Meet the Team

Our team of highly dedicated and talented PGA qualified Golf Professionals have decades of experience in golf, and pride themselves on creating a friendly and welcoming environment.

RUSSELL SKENNERTON

Director of Golf

Russell is a qualified PGA Member having commenced at The Lakes as Assistant Director of Golf before his promotion in 2023.

Russell is responsible for the entire golf operations of The Lakes, and works closely with Head Teaching Professional Rob Curtis in managing the Golf Academy.

For any questions regarding golf tuition at The Lakes, please contact Russell via directorofgolf@thelakesgolfclub.com.au

Rob Curtis

HEAD Teaching Professional

Robbie has joined the Lakes GC and is thrilled to lead the Golf Academy into a new generation

With an unyielding passion for growing the game of golf, Robbie has become one of Australia’s leading golf coaches displaying an unparalleled commitment to developing a love for the game of golf.

From tournament professionals to recreational golfers, Robbie combines the science of golf with the art of coaching to deliver a golf lesson experience that is commensurate with the person’s ability that will ultimately deliver results – improved skills as well as lower scores!

Having spent numerous years as an elite amateur then tournament professional, Robbie has become a highly respected PGA of Australia member, experienced and credentialed coach, club fitter/builder and mentor.

Summary of Qualifications:

  • TrackMan – certified
  • SAM Puttlab – certified
  • University majors – education (post graduate), biomechanics, skill acquisition, health and human movement
  • Accredited and experienced club fitter – Ping, Mizuno, Titleist, Callaway and Taylor Made
  • Mentor and education provider – PGA of Australia

 

If you’re looking to improve your game, upgrade your skills, find that driver that will go the extra 20m, a perfect set of irons or just say “hello” Robbie would love to meet you and discuss your needs. Please contact Robbie at headteachingpro@thelakesgolfclub.com.au

EARL McGLINN

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL

Earl McGlinn  has been a PGA of Australia Member since 2013, holding Advanced coaching status.  Earl has forever been a student of the game, and from an early age he has been immersed in the golfing world with his father Ray McGlinn a member of the Australian PGA for 40 years. Since picking up his first club, Earl has never stopped seeking more of what golf has to offer.

Prior to turning professional, Earl played amateur golf at the elite level having the opportunity to represent the State of NSW on multiple occasions. Now he works with the Golf NSW/JNJG Junior Squads as their development coach, and also works closely with the Golf NSW High Performance Program and is the current NSW State Team Coach.

He has worked closely with some of Golf Australia’s Rookie Professionals Teams over the past 5+ years as their Tour Caddy, including Dylan Perry, Grace Kim (winner of the TPS Sydney in 2021 and 2022) and most recently Harrison Crowe (winner of the 2022 NSW Open and 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship).

Earl’s coaching philosophy is to help you as the golfer understand your own physical capabilities and limitations, as we all have our own physical blueprint which will help determine our individual swing, short game and putting style. With this in mind we can use technology to help us track progress and build performance based goals for all levels of players.

harry mcmillan

assistant/teaching professional

Harry McMillan grew up in Coffs Harbour where he learnt the game of golf from a young age and competed in many junior tournaments in the North Coast region and at state levels.

Harry recently completed his traineeship with the PGA of Australia in 2024, holding advanced coaching status. Throughout his time in the membership pathway program, Harry won 7 tournaments and was also recognised as the 2024 PGA Associate of the Year for both his works on the course as a player and off course for his efforts at The Lakes and assisting peers through the program.

Harry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise through the below qualifications:

  • TPI Level 1 Qualified
  • Trackman Level 1 & 2 Qualified
  • Accredited Club Fitter
  • PGA of Australia Member
  • Diploma of Sport

 

Harry’s coaching philosophy is shaped through his formal training and insights gained from engaging with many successful coaches in the industry. He will also utilise the coaching technologies of Trackman data and cameras to assist any golfer in improving their game and tailoring to their individual needs.

james Gleeson

assistant/teaching professional

James has been a member of the PGA of Australia since 2021. Growing up in regional NSW James travelled to Sydney to compete in Junior golf tournaments.

Achievements including receiving a scholarship to represent Concord Golf Club in Junior and Major Pennants.

James was apart of the 2015 Eric Apperley Shield winning team with Concord GC.

After completing his PGA Traineeship in 2020. James has been working at The Lakes for the past 4 years.

During this time developed a love for helping members develop their golf game.

Qualifications;

  • Diploma of Sport Coaching
  • Trackman Level 1 & 2
  • TPI Level 1

 

James’ coaching philosophy revolves around the importance of the body’s movement to create efficiency and prevent injury in the golf swing. Technology including trackman and slow motion cameras can help assist students develop ‘their own swing’.

Booking Enquiry

Use the form to enquire about booking in with one of our golf professionals.