Rob Watts has been appointed to the role of national men’s lead coach at England Golf after enjoying six years of outstanding success with the boys’ squad.
Watts will take over from Graham Walker following the Yorkshireman’s decision to step down from the post after 11 years.
Since 2016, Watts has driven the performance coaching at England boys’ level and helped produce impressive results for both teams and individuals on their journey along the England Golf player pathway.
With Watts’ guidance, England’s boys have won the Home Internationals for six consecutive seasons and earlier this year took the silver medal at the European Team Championships.
England players such as Ben Schmidt, Conor Gough, John Gough, Josh Hill, Frank Kennedy and Barclay Brown have also benefited from Watts’ individual coaching and enjoyed success on a world stage.
Outside of his work with England Golf, the Hertfordshire-based coach also works with several players on the DP World Tour, LET and PGA Tour Champions and has been the lead coach for the BB&O County Golf Union.
Nigel Edwards, England Golf’s performance director, said: “We are thrilled that Rob has agreed to succeed Graham and I continue to be excited at what the future holds for our men’s team competing at the highest level of elite amateur golf.
“Taking on the baton from Graham is no easy task – quite simply Graham is one of the best coaches in the world. On behalf of all the players and staff he’s worked with over the years, I would like to thank him for all he’s done and say that it’s been a privilege to have him as a colleague and to continue to call him a friend.
“Graham has played a key role in producing some memorable moments for our squads over the years and I’m sure Rob will build on the strong foundations already in place. Through his work with the boys’ squad, Rob already knows many of the players in the men’s programme and this will ensure a level of continuity. But I’m sure Rob will bring his own ideas and energy to the role and provide England’s most talented golfers with all the knowledge they require to take the next step in their careers. Rob, just like Graham, is a proven winner. Everyone in the performance team looks forward to supporting Rob in the drive to develop our best young golfers and ensure our players are equipped to compete on the world stage.”
On accepting the role, Watts said: “I’m a proud Englishman and nothing gives me greater pleasure than playing a part in helping our best young golfers achieve their potential and represent their country with distinction. I must also thank Graham for leaving the men’s programme in such a healthy state. It will be an honour as well as a challenge to carry on his great work.
“It’s been so rewarding coaching the boys’ squad in recent years and I look forward to helping many of them make the step up to the next level and to bring them success not only as individuals but also as part of Team England.”