Meet The Team
David McNicholas
Director of Golf
Head PGA Professional
Head Teaching Professional
David turned professional in 2007 and worked as an assistant Pro before graduating from the PGA Academy in 2010. Since qualifying David has gained a strong reputation for coaching and is available for tuition all year round. He continues to further his studies in Golf & Sports Psychology, whilst currently designing his own short game programme. His unique holistic approach has helped golfers of all levels, from beginners to those with European Tour experience.
In 2018 David was part of the Professional Team that won the Laddie Lucas coaching award. The National Coaching Honour presented to the team at Wentworth Golf Club was part of the Golf Foundation President’s Awards. The Laddie Lucas award celebrates a project that has created more opportunities for girls to get involved in golf. Elsham Golf Club was also recognised for their efforts in opening their doors to all golfers and as a team helped to move the club forwards. It was the first time a club in Lincolnshire had been recognised in this way.
Most recently David has completed the Certificate of Theory in Golf Management as part of the PGA Director of Golf Qualification. The qualification brings together all the skills required to be a modern Golf Professional, from coaching to golf club management, whilst helping to refine pre-existing skills used day in day out to run a successful Pro Shop business.
David is also a regular player on both the local and Midland PGA circuits He is the former Lincolnshire Assistants Champion and Lincolnshire PGA Captain, currently sits on the PGA committee and is the County’s representative on the Partnership Board. Early 2020 David was presented with a Charitable Contribution award by the PGA in Lincolnshire for his efforts in raising money for the local SOBS charity.
In 2022 David was awarded the honour of both The PGA in Lincolnshire Coach of the Year and PGA Regional (Midlands) Coach of the Year. David is also one of only a small number of Vision54 – SuperCoach certified teachers in the country.
Callum Bruce – DMac Golf LTD Apprentice
Callum is currently a +4 handicap golfer who has aspirations of playing Professional Golf as a career. After leaving college, Callum started a 3-year specialist apprenticeship programme designed by his Coach and Head Professional, David McNicholas, which provides the opportunity for Callum to achieve his long term goals.
Recently Callum retained his Club Champion status at Elsham and went on to finish 3rd in the North of England Amateur Championship at Alwoodley Golf Club in 2020.. In doing so, Callum achieved an Amateur Golf World Ranking and will aim to improve on this year by year. In 2021 Callum won the Lincolnshire Open Title, by play-off, making birdie on the second extra hole to claim first place.
Livia Piner – Community Golf Instructor
Livia is a Community Golf Instructor here at Elsham GC, with a passion to introduce juniors and adult beginners into golf. She first stumbled upon golf when a professional went into her school to deliver a 6 week, after school programme. After participating in the last session of the programme, letters were distributed with an invite to continue the sessions at the weekends, here at Elsham Golf Club! After going to the first session and developing a love for the game, she then attained her handicap and made her start with competing at county level.
Livia has undertaken a Community Golf Instructors Course, which is supported by the PGA and enables her to lead group sessions with both juniors and beginners. The sessions are based on learning the fundamental basic skills you need to play golf. They are about practicing the skills we have already learnt and playing fun games that resemble the pressures and challenges you would face out on the golf course. These sessions aren’t just about golf, they are about socialising and having fun with new friends too.
Livia aspires to become a PGA Teaching Pro, which will enable her to take coaching to the next level and coach on a one-to-one basis. Since she started playing golf, she has wanted to become a golf coach; with a mission to make golf a happy and inclusive space for everyone that plays. Golf hasn’t only given Livia a sport to play, it has developed many key set skills and attributes, such as confidence, social skills and a heightened focus, this has lead her to become the 2024 Women’s club champion.
Head Professional David McNicholas (left) with the Laddie Lucas Award Winners presented at Wentworth Golf Club as part of the Golf Foundation President Awards
