Los Palos, Tenerife, gives Nicki a new drive

“I’d like to teach the world to swing - drive, putt and chip” You could understand Nicki MacDonnell adopting that as her theme, after all as a self confessed late starter at golf, she is eager to pass on every ounce of skill, dedication and sheer enjoyment of the game that she loves. Now installed as a professional coach at Los Palos golf centre in Guaza, she has the perfect facilities to work with, as she sets about teaching all ages, sexes and abilities, to embrace golf as a healthy and fun way to enjoy the superb year round weather that Tenerife has to offer.

It’s just a couple of months since Nicki left Amersham in the south of England, proudly clutching her coaching qualifications from the WGTF, the World Golf Teachers Federation. If the federations name doesn’t spring immediately to mind when thinking about golf, it should do as even the PGA, Professional Golfers Association, is taking on their coaching methods. The WGTF covers 35 nations and has 12,000 members, but it’s a club that requires hard work to join as Nicki can testify. “I did an intensive course, working 16 hours a day for 7 days, covering practical play and theory at the North Weald golf club. ” Nicki had taken up playing at Harewood Downs when she was married, and although she never turned professional, she was a handy player, winning the Watford Open three times.

Looking to join family in Tenerife, Nicki was well aware of the quality and quantity of courses on the island, but really landed on her feet when she scooped a job at Los Palos. “From a coaching point of view, it has probably the best facilities on the island, it’s a 9 hole course and perfect for people who are looking to learn the game . There’s a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practice bunker, and all in a beautiful and well placed setting.”

The wider area is very much in keeping with Los Palos, the exclusive resort of Palm Mar, next door is set between Guaza mountain and the nature reserve of Malpais de Rasca, and tranquility and peace are very much bywords for the area.

There will certainly never be a dull moment for Nicki, as the course offers coaching from scratch level to the more experienced player looking to iron out a few kinks in their game. With the long summer months stretching ahead, parents can breathe a sigh of relief if they enrol their children in a 6 week course, knowing they are in expert hands, learning a discipline that will stay with them. For that extra peace of mind, it’s good to know that Nicki has her Sports Coach UK Safeguarding and Protecting Children certificate.

Coaching takes special skills, not just in the game but also patience, dedication and good communication, Nicki has them all, topped off with bags of enthusiasm. The greens are watered, the grass cut, and the bunkers raked, and Nicki is raring to go, just give her a ring on 922169080 or email nikmac@terra.es.