PGA Professionals 

  Richard Blake

Born in Salisbury, Richard Blake and Wiltshire Golf have been inseparable for over 30 years.

As an amateur Richard represented Wiltshire at junior and senior level picking up numerous titles including the Wiltshire Schools Scratch Championship in 1987 and the Wiltshire Junior Championship in 1988.

Turning Professional in 1990 Richard was based at North Wilts Golf Club building up great respect as a knowledgeable teacher to golfers of all ages. In more recent times Richard has become coach at both county and national level.

Richard is now based at Upavon Golf Club where he has been since 1993. Working closely with Environmental Consultants Richard was given the opportunity in 1995 to design the current course layout. Opening in May 1997 the 6402 yd par 71 design has received much acclaim for its challenging test of golf over undulating terrain with small well-guarded greens. The course is maturing into one of the county's finest and Richard is still closely involved with its ongoing development.

Golf professionals specialise in club repairs and Richard operates a highly skilled business in the construction, repair and restoration of golf clubs. Having serviced Powakaddy electric golf trolleys since 1989 his knowledge of them is similarly comprehensive and as an approved service centre golfers visit from all over the West Country.

Out on the golf course Richard claimed several titles including the Wiltshire Professional Strokeplay Championship 1998, the Wiltshire Professional Matchplay Championship three times in the late 1990s and the West Region PGA Club Professional Championship in 1998.

Richard was Secretary/Treasurer of the Wiltshire Professional Golfers Association from 1996 until 2003 organising in excess of thirty pro am events. He is now an expert in the promotion and advertising of all types of golf events/corporate days.

In November 2000 Richard strengthened his old links with North Wilts Golf Club to form a strong force in golf retail by operating two shops, seven staff and thousands of pounds worth of equipment. Since then Richard has continued to concentrate on Golf retail and has worked closely with numerous local Golf Professionals to maximize buying power. During the last few years Richard has helped stock five Wiltshire On Course Golf Shops, three local Driving Ranges and six On Course Golf Shops in neighbouring counties.