HART Common golf pro Steve Parry is practising what he teaches after enjoying an impressive winter season.

The Westhoughton-based golfer, who runs the North West Coaching Academy when he is not in competition, is leading the Manchester & District Golf Alliance Professional Order of Merit with just six events remaining.

And Parry believes his continued success on the course is helping him inspire the next generation take up the sport.

“It’s important that I still play and compete, as this is very relevant to what I’m teaching,” says the PGA qualified coach, who has previously competed on the Asian Tour and European Challenge Tour and played in the 2007 British Open at Carnoustie.

His pupils range in age from just three years old to the more mature golfers keen to get a grounding in the basics.

Parry subscribes to the national "Get into golf" scheme – www.getintogolf.org – a low-cost course for beginners.

“This is a great way to learn the game,” he says. “It’s relaxed and fun – and there are no barriers around price or dress code.”

Despite working hard to keep his lessons simple and easy to follow, Parry's pupils are also able to benefit from the latest hi-tech training techniques, which he uses himself to fine tune his own game.

"The academy has recently invested in a new launch monitor, the TrackMan 4," explains Parry.

“It’s a fantastic state-of-the-art system that measures shot trajectory and yardage and is used by players like Rory McIlroy and all the top coaches.

"I’ve found that it really benefits my game.”

Following the culmination of the winter season, the talented pro will embark on the PGA EuroPro Tour – comprising 12 events.

He is also helping to organise the prestigious Pro-Am Team Golf Day at Hart Common, which will take for Friday, June 24.

“We’re delighted to be hosting this tournament,” added Parry.

“It will bring together all the best pros from the north west – playing in Bolton for charity.”

Anyone interested in following his progress can do so on Twitter at @steveparrynwga.