PHIL Graham is swapping the classroom for the clubhouse as he starts a new job to help grow the game of golf in County Durham.

The 30-year-old has been appointed as development officer for the Durham County Golf Partnership.

The one-handicapper, who is a member at Morpeth Golf Club, has spent the past five years as a primary school teacher in Wallsend but is now teeing up a fresh challenge helping golf clubs across the county attract and retain members.

An active competitor in events across the region, Graham was a member of the winning team from his home town club – Bishop Auckland – in the 2006 Clark Cup, which earned them a place in the national finals.

He went on to win the club championship in 2007, with his lowest competitive round of a seven under par 65 coming at Westerhope GC in 2012.

“I attended the Saturday morning taster sessions with the club professional and I was hooked,” he says.

His dad, Ian, is a former captain at Bishop Auckland and introduced Phil and younger brother Andy to the sport.

“I am still a Durham lad at heart,” he says, “I am really excited at the prospect of working with clubs and golf facilities across the county to help introduce new people to the sport, encourage them into golf club membership and retain the members we have now.

“It was a difficult decision to leave the teaching profession, but due to my passion for golf I decided to pursue a career in which I could use my enthusiasm for the game in a work environment.

“I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work of outgoing CDO Jonathan Ward and getting to know about the needs of clubs and people across the region.”

Any club requiring advice and support for its future plans, should contact Phil on 0758 4240420 or email p.graham@englandgolf.org