SHOCK NEWS AFTER RETURN FROM FLORIDA TOUR

LESLEY MACKAY STEPS DOWN AS 

STIRLING WOMEN'S GOLF COACH

Lesley Mackay, head professional at Playsport Golf in East Kilbride, has stepped down after eight years as the University of Stirling women’s golf coach.

Highlander Mackay, from Golspie  and a former Stirling student, made the announcement following the Stirling squad's team’s from playing several tournbaments on Florida's Orange Blossom Tour.

Lesley, now 36, said: “The decision to leave my role at Stirling is made with a heavy heart. The university was pivotal in my development as a player and it has been a tremendous honour and privilege to coach at the institution.

“Stirling has been at the forefront of assisting talented student-athletes to excel in their academic studies and sport. I have had the opportunity to work with some special people and to take student players around the globe to compete in world-level competitions.”

Mackay completed an undergraduate BA Hons Sports Studies degree and postgraduate Sport Management degree at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence while representing GB and I, GB students and Scotland in international women's amateur competitions.

Following a spell on the European Ladies Tour, cut short by a serious wrist injury, Mackay became a teaching professional, training under former SLGA National Coach Karyn Dallas, the pro at Kirriemuir Golf Club.

She graduated from the PGA training school as Rookie of the Year in 2006, the same year she took on the role at Stirling University.

Over the past eight years, Mackay has helped the University team win numerous Scottish and British Universities’ titles, culminating in the 2011 European Universities’ title.

Mackay will continue in her role as head professional at Playsport Golf,  and is now establishing coaching business Lesley Mackay Complete Golf, which aims to develop an innovative way to teach golf to beginner and elite players alike. She is also completing her UK Level 3 PGA course – the first female in Scotland to do so.

Raleigh Gowrie, Stirling University’s Sports Performance Manager, said: “We are very sorry to say goodbye to Lesley. She has been a huge asset to the University of Stirling both as a player and as our women’s golf coach.

“Her knowledge and understanding of performing under pressure in tournament golf alongside her technical knowledge of the golf swing ensured that our female student golfers received the very best coaching support available. Furthermore, Lesley was also a mentor and friend to all of our players.”

Current Stirling men’s coach Dean Robertson will support the women’s players in the short-term.

 

  +LESLEY MACKAY PICTURED  IN HER AMATEUR
PLAYING DAYS.