Martin Hastie prospering as a golf teacher  

in Germany

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Been having a lively discussion via E-mail with Scots-born PGA professional Martin Hastie (pictured) who is now based in Germany. Martin does not think that Scottishgolfview.com should "claim" world No 53 Michael Sim as a Scot because he plays on the US Tour under the banner of Australia!
I have tried to explain to Martin that ANYONE who has been born in Aberdeen - like me - is an Aberdonian for ever more and, therefore, a Scot.
Hoping to meet Michael Sim and his parents when they come over for the Open at St Andrews next month and I would also hope to persuade Michael that he should be playing as a Scot not as an Australian. That's for later.
I asked Martin Hastie to tell us a little bit more about himself and the golf situation in Germany (where I spent 18 months of my National Service, by the way, from 1956 to 1958 when I never saw a golf course from the first day to the last).
Martin Hastie writes:
I was a member of St Andrews Gof Club. Played for Scotland boys and British boys and youths in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the likes of Andrew Coltart, Padraig Harrington and Dean Robertson.
I was the Old Course amateur course record holder in 1993, shooting 63 in an R&A gold medal.
Turned pro in South Africa, went through my PGA training at Royal St George's and Turnberry.
Won the Scottish assistants title at Balbirnie Park and then played full time on Tartan Tour, winning Western Open and various pro-ams.
Best was 10th on Tartan Tour money list I think. Got a bit disspirited playing pro ams for a living and not getting further, basically because I was not a good enough player! I then had to make a decision and decided to teach golf instead of play it.
After travelling the world a wee bit, I started in 2002 in Herzogenaurach, home of Adidas and Puma,with Craig Miller, another proud Scot from Burntisland!
We are very busy with bookings for October in March. The Germans have a totally different idea of taking lessons compared with back home. They are incredibly interested in the technical side of the golf swing.
A German 15 handicap golfer is technically better than a Scottish 15 handicapper but struggles to get round a golf course like a Scottish golfer would.
It is in the genes I think.There are so many Scottish pros in Germany. I know so many from my training and amateur days. It is like a Scottish get-together sometimes at tournaments. I still play a wee bit but not so much now.
Played a few pro-am tournaments at the end of season and met Stevie Dundas (former British amateur champion) last year in Turkey at one. Spent many hours catching up on old times.
A typical day for us starts at about 8 30am and goes through to 6pm. Golf clubs spend fortunes on training kids from a young age in Germany. Kids are extremely encouraged, not only at club level but at county and national level.
Golf is booming in Germany now with the success of Martin Kaymer and obviously Berhard Langer, There are a few extremely talented amateurs coming through the ranks.
Golf teaching is my life now and I love it. Married to a German girl and I speak fluent German. But I am a patriot. I miss Scotland very much, but Germany is my home now.
Would recommend the life over here to anyone considering it. Don't be afraid.  I came here without knowing anyone and not speaking a word of German. Long teaching hours in summer but then get two months free in winter to play or Travel.
P.S You would be amazed at the amount of Scots that follow the Scottishgolfview.com website in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Garry Jack from Carnoustie also follows it from Holland.

+If anyone wants to get in touch with Martin Hastie, E-mail Colin@scottishgolfview.com and I'll pass your E-mail address on to him.