PGA trio revealed as SLGA coaching team

The Scottish Ladies Golf Association (SLGA) has announced the introduction of a new structure to support the coaching and development requirements of female golfers in Scotland.

With effect from October 1, a team of three PGA coaches - David Patrick (above), Rick Valentine and Ian Muir - will be deployed to work with SLGA women's and girls' squads to compliment the activities being undertaken as part of the wider Scottish Golf Pathway.

The primary objective is to better prepare players to progress from competing at club and local level on to national age events and increase the number of girls able to progress to the Academy programme and on to national squads and teams.

The new team of Patrick, Valentine and Muir have many years of experience in the industry and the SLGA is confident that they will collaborate in an effective manner to deliver the national coaching programme for female golf squads in Scotland.

A meeting is planned with the coaches and key SLGA performance staff for early September to set out the ongoing support programme for identified female golfers. 

The successful candidates and a brief description of the role follows:- 

David Patrick (SLGA lead coach) with key focus to directly deliver the girls’ performance programme, including all training and preparation for key competitions. To support the women’s competition coach and development coach to ensure that all delivery is progressive, aligned and integrated. This position will also be responsible for supporting the progression of all girl players within the academy structure.

Rick Valentine (SLGA women's competition coach - above) with key focus to deliver the preparation and competition programme for identified SLGA women's performance players, including maintaining contact with key US-based players. To support identified players to prepare for and compete at World and European Team Championships and home internationals. Grandson of the late Jessie Valentine. one of Britain's best ever female golfers and director of golf at Loretto School, Musselburgh.

Ian Muir (SLGA development coach) with key focus to deliver a regional coaching and competition preparation programme for girls who are within county and development centre programmes. 

Kevin Craggs, SLGA national coach for the past eight years, resigned recently to take
his own coaching career in a different direction.