She grew up playing junior golf Royal Portrush and at Gracehill Golf Club.
Charlene attended Pfeiffer University in North Carolina, USA on a golf scholarship where she represented the Lady Falcons at every tournament for 8 seasons (4 years). In her Junior year she won her conference tournament and was named Conference Carolinas MVP. Then in her Senior Year she was runner up at the NCAA Nationals 2009 and named as an All American for her golfing achievements.
Charlene graduated in 2009 with a degree in Sports Management and a Minor in Business. She then returned home from the USA and played Amateur golf at International Level for three consecutive years, representing Ireland at the European Team Championships and Home Internationals from 2009-2011.
She became a Professional in September 2012. Charlene primarily concentrates on the Junior Coaching at the club and coordinates many camps throughout the year.
Sam joined the Professional Team at Royal Portrush Golf Club in May 2017 where she will continue her PGA studies and help develop our junior coaching programmes.
She was introduced to golf by her Grandfather at the age of 11 and began golfing at Aberdour Golf Club in Fife, Scotland. During her time as a junior she was part of the Fife County Team, East of Scotland Team and The Scottish Junior Academy Squad.
Before deciding to join the PGA, Sam attended the University of the Highlands and Islands where she graduated with a BA (Hons) Golf Managment and represented the university golf team.
In 2012, Sam began her golf career in the Professional Shop at Royal Dornoch Golf Club and continued for a second season working within the Golf Operations Department.
She then joined the team at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland in 2014 where she worked within the Professional Shop and Golf Operations Department.
In 2015, Sam embarked upon her training as a PGA Assistant Professional at Cruden Bay Golf Club where she was a vital member of the Professional team, overseeing the Caddy Master Programme before deciding to venture to Royal Portrush.
Alan Dunbar (Trainee PGA Assistant Professional)
Alan Dunbar is native to the area and grew up playing golf at Rathmore Golf Club which is an associate of Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Alan had a very successful amateur career winning many prestigious events such as the St Andrews Links Trophy in 2009, the Irish Open Amateur in 2010, and the Amateur Championship in June 2012. His victory in the Amateur Championship gave him an exemption to the Majors. He played in the 141st Open Championship and 2013 Masters.
Alan played a vital role in the 2011 GB&I Walker Cup team where they beat USA 14-12.
He turned professional in 2013 and made his professional debut at the Challenge de Madrid. He played Challenge Tour and Euro Pro for 5 years before deciding to change his career path. Alan joined Elm Park Golf Club in 2017 as Assistant Professional where he would embark on his PGA Qualifications.
Alan joined the Professional team at Royal Portrush in March 2020. He enjoys coaching players of all abilities.