Zoe’s making her mark as a golf coach with top US recognition

NORTHERN Ireland has a proud record of producing top level golfers — Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and, even back to Fred Daly, the major winners roll off the tongue.

But now NI is trying its hand at nurturing world-class coaches. Michael Bannon, McIlroy’s boyhood mentor, is the one that immediately springs to mind. He’s not on his own, though. Now a Lurgan-based golf coach has been recognised as one of the world’s top 50 kids teachers.

Zoe Allen, a teaching professional at Lurgan Golf Club, was named as one of only five coaches from outside the USA to be recognised by US Kids, a leading company that aims to encourage participation and enjoyment in the sport at a young age.

Zoe has helped introduce the first US Kids learning programmes to Ireland, establishing the UK and Ireland’s first US Kids Local Tour, which will comprise six events at Allen Park Golf Centre, Ardglass, Ballycastle, Galgorm Castle and Shandon Park before the Tour Championship at Zoe’s own Lurgan GC.

“To be named a Top 50 US Kids Coach is a real honour,” said the 29-year-old, who received her award at the annual PGA Show in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday. “It’s definitely the highlight of my coaching career so far.

“There are so many great coaches out there and to be recognised for the coaching programmes that I run at Lurgan is special.

“Being part of the US Kids family is great. I’ve been very fortunate to get to spend time with Michelle Holmes from the Michelle Holmes School of Golf in Virginia and I’ve learnt so much from her and other great coaches that I’ve been able to meet.”