After more than three decades as Coventry Hearsall’s Professional, Mike Tarn is retiring.
Born in North Shields in 1959, Mike’s journey into golf began at the age of 12 when he became a member of Arcot Hall Golf Club in Cramlington, Northumberland. His father had taken up the sport the year before, and Arcot Hall was one of the few local clubs without a waiting list. As a junior, Mike was a member of three clubs—Arcot, Rothbury in Morpeth, and Wallsend Municipal—paying a total annual subscription of just £15. When his handicap dropped to seven, he was told he could no longer participate in club tournaments, as it was expected that he would turn professional.
At 16, Mike left school and decided to pursue a career in golf, taking a position as assistant professional at Arcot Hall. In this role, he managed the shop in the mornings and spent the afternoons practicing his game. But Mike quickly realized that his opportunities to develop further were limited. When a position for a PGA-registered assistant became available at the Forest of Arden near Meriden, he seized the chance, with the plan to stay for three years before returning to the North.
At Forest of Arden, Mike worked alongside George Gow, putting in 70-hour weeks over six days. Living in a cottage on the estate, he earned just £15 per week. Mike eventually began working with John Reay, a well-established golf professional with successful businesses in Keresley, Coventry. This experience proved invaluable as Mike’s career began to gain momentum.
The PGA also had a significant impact on Mike’s development, changing its rules, requiring that all professionals pass an exam and demonstrate a certain level of playing ability, such as completing two rounds at the Derby course at The Belfry within eight shots over par. Mike passed the exam, attended the PGA course at Lilleshall in Shropshire, and became fully qualified at the age of 24.
Mike spent three years at Forest of Arden, followed by six years working with John Reay at his golf businesses in Keresley, Leicester, and Atherstone Golf Club. He then returned to Forest of Arden as head professional for another ten years. When the proprietors sought to take over the shop, Mike looked for new opportunities and found a welcoming home at Hearsall Golf Club in Coventry.
Joining Hearsall in January 1995, Mike succeeded two professionals who had brief tenures at the club. He initially worked out of a large portacabin until the club underwent renovations in 2005, after which he was given a permanent shop. Over the years, Mike has coached countless golfers, many of whom went on to represent the County of Warwickshire and even England Schoolboys. He is particularly proud of introducing young people to the game through his Sunday lessons. He fondly describes Hearsall as a “very friendly club with lovely members and a great course,” and he has enjoyed his time there immensely.
Mike, who married Alison in 1980, is a proud father of four and grandfather of eight. In retirement, he looks forward to playing more golf—Hearsall has kindly granted him honorary membership—coaching his grandchildren in football, and supporting both Newcastle and Sunderland football clubs.
Mike Tarn’s retirement marks the end of an era for Hearsall Golf Club, but his legacy in the game will continue to inspire generations to come.
