FOR this week’s Downes article we asked Ollie Greenslade, one of our professional golfers to tell his story about how he became a PGA professional.

He said: “I started playing golf at the age of 14, and joined a golf club a year later in 2008 when I was 15.

“My dad, Chet Greenslade, who at the time was the Downes Crediton Golf Club captain, and my older brother Devon, who is also a PGA Professional, encouraged me throughout my amateur years at Downes.

“Watching Devon become a pro inspired me, I always looked up to him and his golfing exploits. I took the time to enjoy my golf, practicing and striving to improve.

“During these years I won a number of amateur titles, including 4 Club championships.

“Then in 2021, I took the first step to becoming a PGA professional.

“During three and a half years of qualifying I met some incredible people along the way. I learned at first hand the side of the golf industry no one sees.

“There were also some moments when I thought I wouldn't do it, it’s a hard road. But it was all worth it and I finally completed the PGA Training and Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies.

“My time as one of the PGA professionals at Downes has been full of adventures and lessons that have helped me become the person I am today.

“Many thanks for the support from my family, and the members of the club, who have been like a family from my juniors years to today, when myself and partner Caitlin are about to start our own family. I can’t thank everyone enough for the love and support over the years.”

Next week we report on a most remarkable, an extremely rare, golfing achievement.