Aqua golf surges in popularity
BY ALEX TIGANI
Kieran McMahon has been associated with Pokolbin’s Aqua Golf for 20 years.
He has been a PGA member for 25 years.
And he has been a golf enthusiast for his whole life.
Therefore, you could not look past the 48-year-old when looking for a local golf personality to bring in the summer season.
“Aqua golf is a great way to stimulate your love for the sport,” he explained.
As a coach, McMahon revealed he is more than happy to share tips with those who can make the venture down to his aqua golf facility.
Especially as the crowds return throughout the easing of social distancing restrictions in the coming months.
“From a coaching point of view, the biggest problem I’ve seen is that people are making golf sound too difficult,” he explained.
“Golf isn’t that hard, but you need a relaxed environment to really enjoy it.
“Once you get past that stage, muscle memory takes over and you’re enjoying it.”
McMahon’s journey has seen him inspire future stars of the competition at Eastlake, Nelson Bay, Cessnock, Branxton and Cypress Lakes.
He has also implemented much of the structures used to engage juniors from club level to state representation across the Hunter Valley.
As for his playing honours, he also featured in the opening round of the 2006 Brittish Open which was won by Tiger Woods.
“People talk about that, but I didn’t make the final round,” he explained.
“I talk about things like my third place at the Lightning Ridge Pro Am because I am really just as proud of that.
“As a player, perhaps I didn’t scratch that itch enough but I’m looking at the next ten years and thinking about more playing opportunities as well.”
Until then he will continue to welcome the likes of Aaron Baddeley and Nathan Green as well as celebrities such as Karl Stefanovic and Jimmy Barnes for a hit of Aqua.
“We feel like more of the kids who start at Aqua golf enjoy it (the sport) more,” he concluded.
“When things settle down, we look forward to having more schools having excursions as well.”