Golf club boss to help drive women’s game

COOLANGATTA & Tweed Heads Golf Club general manager Nicole James has been appointed president of the WPGA Tour of Australasia, marking another milestone in a career that has spanned nearly every aspect of the industry.

The WPGA Tour of Australasia is the leading professional golf tour for women in Australia, with its major tournaments played between November and March.

A long-time tour member, former tournament professional and vocational member of the PGA of Australia, James brings extensive experience as a player, coach, administrator and club executive to the role.

She began playing golf in her hometown of Mullumbimby before representing NSW as an amateur.

James later turned professional, competing on tours in Australia, Europe and the United States before building a career through coaching, golf operations, tournament management and club administration.

She said becoming president was an opportunity to give back to an organisation that had been part of her life for many years.

“I’ve been on the board for the last four years and I saw it as a really nice opportunity and a good chance to give back to the organisation,” she said.

 

“The rest of the board were really supportive in elevating me into the presidency. I’m happy to be in the position and hopefully we can continue the growth we’ve had, with more player opportunities and building on all the good work that’s been done over many years.”

James will continue in her role as general manager of Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club.

She said helping more women transition from playing into coaching, administration and leadership roles was one of the sport’s biggest opportunities.

“There are many opportunities within golf and that’s the thing I really want to encourage girls to see. Once you finish playing, stay in the industry,” James said.

“It’s a wonderful industry to be part of. There are opportunities at golf clubs, in coaching, administration and leadership, and we’re seeing more women stepping into those roles.

“I think that makes the industry stronger because you’ve got different viewpoints and more opportunities to engage women in the sport.”

WPGA Tour of Australasia chief executive Karen Lunn, who is also from the Tweed region and enjoyed a successful professional playing career, will be based just a short drive away.

“We’re both very happy to be not too far away from each other so we can catch up face-to-face,” James said.

“I’m very, very fortunate at Coolangatta & Tweed, too.

“You have wonderful members, a fantastic course, and a really, really supportive board, so they’re very excited to see me step into this role.”