About Rick

Rick is a dedicated PGA Professional with a profound passion for coaching and junior development. With an extensive background in education spanning over 20 years, he has been instrumental in establishing and nurturing golf academies, empowering young golfers to realise their full potential. Through his guidance, these aspiring golfers not only cultivated a deep love for the game but also worked diligently toward their aspirations, be it in college golf, professional circuits, or simply fostering a lifelong enjoyment of the sport.

Rick's commitment extends beyond the golf course, as he served as a housemaster for 8 years, bringing his expertise to the holistic development of individuals.

In 2003, Rick launched his inaugural golf camp, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for over 2,000 individuals.

Rick's unwavering dedication and vast experience make him a leader in the realm of golf coaching and junior development.

Early Life

Rick was born in Dubai and attended school and University in England, whilst his parents moved to Hong Kong when he was twelve. Sport has played a major part of his life which started with a multi-sport background, progressing through rugby to play for the Harlequins development team, then second team as part of the first team squad. Due to injuries, he converted to golf which was the family sport with his Grandmother being a highly successful Scottish golfer.

After University, he spent time in America studying at the San Diego Golf Academy before spending three years playing amateur golf across Asia. During this time, he represented Hong Kong in the Eisenhower Trophy (World Amateur Team Championships), Namura Cup (Asia Pacific Team Championships) and Putra Cup (South East Asia Team Championships), as well as many other international events; he won the China Amateur in 2000 as well as being the leading amateur in the Hong Kong Open in 2001 & 2002. Rick returned to the UK in 2003, competed in the Qualifying School for the Euro Pro Tour; won a card and turned professional.

School Golf Academies

Loretto School

In 2003, Rick was appointed Director of Golf by Loretto School and given the full responsibility to develop a school Golf Academy. Starting with six pupils in his first year the programme now delivers to over 200 pupils per week from the age of 5-18. The programme balances the goal of offering the opportunity of golf for all with an elite programme accommodating players from beginners to international level. The Golf Academy is now the schools USP and has become known as the leading schools golf programme in Europe. To achieve this Rick has custom built the programme and introduced the following key areas:

  • Player development pathway from age 5-18 years
  • Coaching programmes for all levels
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Internal tournament structure
  • External tournament structure
  • Overseas tours and tournaments
  • Progression to US Universities
  • National tournament success which now includes 9 British titles and 2 European Schools Championships.

Facility Development

To accommodate the growing numbers participating in golf at Loretto he developed facilities at the school, starting with an outdoor practice area, comprising of a synthetic putting green, driving nets and a bunker. More recently he designed the Indoor Golf Centre which was built in the old swimming pool building. During this process he designed the conversion, whilst also being involved in the fundraising process, and then working closely with the building company to ensure his vision was realised.  The Golf Centre was opened in October 2015 and has already earned the reputation as the leading indoor golf centre in Scotland if not the UK. Coinciding with the opening of the golf centre Rick negotiated partnerships with Titleist, Footjoy and US Kids.

To accommodate the schools practice and playing requirements Rick has developed partnerships with Craigielaw Golf Club, Archerfield Golf Club and Royal Musselburgh. Through these partnerships, the school has access to 3 grass driving ranges, 3 championship links courses, 1 parkland course a 6-hole par 3 course and an extensive short game practice facility.

Book Now!

Loretto Golf Camps

In 2003 Rick launched the Loretto Summer Golf Camps to offer external pupils the opportunity for residential/non-residential golf weeks. These camps offered players the opportunity to develop their golf with a combination of coaching, course play and tournaments, with evening activities. The camps have gained an excellent reputation around the world.  

Scottish Women's National Competition Coach

Rick spent 3 years as the National Competition Coach for the Scottish Women’s Team. During this time, he improved the teams results in two consecutive European Championships and achieved their best results in the World Amateur for 8 years. This was achieved by improving team dynamics, improving communication with American based players and developing the pre-tournament preparation.

Education

Rick has always looked to build on his education which started with a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science and Business from Brunel University before progressing to the San Diego Golf Academy to study Golf Complex Management and Golf Professional. He qualified as a PGA professional completing the foundation degree through the University of Birmingham and has progressed to become a Fellow Professional with the PGA. Rick was one of the first 7 PGA Professionals to be awarded the highly coveted UKCC Level 4 coaching qualification and as part of this completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching through the University of Birmingham. Since then he has completed his Masters Degree in Sports Coaching again through the University of Birmingham. 

Family History

Grandmother

Rick shares the same passion and love for the game as his Grandmother, Jessie Valentine. She was a Scottish Amateur golfer who won the British Ladies Amateur in 1937, 1955 and 1958. In 1937, after winning the British Ladies title at Turnberry she was the world number one ranking ladies golfer. In 1959, she was the first woman golfer to be appointed as an MBE for services to golf and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.   

Notable Wins

  • British Ladies Amateur - 1937, 1955, 1958
  • Scottish Ladies Amateur – 1938, 1939, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956
  • New Zealand Ladies – 1935
  • French Ladies - 1936

Team Appearances

  • Curtis Cup – 1936, 1938, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958
  • Vagliano Trophy – 1947, 1949, 1951, 1955

Father

Iain Valentine has been a long-time member of the R&A before being appointed as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association where he guided the progress of amateur golf in Hong Kong for ten years.

Great Grandfather

Joe Anderson was a professional and club maker. He was the professional at Craigie Hill Golf Club in Perth as well as Braemar Golf Club.