From boxing rings to golf swings: Nicola Adams has first golf lessons
Nicola Adams, a double Olympic gold medalist and now a resident of Dubai, has officially swung into the world of golf. The former boxing champion recently took her first official shots at Golftec Dubai in City Walk, marking the exciting start of her golfing adventure.
Adams is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2017 to 2019. She retired with an undefeated record and held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) female flyweight title in 2019.
Embracing her new challenge, Adams said, 'When I commit to something, I really commit, as my boxing career shows. I'm excited to start this golfing journey with Haya.'
She is taking a group of 10 lessons in a 'Buddy Golf Programme,' along with Golftec franchise owner for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Saudi businesswoman, Haya AlSulaiman. The duo is being guided by Diarmaid Fraser, a certified Golftec coach based in Dubai.
Haya expressed her excitement about Nicola's participation in the program, telling Khaleej Times, "We are excited to have Nicola at Golftec learning golf. She has had a brilliant sporting career, winning Olympic Gold Medals in the 2012 Games in London and retaining the title in 2016 in Rio. I am sure she will adapt to golf easily, and I'm looking forward to sharing her story and her journey with me. Together, we will learn the game of golf."
Diarmaid shared his enthusiasm for the unique coaching model, saying, "I'm excited by this project. 'Buddy coaching' is the way forward for beginners.
"Golf is a challenge at all levels and can be intimidating for any newcomer. I am convinced the Golftec model can fast-track the learning process for a determined starter. We all have bad days on the course, but having a 'Buddy' means learners can share both their successes and their setbacks."
He continued, "We look forward to sharing the story of Haya and Nicola in the months ahead. Nicola had her assessment lesson last week, and not surprisingly, she showed huge potential.
As a top athlete who remains incredibly fit, she is demonstrating the attributes that make her a natural for golf. With her 'Buddy' package, she has 24/7 access to practice in one of our five bay studios at City Walk, including a left-handed bay, perfect for Nicola. I'm confident Nicola will be the best at practice between lessons—that's what she does, and has always done."
Nicola herself shared her thoughts on starting this new chapter, saying, "I've tried golf a bit before, including at Topgolf at Emirates Golf Club. I really like the game, and when I commit to something, I really commit, as my boxing career shows. I'm excited to start this golfing journey with Haya.
'It's a strange mix of me as an Olympian from England and Haya as a Saudi businesswoman. We'll start our lessons next week and keep everyone updated on how we're doing. Thanks to Haya, Golftec, and Diarmaid for all their support."
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