In the mid-1950s, he became an assistant professional at the nearby Hull Golf Club where Stan Stenhouse was the professional. In 1967 and 1968, Cockin was sponsored by a Swedish businessman to play on the British and European circuit. He won two tournaments: the 1967
Penfold Tournament at
Blackpool North Shore Golf Club and the 1968
Dutch Open at Hilversumsche Golf Club. In the 1967 Penfold event, Cockin was tied with Australian
Stan Peach after the 72 holes. He had been four strokes behind the leader after three rounds but had a final round 64. In the sudden-death playoff, Cockin had a birdie four at the first playoff hole to win the tournament and the £750 first prize. Cockin became the first Swedish resident, despite not being a Swedish citizen, to win an important European professional tournament. Cockin's win in the 1968 Dutch Open was also after a playoff. He had led after two rounds but finished in a tie with
Ángel Gallardo from Spain and Australian
Bob Shaw. In the playoff, Shaw went out at the second hole and Cockin won with a three at the third extra hole. Cockin played in the
Open Championship in 1967 at
Royal Liverpool and in 1968 at
Carnoustie. He finished 55th in 1967, having just made the cut after a
hole in one in the second round at the 11th hole. In 1968, he again made the second-round but missed the third-round cut that was introduced that year. == Affiliations ==