Loretto Golf Academy Strengthens Coaching Team with New Appointment
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- 4 hours ago
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Leading Scottish independent school, Loretto, has appointed former Scotland International and US Collegiate golfer Joanne Free to join its team of golf coaches, further strengthening the school’s world-leading Golf Academy and expanding opportunities for young players.
A distinguished amateur golfer, Joanne brings a wealth of expertise and personal experience to the Golf Academy. Her appointment reinforces Loretto's position as one of the UK's leading golf schools, recognised for its unrivalled training opportunities, coaching and state-of-the-art facilities that support aspiring athletes to excel in the sport.
Joanne joins a team of experienced coaches and PGA professionals led by joint directors Nick Drane and Dean Halford. With a strong track record in developing junior talent and a shared passion for youth wellbeing, the Golf Academy has seen pupils achieve national titles, represent their countries and progress to golf programmes at notable universities around the world.
As an athlete, Joanne has represented Scotland at the European Team Championships and Home Internationals. A career highlight so far came in 2021, when she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, one of the most prestigious events in women’s amateur golf.
These successes have informed her coaching style. Taking a highly individualised, athlete-centred approach, Joanne focuses on the specific goals, physical capabilities and learning style of the student – and adapting instruction accordingly.
Joanne holds a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Professional Golf and is a qualified Community Golf Instructor.Through a previous role supporting aspiring student-athletes, she has developed extensive knowledge of the US collegiate golf pathway, helping young players understand the opportunities available and steps required to pursue them.
Commenting on her appointment, Joanne Free said: “Scotland is the home of golf, so having the opportunity to coach and develop young players at one of the country’s most respected golf schools is incredibly special. Golf has taken me from representing Scotland internationally to studying and competing in the United States, and I want pupils at Loretto to feel that same sense of possibility.
“My coaching philosophy is simple – focus on the player and the game will follow. Every young golfer is different, so my role is to understand what motivates them, build their confidence and help them enjoy the game while developing their skills.”
Dean Halford, Director of Golf at Loretto, said: “Joanne is a fantastic addition to the Golf Academy. Her highly personalised approach aligns perfectly with our ethos here at Loretto, while her experience as both an international player and coach will be invaluable to our pupils. She understands the standards required to compete internationally and the opportunities that golf can open up, including pathways into US universities. That insight and expertise will be a real asset to the Academy.”
Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto, added: “Loretto has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most prestigious golf schools, with an exceptional programme that supports young players competing at both amateur and aspiring professional levels.
“Joanne’s appointment further strengthens that offer. She brings the experience of an athlete who has played internationally and understands how to help young golfers reach their potential in the sport.”
Joanne's appointment comes as Loretto prepares to launch its popular summer Golf Camps, opening the Golf Academy to all young golfers. Running through June and July, the camps will offer both beginners and more experienced young golfers the chance to train in an elite academy environment.
