Keir's younger sister Katy McNicoll plays on the LETAS and Paul Lawrie Ladies Tartan Tour.
KEIR McNICOLL: "Gullane is a great place to work."
NEWS RELEASE FROM THE PGA
A former leading Scottish amateur has successfully made the
transition to being a PGA professional after landing the Rookie of the
Year honour.
Gullane-based Keir McNicoll was recognised for his achievements at the annual PGA Graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham.
Although unable to attend, Keir's efforts secured him a £1,000 cheque and the Major John Bywater Trophy.
The 29-year-old, who also was recognised by PGA Official Supplier
GASP Systems for coming top in the first-year coaching exams, was joined
in the top three by runner-up John Powell (Hampton Court Palace) and
Harriett Key (Moor Park), who finished third.
McNicoll’s success crowned a big year for Gullane who were also
celebrating the achievements of Emma Fairnie and Jordan Ramanauskas, who
finished second and 12th in the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year
awards respectively.
Keir McNicoll said: “It’s a great honour. I try to be the best in
everything I do and put everything I can into doing well, like I did at
high school and then university, and the PGA course is no exception.
“I don’t necessarily think I’m cleverer than anyone else. I just work very
hard and get the most out of it. However, combining work, study,
practice and playing is tough.
“Gullane is a great place to work as the place is always busy and you never know what you’re going to end up doing.
“There is so much to do and working with Jordan and Emma, who are
slightly younger than me but a couple years ahead in terms of the
degree, means we do learn a lot from each other and help each other out.
“As for the degree course, I didn’t think I would learn as much as I
have. I knew I’d learn something but having played at a high level as an
amateur, played on the tours and also been to university, I’m surprised
at the amount I have learned.
“I wish what I have learned I knew before I turned pro as it would have been very useful.”
Following his initial success, McNicoll is refusing to get carried
away as he looks to establish himself down his new career path.
“Given my past experiences I don’t look too far into the future,” he
said. “I had a lot of hopes and dreams, and still have, but now I set
smaller goals. To get through each year on the course is my aim at the
minute and I’m not looking beyond that.
“I love playing and that’s still my main desire. I practise as much
as I can and once my second-year exams are out of the way, then all my
time off will be dedicated to practising or playing. I just love playing
in tournaments.
“I’ve found since joining the PGA degree my game has improved, which
is good. I’ve been working with Sandy Smith, who’s a PGA tutor and
Fellow PGA Professional, and that’s really helped.”
Training and education remains an integral part of the PGA with the
foundation degree, while the PGA also runs an honours degree in
association with the University of Birmingham.
Once qualified, PGA members also undergo a process of continual
professional development to keep them up to speed with all the latest
developments in the sport.
Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA, said: “PGA graduation day is
certainly one of the highlights of our golfing calendar. I congratulate
each and every one of our new graduates and those who have been
successful on the degree programme in year one and two.”
Matthew Johnson, Titleist brand director, said: “PGA professionals
play a key role in the development and growth of the game across all
levels, and we are delighted to support the next generation of qualified
professionals and to wish them well with their future careers.”
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