Ali Orchard has officially taken over the reins from Mark Gibson at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, marking a new chapter for the teaching facility now known as Ali Orchard Golf Performance. The transition follows a four-year mentorship under Gibson at his Exceptional Golf teaching facility.
Orchard acknowledged that her first day felt unusual due to her long-standing connection with Gibson, who had coached her father during his junior years. Despite the change in leadership, Gibson’s coaching schedule remained full on day one, much to Orchard’s appreciation.
“He’s obviously got a really strong client base that he still wants to look after and take care of,” Orchard remarked about Gibson’s commitment.
Gibson, 67 and a Life Member of the PGA of Australia, emphasized that he is not retiring but is stepping back from managing the facility he built over 19 years. He believes Orchard is ideally suited for this role. “I needed someone who was smart, good coach, business minded, professional, respected and with a growing profile,” said Gibson.
Orchard comes from a golfing family; her father Paul Orchard is also a PGA Professional. She completed her Sports Management Diploma at the PGA International Golf Institute where she was mentored by Gibson. This relationship has bolstered her professional development and prepared her for this new opportunity.
Reflecting on their relationship, Orchard said she always felt comfortable around Gibson despite admiring him immensely: “More than anything, he’ll always be a role model or a mentor.”
As part of her vision for Ali Orchard Golf Performance, she aims to continue developing elite players and juniors while increasing women’s participation in golf. The coaching team includes Nancy Harvey, Colin Edwards, and Douglas Chow.
“What excites me most about this next phase is helping everyone be the best version of themselves,” Orchard explained regarding highlighting coaches’ individual strengths.
Gibson praised Orchard’s potential impact on Australian golf: “To get more women professionals, you’ve got to have more women golfers.” He noted that many women aged 25-35 are among those coached by Orchard.
Regarding their working arrangement so far: “Ali’s empathy for people will make her a great boss,” commented Gibson positively about their collaboration thus far without any conflicts.
Currently recruiting for additional teaching staff at RACV Royal Pines Resort reflects an ongoing expansion under Orchard’s leadership.
