Backspin Volume 3, Issue 2 | Page 28

lessonspin weather proof chip shots h t t p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=Zoi5PhEpLFg&feature=em-upload_owner Oliver Thomson is the head golf professional at Canton Country Club in Canton, Mississippi. As he PGA Professional celebrates his 15th year as a member of the PGA of (here with sons Connor America, he also leaves a wake of playing victories that and Josh) endear him to both his students and fellow professionals alike. “Olly made the cut at Annandale while working in an office for a year,” said Leigh Brannan of Deerfield Golf Club. “That’s almost impossible.” Thomson’s playing accomplishments also include a win at the Mississippi PGA Trustmark Invitational in 2013 in the professional division, a 3-shot victory at the Mississippi PGA of America Chapter Championship in 2011, a Section Championship in 2006, Gulf States Section Player of the Year honors and several appearances in PGA Tour events. In college at Southeastern Louisiana University, Thomson was selected to the Trans America Athletic Conference team from 1992-1994 and was part of the Conference Championship teams in both 1992 and 1994. Olly Thomson 28 Thomson’s successes have followed him in his employment as well. “Everywhere he has been as a professional, his members have loved him,” Brannon said. “His friendship and sense of humor make him a fabulous employee.” Ben Nelson’s Russ Pitts agrees. “Not only is Olly a great player, he’s even a better person,” he said. “He’s been a pleasure to work with as well.” Originally from Leeds, England, Thomson is the proud father of Josh and Connor and has been married to his wife Wendy for 20 years. In this video, Thomson attempts to help weather proof chip shots. “The key is getting good contact on the golf ball, especially when the ground is a little soft and mushy underneath your feet,” Thomson says. “Chipping’s hard enough when the conditions are nice, and the grass is growing nice and fluffy, but when it’s wet and soggy underfeet, and it’s wintertime and you’re trying to get out and just get some fresh air, square that face up, put the handle in front and make sure the chest keeps moving.”