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Sports

Michelin food, Versailles and golfing heroes Andy Picken, Derbyshire Branch becomes a sports writer.

Travelling the world, playing golf, eating and drinking the best food and wine and then writing about the experience. I read that back and have to pinch myself. This has been my post retirement career.

I had no real plans after retirement from the police. I just wanted to enjoy my hobbies, travel and enjoy gourmet food and wine. I play an average game of golf and love the game, particularly its heritage, history and traditions. So, six years ago, when my son took an interest in golf, I decided that it would be great to have a journal of our journey together. My journal of our golfing adventures led me to become an ambassador for www.golfshake.com, a digital golf magazine with 300,000 subscribers. For the past five years I have written articles for the magazine on many golf related subjects. The Derbyshire Constabulary Cadet of 1977 had no aspirations to become a writer. Indeed, I showed no signs of heading in that direction for the next 33 and a half years. Throughout my career I worked my way through the ranks, moving back and forth between uniform and CID. My time as a uniform sergeant in the busiest section in the county was one of my most enjoyable policing experiences. By the time I reached Inspector, I had taken up golf, but had written nothing more interesting than a police report.

My son Alex’s golf progression upstaged me at every turn. My first hole in one took 27 years, yet he took just four days to achieve his; during his first full 18- hole round. He soon bettered my handicap and secured a place at the Lee Westwood golf school, dropping to a single figure handicap in less than a year. This led to a scholarship offer at an American university, from which he recently graduated with distinction. He was also awarded Most Valuable Player by his golf team for 2020. My writing career began with writing equipment reviews from the perspective of an average golfer. This developed into reviewing golf courses, which soon progressed to writing regional reviews, which included the area’s food, wine and tourist attractions. A reporting trip to the Dordogne provided some excellent golf. But I also got to experience Michelin starred restaurants, set in French chateaux and a tasting at a global chocolatier. I spent a weekend at the Versailles Palace in Paris to interview Thomas Bjorn, the 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain. In addition to a fascinating interview, I dined at Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant and played at Le Golf National in Paris, the scene of Bjorn’s European victory. It has not all been European jet setting, as in 2019 I competed at the Staysure Seniors Open Pro Am, held at the London Golf Club. Alex, my son, acted as my caddy, allowing him to meet my teammates; Ryder Cup Legends Phil Price and Jarmo Sandelin. Under the gaze of such legendary golfers and my son, my tee shot on the opening hole was the most terrifying, yet exhilarating golfing experience I have ever had. Phil Price won the event and the season’s Order of Merit, making him that year’s best golfer, over 55, in Europe. As a father, the chance to create an “Ultimate Lad and Dad Trip” was a personal favourite and an incredible way to celebrate Father’s Day 2019. The Alfred Dunhill Links is an annual tournament, held over three courses in Scotland; including the Old Course at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. Alex and I recreated our own version of this leading global event. Sharing this experience and writing about it later with Alex was exceptional. My highlight from a writing perspective followed a game at Hollinwell in Nottinghamshire. In their clubhouse I spotted a picture of a World War I soldier, with his framed medals. I began to research and find out more about the man and his story. Lieutenant W L Rockley was killed at the Battle of Ypres on 11th October 1917, he was just 22 years old. My research into the history of Lieutenant Rockley led me on a voyage of discovery, and a series of golf and war articles as a tribute to Armistice Day. Starting a simple journal with my son led to fantastic experiences, and a great retirement career. I have travelled across Europe, stayed in fabulous places, eaten in fantastic restaurants and met some of my heroes. Best of all, I did lots of it with my son.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 65 No.3, 2020