Gettting Personal with Matt Shimwell

Editorin People

Matt Shimwell - he's positive - definitely ... maybe!

Who are you? Matt Shimwell, 36, course manager at Manchester Golf Club.

Family status? Married to Melissa. Kids Ben, 6, Isla, 4.

Who's your hero? I haven't got one.

What would you change about yourself? I'd be more confident.

What's your guilty pleasure? Watching Oldham Athletic FC.

What's been the highlight of your grounds career so far? Working at Augusta National. I hand-mowed greens and managed their greenside bunkers.

What are your pet peeves? Golfers who don't rake bunkers.

If you could go anywhere right now, where would it be? New Zealand - the South Island.

What's the best part of your job? Early mornings.

… and the worst? Digging drains.

Do you have a lifetime ambition? I'm happy as I am.

Favourite record, and why? Definitely, Maybe by Oasis.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Move to New Zealand.

Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? Anna Kournikova.

Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? Pelé. Adolf Hitler. Liam Gallagher.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why? Gareth Southgate.

Do you have any bad habits? I fall asleep in front of the TV every night.

... or any good ones? Positivity. Fairness.

Do you read (and what)? Most recently, Chris Eubank's autobiography.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? "Go and do some greenkeeping in America".

What's your favourite smell? Indian food.

What do you do in your spare time? Watch the football. Spend time with the kids.

What is the daftest question you've ever been asked? While I was in America, some bloke wanted to know whether it was a bottom-mounted laser which cut the grass.

What's your favourite bit of kit? Air2G2.

What three words would you use to describe yourself? Happy. Hard-working. Honest. [The infamous 'three aitches'!]

What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? I wouldn't mind a few turf care products being brought back…

Article Tags:
GolfPeople

Want the latest news, ideas and exclusive offers direct to your inbox?
Then sign up to our weekly newsletter today.