About Nicola Stroud Golf Coach

My Early Years

I started taking group lessons as an 8 year old at my local Golf Professionl at Dinas Powys Golf Club, near Cardiff. But, I really got 'the bug' for playing when during my usual Saturday morning golf lesson, the South Wales Girls Golf Association were having a golf day and invited me to join them for a 9 hole competition; being the shy type my Mum had to encourage me (or most likely bribed me) to play, and to my amazement I loved it and even won a prize.

This was the catalyst that marked the beginning of my addiction with the game of golf.

I continued playing with various junior groups making lifelong friends along the way. I moved to one to one coaching once I was playing 18 holes and quickly dropped my handicap to 4 by the age of 13 and was selected to play for Wales for a number of years both in the UK and abroad.

My Academic Years

Achieved a place in the first European University course for Professional Golf Studies, pioneered by the PGA at Kingston University/Merrist Wood College (now at Birmingham Uni). I was the first female in Europe to graduate from the course in 1994, during which time I also achieved my PGA qualifications.

PGA Golf Psychology Coaching Certificate - part of the PGA of GB&I Member Education Programme and PGA of Europe Approved Education Programme.

Golf Union of Wales accredited coach, also accredited with the PGA Advanced Status for the "outstanding contribution" I have made to the development of golf so far in my career.

My Professional Years

My first appointment as an Assistant Golf Professional was at Hanbury Manor, Hertfordshire. Being a female Golf Professional in the early 90's was somewhat challenging, so I focused on proprietary Golf Clubs to help me forge a successful career. During my time here I taught a few celebrities, caddied for Nick Faldo and worked with the legendary Jack Nicklaus.

I moved onto The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, where I moved through the ranks and became the youngest female Head Golf Professional in the PGA. I played in a number of professional events including qualifying for the Ladies Bristish Open.  After a number of years I decided that management was taking me further away from my true passion - coaching golf.

So I moved and became a full time coach at Manchester Playgolf. Working within the local community, it was here that I first appreciated how golf can help people with disabilities and encourage youngsters from disadvantaged areas to become connected with society and build their self-esteem.

Following a few years coaching in Spain, I had the amazing opportunity to join the Celtic Manor Resort coaching team, so I finally moved back home to Wales. This provided me with the unique experience of working and developing my skills at Wales' National Centre of Excellence.

Working at the Resort during the Ryder Cup is an experience of which I shall always be very proud and never forget. Amazing to witness the behind the scenes organisation and management of such an iconic event.

Moving further into Wales and nearer home, I became the Head Professional at The Gower Golf Club. Here I was instrumental in improving their status within the community increasing their membership for both adults and children and improving the Clubs' facilities.

In particular, a fully funded (by Sport Wales and local businesses) seven bay undercover training facility. Developing a successful disability program and gaining the INsport Award and a police and community program to help kids from disadvantaged areas within Swansea.

I was proud to win the "City & County of Swansea Community Sports Coach of the Year" award and was Runner up in the "BBC / Sport Wales Community Sports Coach of the Year" award.

2014, I moved my coaching business to West Wales to be a freelance coach, as I was made redundant from Gower Golf Club. I introduced over 1500 kids to golf, over 500 women and over 400 people with disabilities. 20 Police Officers have also been personally trained to use golf as a medium for building lasting and positive relationships with children.

I also became a  PGA Ambassador and trainer with Golf Union of Wales, providing mentoring and training services to volunteers and Golf Professionals in Wales, which allowed me to "give back" to those in the industry that have helped me in my career.

I was privileged to have won a Golf Foundations President's award and honoured with the Award of Wales' Golf Pro of the year.

In addtion to this I was accredited with the prestigious title of PGA Advanced Golf Professional, only seven percent of PGA Golf Professionals in Europe have this honour.  It is awarded by the Board of Directors of the Professional Golfers' Association for delivering "over and beyond" professional services to the industry.

In order to expand the reach of my business, I coached full time at both Pennard Golf Club and Carmarthen Golf Club. I was also very proud to be the Dyfed Ladies County Coach.

The Here and Now...

I joined the team at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club in 2018,  I am thrilled to be instrumental in delivering coaching programmes and lessons to the members and local golfers alike.  Since 2018, I have worked hard to build my reputation as a new comer to Somerset.

I now have a highly successful womens only beginner golfing programme.  I have created a unique community where women feel safe, respected and welcomed.  I have a wonderful group of members (known as love.golf Champions) who help me to build this amazing community.

Since joining the club I have written monthly articles for Women & Golf Magazine on Golf Psychology.  I have also built a successful golf tuitiion mini break business for golfers from all over the UK wanitng to improve their golf both mentally and technically.  I was the Somerset girls county coach but sadly after lockdown had to hand over the role for personal reasons.

Last year I worked with BLESMA a charity that works with limbless vetrans, they had a wonderful golf experience day.  They taught me just as much as I taught them!

I have now been accedited the next prestigious titile of PGA Fellow Golf Professional, this is recognition for my work within coaching in the golf industry.  It is awarded to PGA Professionals who have gone over and above the norm.

2022 I was presented with "PGA Golf Coach of the Year" for South Wales and the West region.  It is truly an honour to be awarded this by my governing body and to feel that my hard work is noticed an appreciated.

So that brings us to now.... lots in store, so watch this space!