PGA Professional Fellow

About Nicola Stroud Golf Coach

My Early Years

I began golf lessons at age 8 at Dinas Powys Golf Club. Winning my first prize (for turning up!) in a 9-hole competition sparked my passion.

Privileged to play at a club that was supportive of juniors playing golf, we had a superb introduction to the world of golf.  I quickly reduced my handicap to 4 by age 13 and represented Wales in the UK and abroad in both women and junior teams and events. 

The rest is history!

Nicola Stroud Professional Golf Coach Early Years

My Academic Years

I was the first female in Europe to graduate from the Professional Golf Studies course initiated by the PGA at Kingston University/Merrist Wood College in 1994, also earning my PGA qualifications including a PGA Golf Psychology Coaching certificate – part of the PGA of Europe Member Education programme.

I’ve been accredited with the PGA Fellow Professional Status for the “outstanding contributions” to golf.

Nicola Stroud Professional Golf Coach Academic Years

My Professional Years

I began my working career as an Assistant Golf Professional at Hanbury Manor, Hertfordshire. Despite challenges as a young female Golf Professional in the early 90s, I built a successful career, teaching celebrities, caddying for Nick Faldo, and collaborating with Jack Nicklaus.

During my time as the youngest female Head Golf Professional in the PGA at The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, I also qualified for the Ladies British Open.  Later as a full time teaching professional at Manchester Playgolf, I engaged more with the local community.  It was here that I first experienced a passion for working with people living with various disabilities and experiencing how golf can help motivate young individuals from disadvantaged areas to integrate into society and enhance their self-esteem.

After coaching a short time in Spain, I joined Celtic Manor Resort’s National Centre of Excellence and was privileged during this time to build my coaching business but also experiencing the behind the scenes operations for hosting the 2010 Ryder Cup.

As Head Professional at The Gower Golf Club, I enhanced the clubs’ community status, membership, and facilities This included a seven-bay undercover training facility supported by Sport Wales and local businesses. I also developed a disability program that earned the INsport Award and initiated a police and community program to help, kids from disadvantaged areas in Swansea.

During this time, I received awards such as “City & County of Swansea Community Sports Coach of the Year” and was runner-up for “BBC / Sport Wales Community Sports Coach of the Year”.

In 2014, I became a full-time coach, working from Pennard, Camarthen and Garnant Golf Clubs. I continued my community coaching most notably working with people living with visual impairments (RNIB) and children with Down’s syndrome and autism. Additionally, I trained 20 police officers to use golf as a way to build positive relationships with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and held golf experience days for them.

I served as a PGA Ambassador and trainer with the Golf Union of Wales, providing mentoring and training services to volunteers and Golf Professionals in Wales.

I received the Golf Foundation’s President’s award and was honoured with the “Wales’ Golf Professional of the Year” award.

I have served as a County coach for women and girls in Cornwall, Dyfed and Somerset.

About Nicola Stroud Professional PGA Golf Coach
Golf disability cocahing

The Here and Now...

As Head Golf Coach, at Burnham and Berrow Golf Club, I have created successful coaching programs, including an award winning women-only beginner program.  

My varied business includes writing monthly articles on Golf Psychology to Women & Golf Magazine, hosting “Mind & Golf” workshops, and a couple of times a year enjoying coaching both domestically and internationally with my golf tuition holiday business.

I have collaborated with BLESMA and Young Somerset to create educational golf experiences and I set up a networking group of female PGA coaches working in golf to help provide advice, mentoring and support. My contributions to the game has earned me the title of PGA Fellow Golf Professional and the “PGA Golf Coach of the Year” award for South Wales and the West region in 2022.

You are now up to date so watch this space for my next project.

Nicola Stroud Professional Golf Coach

Golf Lesson Testimonials

Nicola Stroud Multi-Award winning Golf Professional