Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club has launched an ambitious coaching programme which aims to help players of all ages and abilities.
The programme is being led by new full-time head teaching professional Ellie Broome, who has returned to her hometown club for a second spell.
“I am delighted to be back at my home club,” said Ellie, 27, who lives at Kirkby Lonsdale. “I am relishing the role and looking forward to helping existing golfers and those who want to try their hand at the game.”
“From the beginner to established single-figure players, we are striving to create the perfect golfing environment,” said the club’s head professional Andy Duncan.
As part of the project, the club’s coaching studio in the pro shop has been renovated and now includes TrackMan technology.
The club is also creating a series of coaching pathway steps – from an initial introduction to golf through coaching groups and buddy programmes to when players are ready for the 18-hole course.
“We want to make sure everyone is enjoying the process and is comfortable on the course and with golf club life,” added Andy. “It is all about growing the game and getting more people playing.”
As part of the pathway, Ellie is relaunching a junior academy for four to 18-year-olds of all abilities, which will include weekly group sessions, individual sessions and holiday camps. She is also launching beginner golf sessions for all ages – including family sessions for mums, dads, children and grandparents who want to have a go. She will also provide individual coaching sessions for experienced members and non-members.
“For the past couple of years I have coached the Cumbria County Ladies junior girls’ squad, a development squad which includes girls from across the county, and I shall continue that here at Kirkby Lonsdale too,” added Ellie.
“The great thing is that Ellie will be around the club full-time and available to talk to anyone about coaching, development and performance,” said Andy. “With all these initiatives she will be supported by the other professionals and club members. We are a friendly club with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, and this academy will only add to that.”
Ellie started playing golf aged six after watching her father and grandfather play. She joined the club at the age of 11, got her first handicap two years later, then got to scratch. At 16, she was the club’s first female junior captain and the youngest-ever winner of the Ladies Club Championship. She also currently holds the ladies’ course record – a six under-par 67 – having broken the record four times in a single month. After playing junior golf at international level and representing Cumbria with distinction, she turned professional in 2018 and became a fully qualified PGA professional in 2022. She left Kirkby Lonsdale in April 2022 and spent three and a half years as a full-time coach before returning ahead of the 2026 season.
