SUZANNE STRUDWICK HONOURED AS COACH BY US KIDS GOLF

FROM THE LPGA TOUR WEBSITE

ATLANTA – Cheshire-born Suzanne Strudwick, now a resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, is among the class of the Top 50 Kids Teachers for 2011, as announced by U.S. Kids Golf. 

After a 13-year LPGA Tour career, the 1993 LPGA Rookie of the Year began teaching full-time in 2005. She is currently the owner of Golf AcademyONE, which operates out of Fairways and Greens Golf Centre in Knoxville. 

Strudwick, who was named to the Honourable Mentioned list for the 2010 award, is being named a Top 50 Kids Teacher by U.S. Kids Golf for the first time. 

"Being recognised with so many wonderful industry-leading teachers is very humbling,” Strudwick said. “I can learn so much from the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers and will enjoy networking with them. This award is like icing on the cake because working with kids everyday is so much fun!" 

The award, in its eighth year, recognises golf professionals across North America who focus much of their time and energy on developing young golfers in their communities. The instructors are judged on several criteria, including percentage of time devoted to kids' programmes, creativity, communication and efforts to grow the game. 

This year’s class represents 25 states and Canada and includes golf teachers who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses. 

“The Top 50 Kids Teachers represent a group of professionals who are dedicated to helping kids develop their skills and their love of the game,” said Dan Van Horn, founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf. 

“We are pleased to recognise their talents and commitment.” 

The 2011 Top 50 Kids Teachers will be recognised Friday, January 27, at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

+Suzanne Strudwick, born in Cheshire on July 4, 1965, turned pro when she was 17 in 1983 and played for 10 years on the forerunner of the present Ladies European Tour. She won three times before qualifying to play on the LPGA Tour in 1993, the year she won its Rookie of the Year title. She played 13 years on the LPGA Tour before retiring to make a new career as a golf coach and teacher. She opened a golf academy in Knoxville. Her website is: www.suzannestrudwick.com