Where can one find a decent barber in the vicinity?
This typically isn’t a topic of debate during a golfing tournament, yet it isn’t an issue at the Amgen Irish Open this week, where in-house barber Neal Toner is readily available to give golfers of all calibres a trim at Royal County Down.
Toner is the proud proprietor of JFH Social, a much-in-demand barbering service based in Northern Ireland, boasting outlets in Belfast and Newcastle.
This week, Toner has established his base in the RCD clubhouse. He has been in high demand from players in need of a trim and has hardly had a moment’s respite. It should come as no surprise that Shane Lowry left a significant impression on Toner.
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“I serve as the official barber to all participating players in this week’s DP World Tour,” Toner reveals, pausing between haircuts to exchange words with a dishevelled reporter near the stairs leading to the upper section of the player’s lounge in the clubhouse.
“I cater to a number of local celebrities. I’ve had the pleasure of grooming the likes of Jimmy Nesbitt, boxers Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan, and even some English footballers who’ve dropped by.
“My mobile facility is often put to use, and I’ve essentially wheeled it in here this week. It’s functioning flawlessly.”
Toner learned of the Irish Open being held in Newcastle a few years ago through his father, swiftly drafted a proposal, and then attempted to get the right people from the DP World Tour on board.
“I initiated contact on LinkedIn and via Google. I also sought Kevan Whitson, the chief professional at RCD, to inquire how I could become the designated barber for the tournament. Roughly a year later, while attending my son’s football match, I received an email from the DP World Tour stating that they’d conducted a thorough examination and that I would be well suited to the task.
“To be honest, the entire accreditation process involved going through police checks and such, particularly given that I’d be handling sharp objects and in close proximity to the world’s top players.”
Toner is an impressive figure, standing well over six feet tall and in peak physical condition, with an assertive personal flair. You’d imagine a man of his stature to be unflappable, yet being surrounded by some of his golfing heroes this week has left quite an impact.
He muses, “You know, it’s rather extraordinary. This week has put me in such a unique and privileged position, catering to the players in the clubhouse. Just a while ago, I spent almost an hour pampering Shane [Lowry]. He wanted a trim for both his hair and beard. As he was taking his time, a line started forming outside,” he says with a chuckle.
“Shane proved to be quite a revelation. It was our first meeting, and we covered a range of personal and behind-the-scenes matters during our chat. It’s fascinating to see the lengths these players and their families would go to for a good haircut.”
Lowry’s playful side was also palpable, even before he took his spot in Toner’s chair.
“I was busily snipping away at Andrea Pavan’s hair when I sensed movement nearby. It was Shane sneaking up behind me. I told him: ‘Shane, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you, but a man as imposing as you shouldn’t skulk around like that’,” he recalls, adding, “That certainly got us off on the right foot.”
As the Pro-am day was winding down, Toner had tended to 64 players’ grooming needs. Although the days can be long, he wouldn’t have things any other way.
“I couldn’t wish for anything better. There’s also a strong foundation of mutual trust, which is evident this week.
Word has spread amongst players who take their grooming seriously, and the chatter has increased in the locker room. So much so, that those who were thinking of getting a haircut next week, are now considering getting it done right away, with Neal.
It’s encouraging to receive praises from the players, which certainly gives me a personal boost,” Toner acknowledges, expressing willingness to participate in more events like the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series.
“They’ve already initiated something similar on the PGA Tour with a fellow named Monty. The players are quite acquainted with him and acknowledge the quality of service he delivers,” he concludes.
Toner has been having a brilliant time with the players. Richie Ramsay, in particular, was a bundle of laughs, as per Toner who even managed to secure his number post-style session.
Toner also reported great interactions with Matthew Southgate and Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston, both of whom were fabulous, and Ryan Fox matched that.
As of yet, Rory [McIlroy] hasn’t popped by, but it’s hoped he will. Toner remarked that styling Shane’s hair was a rather nostalgic experience. Throughout the job he found himself thinking about the reality of it, marvelling at the fact that he was actually cutting Shane Lowry’s hair.
During their chat, Toner confessed to Shane that his ultimate aspiration at the Irish Open had been to style Rory and Shane’s hair. This was no slight to any other players, it was simply because they are the heroes of an Irish golf enthusiast like himself. When Shane’s stylist assignment was complete, he got up from the chair, reassuring Toner that he was halfway to fulfilling his dream, and he promised to work on bringing Rory into the fold.
All in all, it seems a casual crop, a good bit of friendly ribbing, and some sincere discussion isn’t too much to ask for this week, as Toner has truly outshone his competition.