Landmark Appointment for Golf to Implement Vision for Coaching in Ireland

The PGA in Ireland, on behalf of a partnership with the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golf Union, supported by the Irish Sports Council and Coaching Ireland, is delighted to announce Niamh Kitching as the new Golf Coach Education Manager for Ireland.

This landmark appointment comes as the result of a three-year financial commitment from the PGA, GUI, ILGU and the Irish Sports Council that will ultimately raise the profile of golf coaches and quality golf coaching across Ireland as part of the 'Right Coach; Right Place; Right Time' 21st Century Vision for Golf Coaching across Great Britain and Ireland.

Jane Booth, Head of Coaching Systems for the PGA across Great Britain and Ireland, recognises this key milestone for golf coaching in Ireland and emphasises the importance of the golfing bodies in Ireland working together on such a project.

"The partner organisations involved in this appointment all share the desire to introduce more people to golf and to help more golfers reach their true potential as they strive to ensure that more golfers are retained within the game for life."

"Coaching and the development of high quality coaches at all levels of participation and performance are crucial factors in the developmentand growth of the game of golf. The new Coach Education Manager for Ireland will become the driving force behind this area of work as the partnership seeks to ensure that golf in Ireland is always supported by the 'right coach in the right place at the right time'."

John Treacy, Chief Executive ISC, also commented "The Irish Sports Council is delighted to be involved with the various golf organisations in this vital initiative. Golf in Ireland is enjoying great success at every level and quality coaching is essential if that success is to be sustained over the long term".

Niamh Kitching, a former member of the Irish Ladies golf team and current captain of the Irish girls Under 18 team, brings with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding of golf in Ireland. Kitching has previously worked for the Junior Golf Ireland partnership as 'Girls N' Golf' National Co-ordinator and returns to her home country from her current position as a Coach Development Officer for the PGA in England. She has also recently successfully completed her PhD studies through the University of Limerick, conducting research into young people within golf club culture.

Niamh highlights her enthusiasm for her new role and the work ahead:

"I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that this role will bring. Golf coaches have a central role to play in progressing Irish golf, from growing the game in Ireland to supporting Irish golfers' performances on a world stage. I look forward to working with our partner organisations in promoting the PGA's coaching vision of 'Right Coach Right Place Right Time' across Ireland."