The European Golf Teachers' Federation has awarded Barbara Hackett, one of only a handful of professional performers in Ireland, a major diploma.

With the Level 3 diploma behind her, Ms. Hackett will be able to teach her students the latest development in swing bio mechanics and play the sport to suit their individual limitations. "Players of the calibre of Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington have had to change their swings to take account of problem areas within their own body mass," pointed-out Ms. Hackett.

"They have done so using bio mechanics, a technique styled to enable golfers to swing according to their movement capability. Sadly, a back injury ended my playing professional career so I'd live to ensure than no-one else is forced to put aside their clubs all because they have not been given appropriate tuition."

Ms Hackett, who started out in the game at the age of 12, was a real star in her day – there was little on the home circuit in which she didn't take top position, and following-on from her amateur days (Irish Amateur Champion, International amateur and the res) this great ambassador of Castletroy GC turned professional.

Unfortunately, back surgery a few years ago put paid to her competitive playing days, but instead of turning her back to the sport she pursued a career as a teaching professional, and she has been operating from Coonagh Driving Range and Rathbane GC for the last number of seasons.

The teaching side of her life began in 2000.

She has also been invited by many schools to lend her expertise in the sport to their students, and is closely linked to the First Tee Programme, an initiative that aims to involve children from disadvantaged areas in the sport.

In addition, she devotes time to teaching children with special needs to develop their innate talents, particularly at Bawnmore Residential Care Centre – she previously worked for a spell in the care sector.

Another involvement of Ms. Hackett's is with the Ladies' Drop Programme on Wednesday mornings, where she works on the short game of local players.

Ms Hackett is also the teacher on the Crescent College Comprehensive College's Adult Education Golf Programme, which runs over eight weeks with tuition taking place at Coonagh for beginners and extended to include practical course practice (the next course begins in January).

"Some kids are just not cut out for team sports," she highlighted. "They may not be able to keep up the pace."