Robert Simpson benefitted from the advice and encouragement of PGA Master Professional and world-renowned coach Pete Cowen when he began the journey that led to him turning professional.
Rob’s introduction to the game involved caddying for his father and, showing a talent for it himself, he played in final qualifying for the 1990 Open Championship at St Andrews.
He had joined the PGA in the previous year and worked for Cowen at Lindrick Golf Club, the venue for the 1957 Ryder Cup. The club is in South Yorkshire and Rob would spend almost the rest of his career working in the area once he had sampled life working abroad following his election to PGA Membership in 1994.
His European odyssey began at Romanga in Italy and was followed by a spell at Golfclub Donau in Austria. He then headed across the border to Germany where he worked at Bensheim and Steisslingen Golf Clubs. However, mindful that his parents were getting older he returned home and renewed his association with Lindrick.
Attachments with Silloth on Solway Golf Club in Cumbria and then Worksop and Hallowes Golf Clubs in South Yorkshire followed.
Rob was associated with the latter for seven years before he founded RS Golf UK in Doncaster and, mirroring his own introduction to the game, began coaching his son, Alfie. Sadly, the lessons were curtailed as Rob embarked on his brave but ultimately unsuccessful 18-month long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Rob is survived by Lisa, his wife, daughter Poppy and Alfie. The PGA extends heartfelt condolences to them on their loss.