Master Of The Clubs

Leaving home in March in a van and traveling around the country to different golf courses until November isn't a job for everyone.

For Tom Hunt, it's a way of life.

Hunt, a PGA Tour Club Professional, is the official club repairer for the Nationwide Tour and drives the Tour van to each stop during the golf season.

Hunt, who lives in Sebring from November until mid-March, has been on the job for 15 years and puts approximately 45,000 miles a year on the van traveling to each tournament on the schedule.

"I enjoy the money, but not the travel," said Hunt, who was the head professional at Harder Hall Country Club back in the early 1990s. "I got into the club repair business when I was at Harder Hall when some of the ladies that played on the LPGA Tour lived here.

"Then I became a partner with a guy on the Ben Hogan Tour, but I didn't like the way he did business so I bought him out and started doing it on my own."

Hunt does everything possible to golf clubs, from something as simple as changing grips to making sure the loft angles are correct for each club in the bag.

"It's very gratifying to work on somebody's clubs and then see them go out and perform well," said Hunt. "A lot of the guys on the PGA Tour started on the Nationwide Tour so I know them and still do a lot of work for them.

"I'm happy for them, but I don't go out looking for recognition or publicity."

Hunt also gladly works on amateurs clubs over the winter when the Nationwide Tour van is parked at the Sun 'N Lake driving range.

Hunt said many amateurs spend a lot of money on new clubs, but they make the mistake of not getting measured or fit for the right set for their game.

"Most people buy clubs off the shelf and then they wonder why they don't hit the ball well," said Hunt. "The reason they don't hit it good is because the clubs aren't right for them.

"The lofts and lies of the clubs are all over the place and the shafts can be out of sequence because all the golf companies do is put them together and send them out the door."

Another comment that Hunt hears is that some of our winter visitors don't hit the ball as well in Florida as they do back home.

"The pros adjust the lies of their clubs to fit the terrain they're playing on," said the PGA professional. "If the surface is real firm and tight it should be one way and if it's wet and spongy, then it should be set differently.

"If you're going to spend a lot of money on your clubs, you should make sure their set right to give you the best chance to score."

Hunt, who has been married to his wife, Linda, for 15 years, said she worked with him for a short while on the van, but decided to stay at home and come visit him during the golf season.

"She comes out to see me about five times a year," said Hunt. "It's really hard for me to come home because there is always something to be done, including maintenance on the van itself.

"I really enjoy what I do because every day is different, but the traveling takes its toll."

Hunt likes to watch people hit some range balls before he adjusts their clubs so he can see exactly how they swing.

"People think they swing a certain way, but watching them hit some balls shows me what they're doing," said Hunt. "Golfers buy what they see the pros play with and that's usually a big mistake.

"From lies, to lofts to the size of the grip, having things properly set allows you the best chance to enjoy the game."

Hunt also gives lessons and loves working with golfers of all ages.

"A golf club can only do so much for you," said Hunt. "But lessons on the proper stance and swing can do so much more."

For more information or to make an appointment for lessons, Hunt is available at the Sun 'N Lake driving range Monday through Friday until March 15.