head before you include your body.

As a club champion what would be your tip to a beginner? Practice chipping and putting more than other parts of your game

Do you have a golf dream? Stop redesigning golf balls to go further and straighter and let the skill of your hand and eye come to the fore