Alan Walker’s professional journey began in 1974. He went on to become PGA captain in the 2000s and, in 2016, earned the PGA of Europe’s prestigious ‘5 Star Professional’ award. It’s an honor shared with legends like Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer.
Beyond these accomplishments, Walker has made a name for himself as Golf course designer.
Among his creations is the acclaimed 27-hole Ingerbourne Links Country Club. The decade-long project will host the 2025 PGA Club Professional Championship.
In addition to course design, the now 72-year-old is also a fantastic businessman. In 2000, he sold his business on Whalebone Lane to JJB Sports.
That memorable negotiation began when the company’s founder, former footballer Dave Whelan, arrived by helicopter.
That same year, Walker was appointed PGA captain, after serving three years as vice-captain.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Walker said smiling: “It makes me quite emotional, actually. The guy who got up with his maths paper to go play golf ended up PGA captain 25 years later.”
Walker revealed his dislike towards physical education in school, “I wasn’t good at cricket, and in football, I only scored two goals—both offside,” he joked.
Golf, however, changed everything. Encouraged by a PE teacher who was also a golfer, his passion quickly took hold.
“During my maths exam, I remember thinking the weather was too nice not to be out playing golf,” he recalled.
“I handed in my paper, and my teacher looked at me and said, I know where you’re headed, Walker.”
That afternoon, he jumped on the bus and was quickly back on the course playing nine holes.
Walker later found that the first exam he truly enjoyed was the PGA exam. “Other exams that I just didn’t enjoy, I failed,” he admitted.
His early professional years were filled with attempts to qualify for top-level tournaments. He narrowly missed qualifying for the PGA Championship at Wentworth, losing out in a playoff.
“It was a super league above where I was,” he said honestly. “But it only made me want to get better.”
In his twenties, Walker became a club professional at Wanstead Golf Club. His role involved selling equipment, giving lessons, and playing competitively.
This hands-on experience helped develop his business instincts. Over time, those instincts translated into success, notably the sale of Whalebone Lane.
Despite his success, Walker always wanted more. He had a natural talent for drawing and often found himself analysing the course design while playing.
“Why did they put the bunker there? Would it be better on the other side?” he would ask himself.
In 2007, with only qualifications in Religious Education, English, and Art, he enrolled in a postgraduate golf course design program, lasting 3 years.
“I passed with distinction,” he said proudly. “From the muppet in school who was only interested in golf, suddenly I was a distinction student.”
Walker has since designed several courses, including Benton Hall, Rivenhall Oaks, Garon Park, and most recently, Ingerbourne Links.
With Ingerbourne Links being ranked amongst the top 5 courses in Essex recently.
Alan Walker has given back immensely to the sport he loves. He has achieved more than most could dream of in golf.
When people ask him today, “So, what do you do?” he replies, “I never say I’m a professional golfer. I say I’m a golf professional—and there’s a big difference.”
You can listen to everything Walker had to say on this link below.
