MHA Tait Walker’s Wealth Management team has entered into a new partnership with Professional Golfer Garrick Porteous to offer support to the sporting community during turbulent times.
As golfing is now allowed under the new rules as the UK starts to come out of lockdown, the Wealth Management team at MHA Tait Walker felt it was important to support the region’s young, talented sports stars.
Garrick, who originally hails from Morpeth in Northumberland, has been a member of Bamburgh Castle Golf Club since he was young. During his career, he has played golf for England’s under 18s and was offered a golf scholarship with the University of Tennessee. He has since played golf across America, representing Tennessee in three NCAA Division 1 finals.
Garrick has also played for England Men’s team in the Home Internationals and was selected for the England Elite Men’s Squad and the Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) Squad. This culminated in the young sportsman representing GB&I against America in the Walker Cup (2013), against Europe in the St Andrews Trophy (2012) and representing England in the World Team Championships for the Eisenhower Trophy in 2012.
After victory in the British Amateur Championship, he played in The Open at Muirfield and then The Masters in 2014. He turned professional in 2015 which saw him win at The Astbury in Shropshire on the Europro Tour, before earning Challenge tour status in 2015 which saw him win in Prague in 2017. Last year’s highlight saw Garrick qualify for the 148th open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
He is now set to appear at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Lee Westwood at Close House between 22 and 25th July, his first tournament since lockdown began in March.
He said: “The Covid-19 pandemic is the most challenging time the sports industry has ever witnessed, and we have all taken a big hit. However, as we return to a new normal, golf is the perfect social distance sport if the return is managed properly.
“I’m really looking forward to the chance to hone my skills and compete again. I feel very fortunate that I am able to play right now when others can’t.
“It’s been difficult trying to practice from home and I just feel very lucky that I’m able to improve my game.”
Mark Parkinson, Wealth Management Partner at MHA Tait Walker, said: “As a firm, we are delighted to be able to partner with Garrick and look forward to watching his progress in the coming months.
“Garrick and his peers have been totally compromised by this pandemic and it is vital that as a regional business, we continue to support the people and communities in which we all live and work.”
The firm’s 70-strong Wealth Management and Tax teams work together to provide specialist advice for clients.
Mark added: “Many Wealth Management decisions are closely linked to taxes that need to be reviewed with a client’s tax advisor. Our specialism is working with high net worth clients. By working together with the Tax team, we can provide client’s with the assurance that we are working in their best interests. Ultimately we hope that this leads to a better client experience.”