About Rick.

Passionate About Coaching.

About Rick

Rick Valentine is a PGA Fellow Professional and the founder of RV Golf Schools. He has run junior golf camps since 2003 and brings more than 20 years of experience in coaching, school golf and junior development.

His approach combines golf improvement with enjoyment, confidence and personal development. Coaching is shaped around each golfer’s age, ability and ambitions, whether they are discovering the game, preparing for competitive golf or simply looking forward to a memorable week at camp.

Rick also spent eight years as a school housemaster, giving him valuable experience of supporting young people beyond the golf course.

Two men on a golf course practicing

Early Life & Playing Career

Born in Dubai, Rick was educated in England while his family moved to Hong Kong. He grew up playing several sports and progressed through the Harlequins development and second teams before injuries led him to focus on golf, a sport with deep roots in his family.

After university and study at the San Diego Golf Academy, Rick spent three years playing amateur golf across Asia. He represented Hong Kong in international team events, including the Eisenhower Trophy, won the China Amateur in 2000 and was leading amateur at the Hong Kong Open in 2001 and 2002. He returned to the UK in 2003, earned a EuroPro Tour card and turned professional.

School Golf Academies

Loretto School

Appointed Director of Golf in 2003, Rick developed Loretto’s Golf Academy from an initial group of six pupils into a programme supporting beginners through to international players. It combined coaching, fitness, course play and competitions, with opportunities for overseas tours and progression to university golf.

He also helped develop the school’s practice facilities and designed its Indoor Golf Centre, which opened in 2015. Partnerships with local golf clubs extended pupils’ access to courses and practice areas. Rick also established the Loretto Summer Golf Camps, combining coaching and golf with a residential camp experience.

Edinburgh Academy

In 2022, Rick became Edinburgh Academy’s first Head of Golf. He has integrated a golf programme within the school, creating a pathway from a first introduction to the game through to coaching and school competition.

The programme includes introductions through PE, coaching during the school day and after-school sessions in the EA Golf Centre. Pupils can develop their competitive experience through the school’s Order of Merit, inter-school foursomes matches and Swifts Schools Golf Tour events.

Coaching Experience & Qualifications

Scottish Women’s Team

Rick spent three years as National Competition Coach for the Scottish Women’s Team, focusing on team preparation, communication and performance in international competition.

Education & Professional Development

Rick holds a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science and Business from Brunel University and a master’s degree in Sports Coaching from the University of Birmingham. He trained at the San Diego Golf Academy, qualified as a PGA Professional and progressed to PGA Fellow Professional.

He was among the first seven PGA Professionals to achieve the UKCC Level 4 coaching qualification. This combination of practical experience and continued study informs his approach to developing young golfers.

Family History

Grandmother

Rick shares the same passion and love for the game as his Grandmother, Jessie Valentine. She was a Scottish Amateur golfer who won the British Ladies Amateur in 1937, 1955 and 1958. In 1937, after winning the British Ladies title at Turnberry she was the world number one ranking ladies golfer. In 1959, she was the first woman golfer to be appointed as an MBE for services to golf and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.   

Notable Wins

  • British Ladies Amateur - 1937, 1955, 1958

  • Scottish Ladies Amateur – 1938, 1939, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956

  • New Zealand Ladies – 1935

  • French Ladies - 1936

Team Appearances

  • Curtis Cup – 1936, 1938, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958

  • Vagliano Trophy – 1947, 1949, 1951, 1955

Father

Iain Valentine has been a long-time member of the R&A before being appointed as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association where he guided the progress of amateur golf in Hong Kong for ten years.

Great Grandfather

Joe Anderson was a professional and club maker. He was the professional at Craigie Hill Golf Club in Perth as well as Braemar Golf Club.