Why Oliver Farr has swapped the Tour trail for the coaching studio
If it’s every golfer’s dream to make it on Tour then Oliver Farr has more than lived it.
The Welshman graced the game’s biggest stages for 15 years – earning a European Tour card, winning multiple times on the EuroPro Tour and Challenge Tour, and competing in three major championships.
Farr was at Chambers Bay when Jordan Spieth won the US Open in 2015 and played in the landmark 150th Open at St Andrews in 2022, before qualifying again the following year at Royal Liverpool.
“I am only starting to appreciate what I did on Tour,” he said. “When you’re on Tour, you’re always striving for more, always wanting to better yourself.”
But from the earliest stages of his career, the 38-year-old Farr – the son of long-time PGA Professional Graham – was also looking ahead.
Enrolled in the Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies as a first-year trainee, we caught up with him ahead of an in-person Open Day at The PGA National Training Academy on May 27, which gives people the chance to learn more about the career opportunities offered by The PGA.
He explains why The PGA Training Programme was the natural next step…
Why did you decide to take the Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies?
With my dad being a PGA Professional, it’s a career path I’ve always seen myself heading down at the end of my playing career.
I’ve not played quite so well in the last couple of years and my status on the tours isn’t as good as I’d like it to be, so I was looking at how else I could still be involved in golf.
The PGA was the best route for me.
You’re attached to Burghill Valley, in Herefordshire
It’s where I’ve been attached the last 10 years of my playing career. Andy Cameron’s the Head Professional there and he’s been very supportive.
Obviously, I’ve been fortunate enough to be around a PGA Professional all my life. Before I got on the Challenge Tour, and EuroPro Tour, I was in the shop for my dad.
I thought about doing it [qualifications] at an early stage in my career, but I progressed quickly from mini tours, to Challenge, and then onto the main tour and it got put on the back burner.
What was the experience like of playing in majors?
They’re probably the biggest parts of my career. At the time, I was very focused on performing and trying to play as well as I could.
When looking back now, and analysing it, it’s slightly different. Mixing with the best players, and the best coaches and trainers, I was able to see a difference in mentality and preparation.
How are you finding the Foundation course?
I like the structure. The residential was a good week for me. I didn’t know what to fully expect.
The lecturers made that week very easy. I’ve got a great tutor in my dad, who is also a PGA tutor for coaching, and I have leaned on those sorts of people.
I’ve asked questions of lots of other PGA Professionals who have gone through this route to gain an experience of what they’ve got out of it. I’ve tried to embrace it all and learn from it.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of continuing their career with The PGA?
Having the right people around you is a big thing. I’ve been lucky that I’ve got quite a few PGA Professionals around me that can help and if I did need to lean on them they would be there.
If they are thinking about doing it, just ask PGA Professionals. Most are very good at giving an honest answer back.
Oliver Farr was speaking ahead of the PGA In-person Open Day at The PGA National Training Academy on May 27. For more details, click here.