Late Sunday evenings at the Robinson house in Long Ditton, England, were reserved for one activity during the golf season: watching the final round of PGA Tour events. That was a tradition for golfobsessed Cameron Robinson and his father, who were especially transfixed by scenes from The Genesis Invitational at The Riviera CC. Those images left a vivid impression in the younger Robinson’s mind, one later nurtured while visiting Los Angeles during a 2017 trip around the world he took at age 22.

By then Robinson had been in the golf business for three years, working weekends in high school at a driving range in Surrey before becoming an assistant professional for three years at Coombe Hill GC, southwest of London.

After his globetrotting journey, he worked as a professional at Royal Wimbledon GC for five years. Eventually he decided to turn those Southern California dreams into reality, emailing clubs throughout the region looking for work opportunities. At Brentwood CC, Director of Golf James Rocco just happened to have had an open position for an assistant professional. Robinson found it online, and in April 2023, his dream became a reality.

“Cameron was very persistent and showed enthusiasm and professionalism during the hiring process,” said Rocco. “We had a number of online interviews and I was very impressed with his resume, but more than anything it was his desire to learn the American country club culture. Cameron was determined, which made me more determined to hire him. He made two trips to the USA to assist me with his paperwork to ensure the process would go smoothly with getting the work visa. Ultimately, we got it done and he has been a valuable addition to our team.” Now 30, Robinson was promoted to head golf professional last September. “James had me shadow the head pro here for a while,” he recalled. “He sat me down one day and asked if I really wanted to be giving lessons my whole life. He suggested I at least learn how to be in a management role, and I haven’t looked back since.”

He has found many differences, both professional and cultural, between his new home and his home country. After giving countless lessons in both places — he’s one of only an estimated 90 professionals to become a dual member of the PGA of America and the British PGA — he knows that growing up playing cricket creates a different swing pattern than from playing baseball, and hitting off dormant Bermuda or Kikuyu grass is vastly more challenging (he even created a clinic at Brentwood CC to address the latter issue) than the turf found on heathland layouts in England. He’s also seen many more funky, but still effective, swings in Los Angeles.

“I just don’t think we have the audacity to try those at home,” he said.

He has, however, yet to find American equivalents that meet the high standards of his beloved tea (Ringtons from Newcastle Upon Tyne) or biscuits (McVitie’s Hobnobs). Then there are the nuances in language. “I haven’t really caught on to an American accent, but sometimes I will phrase things just to make it easier,” he said. “Especially when doing announcements during outings, sometimes people look at me sideways, like, ‘What was he saying?’ So I’ve got to make sure that I know who I am trying to connect with.”

Robinson remains grateful to James Rocco, the Brentwood CC membership, the SCPGA, his family and other mentors for the support he has received along the way. “England gave me structure, technical discipline and a respect for tradition,” he said. “America sharpened my leadership, communication and awareness. Experiencing both has made me a more rounded PGA Professional.”

While the homesickness can be fierce, Robinson is very much enjoying the Southern California weather that makes for stellar year-round teaching and playing conditions. He’s had some memorable brushes with Hollywood celebrities and famous athletes along the way, and yes, he has played The Riviera CC (he shot a 74).

So, what about the dreams formulated back in Long Ditton while watching all of those tournaments on television with his father? “The reality has far exceeded those,” said Robinson.