John Eyre is one of a generation of go-ahead  pros who are breathing new life into clubs around Huddersfield.

The Woodsome Hall top man is in good company as a number of his contemporaries, and younger, have assumed command at local clubs in recent years.

Think Alex Keighley at Fixby, Simon Race at Meltham, Richard Lambert at Crosland Heath and David Delaney at Bradley Hall, to name but a few.

It was thanks to a geography teacher that John, who was born in Lepton and raised in Meltham, got involved with golf.

He says he owes a great debt of gratitude to Richard Sykes, who encouraged him to take up golf while at Honley High School. He started lessons after school and soon became hooked.

John, 42, started playing golf at Meltham and in 1989, the assistant pro’s job came up at  Woodsome Hall, so he thought he would “give it a go” at the tender age of 17.

He said: “Nowadays the amateur game is so advanced; everything has changed so much and people are turning pro much later.”

In those days John worked 72 hours a week for a pittance – there was no such thing as the minimum wage – and he welcomes the fact that youngsters going into the game now don’t face anything similar.

He was working “crazy” hours for next to nothing, his parents, David and Linda, were helping to support him – and John loved every minute of it.

Since the early days, he has built a reputation as one of the foremost coaches in the region, with professionals travelling from far and wide for his expert advice. He is also head coach for the Halifax-Huddersfield Union.

He has driven improvements in the practice facilities at Woodsome Hall, having spent £25,000 at his pro shop. This includes a 40ft area above the pro shop with an extensive putting centre and computerised GC2 launch monitor, which John uses for custom fitting.

He has also overseen the introduction of a covered six-bay driving range and a 100-yards-and-in practice area at the club.

His passion is teaching but, far from wanting to stick with ace golfers, one of the things John enjoys most about his job is teaching players of all levels and seeing them improve under his guidance.

He said: “I am mindful we are all different shapes and  heights and I try to make the best out of what an individual has got. I make sure the basics are right to build a good foundation for a golf swing to suit different levels.

“It is great to work with a beginner who has never picked up a club before as well as working with Georgina Simpson, who is on the Ladies’ European tour. I genuinely enjoy it and my own game takes a back seat as my interest is in helping other people and getting the pro shop right here at Woodsome.

“At the top level, there are now so many other factors. Physical fitness, nutrition and psychology are now a huge part of the game.”

John says the club was deeply affected by the sudden death of manager Tracey Mee, but everyone has rallied round and he now looks forward to the 2014 season with enthusiasm, saying: “We are in such a better place in so many ways this season.”

He paid tribute to Chris Dyson, course manager, for improving the Woodsome contours. John is not the only high flier in his house. His wife, Helen, is a leading family lawyer. They have two children William, six, and Victoria, 10, who is already a member at the club.

“You can’t stand still,” said John. “You have to keep on top of things – the technology and everything else – and keep moving forward.”