FOR most of his working life, Jeff Laybourne regarded his work as a very meaty profession.Born in St. John's Wood, near London, he spent over 30 years working as a meat inspector and an area manager and auditor in meat hygiene.

FOR most of his working life, Jeff Laybourne regarded his work as a very meaty profession.

Born in St. John's Wood, near London, he spent over 30 years working as a meat inspector and an area manager and auditor in meat hygiene. When the business moved from local to national control he took early retirement in 2008.

Following a six months break to ponder his future he, at the age of 52, did some voluntary work for Rookery professional, Martin Elsworthy. Having curtailed his football career with Beccles due to injury he found a new appeal in the golf scene.

He had started playing 'family and fun' golf in 1991 but now, although his handicap was 19, he fancied getting into golf instruction. Joining Mike Stevens, Chris Soanes and the club professional, he became part of a team which went into primary schools to teach youngsters, using plastic clubs.

This required him to attend courses in child safety. He also took a course in adult learning. With his three colleagues being too busy in other areas of tuition Laybourne now carries on the primary school venture by himself.

When Robert Pettitt moved into the company secretary's office, Laybourne was offered the post as his replacement. This has led him to attend a day's instruction, run by Ping, on how to fit specific clubs to particular swings.

He has also taken the level one PGA coaching course and is waiting to take the next level, which will enable him to give instruction without the presence of a qualified coach.

Laybourne still plays golf with the BOOBS (bunch of ordinary blokes) syndicate. Having never won a club competition and the odd victory with his friends being his only golfing success, his handicap has now risen to 20. He is, however, looking forward to his new challenge, where, besides managing the shop, his duties will include helping with competitions and writing the professional's newsletter.

Just before leaving the post of shop manager, Rob Pettit came within seconds of being acutely embarrassed. Two visitors arrived at the shop to book in and pay for a round of golf.

As there was a football commentary on the radio Pettit was about to ask the visitors if they had any interest in football as well as golf. He realised just in time that the second visitor was Bryan Gunn, the former Norwich City manager and goalkeeper.

In the recent Stableford Competition Ashley Bessey won with 35pts, beating Lee Godbold 34pts and Paul Soloman 33pts.

David Batley