We welcome Benn Barham to the Robert Rock Golf Academy at Silvermere. Benn comes to us as one of the most acclaimed golfers in the South East. A man of Kent who now resides in Windsor he started playing golf in 1988 at the age of 12 at Ashford Golf Club. It was clear from winning the Kent Junior and Senior championship in 1994 at the age of 18 that Benn would forge a career in golf. He turned professional in 1999 and qualified as a PGA professional in 2001.
From 2002 – 2010 he played over 250 Challenge Tour and European Tour events. Winning twice on the Challenge Tour. Benn kept his playing rights on the main tour in 2006,2007,2008 and narrowly missed out on his first European Tour win at the Austrian Open in 2009, losing by 1 stroke to Rafael Cabrera Bello who shot a final round 10 under par. During his recovery from cancer Benn discovered the passion for coaching whilst still playing in professional tournaments. It’s this passion that continues to drives him today. As a PGA professional Benn’s results in 2012 earned him a place in the 10 man Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team in the bi annual match against the United States PGA. He also won the PGA South order of merit in 2014 among several other pro ams and professional tournaments.
Benn’s love for the game has moved him more into working with others by coaching and passing on his extensive knowledge about golf. Benn has learned and studied the golf swing from some of the greatest players, world renowned coaches and some of the best minds in golf and business. If you know or have met Benn you will know that he is a master of communication and uses this skill to pass on not only his technical knowledge but how it translates into playing better golf. To back up and help Benn’s students he uses video analysis and a TrackMan radar system so that any corrections and changes that need to be made can be backed up with factual data. The short game is still Benn’s specialty, this can be seen when Benn plays in tournaments and pro am events.
His easy to understand short game system is very easy to pass on to golfers of all levels, from the amateur golfer who finds chipping difficult to Tour pros, who often ask Benn his advice and opinions.
Due to the his reputation and results Benn’s client list is extensive, ranging from the club golfer to tournament professional. He is currently the Kent 1st team squad coach and the Kent Colts (18 -25 year olds) squad coach. This role gives Benn the chance to pass on his knowledge to some of the best golfers in the South East. Working in the winter months on specially designed development programmes and in the summer months working with the teams on tournament preparation, playing under tournament conditions and course strategy.
Robert Rock – “I am so pleased that Benn has come on board as the Head coach for the Robert Rock academy at Silvermere. I have known Benn for over 12 years. We often played together and regularly traveled together when he was on Tour. Without question Benn’s ability to pass on his knowledge and information will improve and develop you as a golfer, whatever your level. I encourage any keen golfer to get involved in one of Benn’s development programmes if you want to get better at golf.