Celebrating Father's Day with 3 Generations of the Hitchenor Family

Have you ever wanted to introduce your kids to the game of golf, but do not know where to begin? Perhaps you play the game yourself and want to get your kids involved to create a family experience. Or, maybe you are a grandparent who wants to pass the knowledge of the game down to your grandchildren? If you have contemplated these questions, breathe a sigh of relief!

We joined 3 generations of the Hitchenor family, Grandpa Graham, Dad Paul, Otto and Pietro as they visited Winchester Golf Academy ahead of Father’s Day to talk all things golf and why it’s now at the top of the list when there’s a bit of down time.

Grandpa Graham: ‘I’ve played golf for a number of years and all I can say is that being able to play with different people from all walks of life and skill level is something you cant’s say about another sport. I’m 73 years old, and I can still play; the longevity of the sport is great! Who would have thought that I could play with not only my son, but my grandchildren’

Dad Paul: ‘I grew up playing golf because my dad played. Otto interjects “and you want to be like your Grandpa!” yes Otto, I wanted to be like Grandpa. It was something that was in the family. I didn’t just play golf, I played other sports, but my family played so it was part of my upbringing.’

Otto: ‘I just like whacking it’

Pietro: ‘I like Rory, I like whacking balls like him’

Graham: ‘I was quite lucky as my Aunt was a good golfer and I used to visit her on my school holidays and started hitting a few balls around next to Troon! At the time I remember that I found it quite easy, I think that was because I was young and just wanted to hit the ball and didn’t look too much into my technique! I turned pro at 18, about 2 years after I properly got into golf and I’ve never looked back.

I wasn’t sure if Paul was interested in golf at first, but I took him down to the driving range when he was growing up’

Paul: ‘I think I was about 12 years old when I went to the range with dad. I do remember that I wanted to play left-handed clubs, but I ended up with right-handed as my dad had a spare set of clubs! I remember going to group lessons and if I played well, I’d get a Mars bar which as a kid was a huge motivator! I then joined Harewood Downs GC as a junior and played once a week with a friend from school. I now play when I can and with Winchester Golf Academy down the road, it's perfect for me and the boys! That’s what’s so great about it here, the relaxed atmosphere really encourages all abilities to try it out.’

Graham: ‘Getting an albatross! I’ve played golf for the best part of 50 years and never had a hole-in-one, but it’s all the memories that I have that I can look back on. I mean it might not be one that I share often and I know it’s one that Paul likes to speak about, but I do remember when he out drove me at 14 years old!

Otto: ‘Did you see me hit the ball over there, I just whacked it, it was great!’

WE CAN CONFIRM: OTTO DOESN’T LIKE GOLF, HE LOVES IT

Paul: ‘Make it a fun experience, they’ll be able to make their own choice if they’re interested in it. Not having rules, just give them the space to enjoy the experience. If we have a free day and we ask them what they want to do, this is the place that’s top of the list. The relaxed environment here, is really the raw form of the game and it’s the best of both worlds. Being able to just whack it, and not be concerned on missing the ball, but if they do, they just want to go again and again and again! I might not even hit one ball!’

Otto: ‘I love it’

Paul: 'Friendships, challenging and family time.'

Graham: 'Banter, competition and longevity.'

At this time, Pietro couldn’t comment as a tub of ice-cream was in need of being demolished and we can say it was a hit!

To the Dads who love sharing the game of golf with their loved ones, from all at #TeamTaylorMade we wish you a Happy Father's Day!