Final Shot with Dean Nelson

Alex Jenkins talks to Hong Kong Golf Club’s Director of Golf about his introduction to the game, his favourite courses and who he’d have in his dream fourball

Dean Nelson

When did you start playing - and where?

I first picked up a club when I was 10; however I only started playing when I was 14. I was a footballer as a kid and after struggling to progress I was fortunate that my dad was a low single figure player and was able to get me into golf. My home club was Bothwell Castle, just outside Glasgow and only a short distance from my home, so I was able to go and play almost every day after school.

What's been your best ever round?

I guess one of my most memorable rounds as a professional was my first. I was just 18 years old and playing the Sunderland of Scotland Masters Qualifying at Westerwood, Cumbernauld, which was an 18-hole qualifying event for the main 72-hole tournament. I finished my round with three birdies to score two over, which scraped me into a play-off. Eleven pros played for ten spots on the opening par-5 hole and after making a six I made it through! Rather than celebrate I actually considered giving my spot to the professional who had made an eight and was inconsolable!

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Photography by Daniel Wong

Click here to see the published article.

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