Golf: Andrew Witherup takes over professional’s role at Formby

May 27 2008 by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post

Witherup takes over professional’s role at Formby

ANDREW WITHERUP, club professional at West Derby for 11 years, has moved to the professional’s post at Formby.

“I really enjoyed my time at West Derby and I did learn a lot there,” he says. “But it is time for a change and it is a privilege to become the professional here. Who would not want to become the professional at Formby? The course, the teaching facilities, the Formby Ladies course, just the whole package. It is a phenomenal job.”

Witherup, aged 39, was born in Heswall but his parents emigrated to South Africa when he was three and he was educated in Natal before returning to England in 1989. He has been a fully qualified PGA professional for more than 13 years and he was professional at Aldersey Green before moving to West Derby in 1997.

He has taught at all levels from beginners to scratch teams and other PGA professionals, including Paul Eales, the ex-European Tour player and now a sports commentator.

Andrew keeps his game in shape – playing in some of the PGA North Region events. In addition to his teaching skills he brings to Formby his extensive golf shop retail experience. He is a member of a large buying group for golf equipment and clothing.

He succeeds Gary Butler, who has left to spend more time as a referee on the European Tour. The new professional at West Derby is Stuart Danchin, who has been the professional at Dean Wood for eight years.