Jade Longstaff couldn’t wait to start life as a fully qualified PGA professional. After graduating from the Membership Pathway Program at the beginning of 2023, she promptly packed her golf bag into a camper trailer and set out across the country; determined to offer golf coaching to some of the country’s most rural communities.
Having grown up and completed her Membership Pathway Program (MPP) in Darwin, Longstaff knew she wanted to take the chance to grow the game beyond her hometown, driven to ensure everyone can see the possibility that exists for them in golf.
“I grew up in a small town, where there were very few girls playing golf,” she recalls. “It made me want to go and get more girls playing, so that’s a big part of what this trip is about.”
Travelling alongside her boyfriend – a fully qualified greenskeeper – Longstaff has already been to Katherine, where she offered three full days of coaching to a community whose interest in the game is flourishing.
“I have actually been there four times now, and every time I’ve been, there are more and more people wanting lessons,” Longstaff says. “This most recent time, I had full days blocked out 8am to 4pm.”
Now set to travel down the coast from north Queensland towards Victoria before looping back through South Australia and Western Australia, Jade is willing to be flexible – offering whatever clubs need.
“I’m aware that there are so many opportunities to grow the game,” she says. “I’m open to coaching, helping with junior programs, even working in the shop if certain clubs need help with staff.
“I’ve got my All-Abilities accreditation too, so whatever way I can help out, that’s what I’ll be looking to do.”
In a personal sense too, this trip shapes as a deeply rewarding one for Longstaff. Having lost her father – the person who got her into golf – on the eve of commencing the Membership Pathway Program, her journey to becoming a full vocational member of the PGA has not always been an easy one.
“My dad is the one who got me into the game, so when he passed, there were times when I wanted to quit the sport,” she reflects. “So, to get here to this point where I can bring the game to others is such a relief.
“I’ve had great support and it really is a source of great pride. It’s kind of surreal, to be honest.”
Particularly passionate about coaching junior golfers, Longstaff is really looking forward to working with the game’s next generation as she moves around the country in the coming months.
“I think for me, I was a junior relatively recently myself, so I can relate to them in that sense,” she says. “I really enjoy it and I think you can embrace the fact that they look up to you – almost as someone they can aspire to be one day.”
Not without role models herself, Longstaff recognises that while this adventure is a big one, it is just her first step in the industry. Inspired by the likes of fellow PGA professionals Richard Woodhouse and Grant Field, she is looking forward to building her own coaching résumé.
“I think those two in particular are ones I look up to. They are recognised not only as really great coaches, but good people as well.”
