At just 17 years old, Naomi Willans is already taking on roles that would be an achievement for many much older golfers.
As well as serving as junior club captain at Astbury Golf Club, she is also representing the county as Cheshire captain, all while preparing to head off to university.
Naomi’s golfing career has developed rapidly in recent years, helped by the coaching of Astbury professional Matt Dixon, and she has developed a reputation for being a formidable player, particularly off the tee.
Her approach to the game is remarkably composed for someone still only 17.
When she finds herself standing on the first tee with all eyes on her, she concentrates on her swing feels, focusing on achieving the ball flight and contact she is looking for rather than the spectators.
There is, however, one important piece of preparation that Naomi is not prepared to leave to chance. Tucked somewhere in her golf bag is her lucky snack – a KitKat.
One of the moments that helped convince her that she really could become a good golfer came in 2024, when she won the Astbury Golf Club mixed knockout.
The success gave her the confidence and belief that she could get her handicap down to single figures, and her progress since then has continued.
She said that her driving was what most often impressed people, and it is an important weapon in her game.
Her knowledge of Astbury’s course is also impressive. She considers the 18th one of the trickiest holes, thanks largely to the oak tree sitting in the middle of the fairway.
Her strategy is to aim down the left before drawing the ball into the gap between the trees on the left and the oak tree, leaving a clear shot at the green and improving her chances of making par.
Away from the course, Naomi is enjoying life as a typical 17-year-old. She has recently completed her A-levels at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College, studying geography, product design and PE, and is now going to study geography at Loughborough University.
She also encourages other young girls to take up the sport and is keen to challenge the idea that golf is somehow an older man’s game.
She said: “Girls are just as capable of playing, and success isn’t purely about how far you can hit the ball.
“Consistency and a strong short game can be just as important.”
She pointed out that golf brought opportunities to play “wonderful courses” around the country and the world while making friends for life along the way.
She is also proud of her home club and has plenty to say when other young players ask what makes Astbury special. Her answer is that the course is always in great condition, with fast greens, while the club itself boasts plenty of talented golfers with low single-figure and plus handicaps.
She said she preferred the modern golfing look, but admitted that she still appreciates the classic “Pringle jumper”.
When it comes to her dream fourball, Naomi has assembled a formidable group: Nelly Korda, Rory McIlroy and Nick Faldo.
Looking ahead, she said she would love to be a scratch golfer and still representing Cheshire Ladies.
For now, however, she is combining a promising golfing career with university plans and the normal challenges of being 17.
