Ruby Watt
Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services
HND Sports Coaching & Development
“College was the best thing. If I had stayed on at school and not come here, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
Talented golfer Ruby balanced studying at NESCol with competitions and training and is now preparing for a career in golf coaching.
18-year-old Ruby Watt has been playing golf for seven years. She was introduced to the sport by her dad, who loves playing (and watching) as much golf as he can.
Ruby started playing in amateur competitions while she was still at school.
She said, “I didn’t enjoy school. I’m a questions person, but I would get in trouble for asking so many. I left as soon as I could, but I had to continue my education as I was so young.”
With the approval of her headteacher, Ruby completed her exams in fourth year and came straight to NESCol when she was 15.
She said, “College was the best thing. If I had stayed on at school and not come here, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
Studying sports coaching
Ruby first completed the Advanced Sport Coaching, Fitness & Exercise course before moving on to HND Sports Coaching & Development.
She thrived in the College learning environment – despite there not being many golf opportunities!
She said, “We only played golf properly once during my time at NESCol, and it was the best day ever! I got to show the students who doubted me what I could do.”
One Ruby’s favourite aspect of her HND was the placements.
She said, “The placements were really good. The first year, I spent nine weeks at the Sports Village running multisport afterschool clubs for kids. The second year, I spent coaching golf to kids.”
Student athlete
Ruby was incredibly busy during her time at NESCol, participating in 17 competitions in Year 1 and 10 in Year 2 of her HND. Ruby received a Winning Students 100 scholarship last year to help with the costs associated with competitions.
Although she was organised with managing her coursework and golfing commitments, she appreciated the flexibility and support she received from her lecturers.
She said, “The teaching and support from lecturers couldn’t have been better, and I got on really well with them. I didn’t get on well with teachers at school, and I expected to come to College and it to be the same – but it wasn’t at all.
“I’m sad to leave College and not see my lecturers anymore. They were really good with competitions and gave me time off, which made things easier. Some of them also had an interest in golf.”
One of Ruby’s highlights of the past few years was representing NESCol at the BUCS Scottish Student Sport Championships. The annual competition sees top student golfers from universities and colleges across Scotland compete at the Moray Golf Club.
She said, “I didn’t play so well the first year, but this year I came third. I should have come first as I was leading for most of the competition!”
Golf career
Ruby graduated with her HND at the Music Hall in Aberdeen on 7 October 2025, achieving two A grades in her course!
She has already started studying the 3-year Professional Golf PGA DipHE through the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI).
She said, “The first year of the PGA programme is similar to what we covered in the HND at College, and using software I’m already familiar with.”
As this qualification requires employment at a golf facility, Ruby is currently working full-time at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre. The course is mostly delivered virtually, but each year, the students attend a residency at the Belfry in Birmingham.
Ruby is also taking the next step with competitive golf. Now that she is a PGA Trainee, she will be competing in professional women’s competitions next season.
Ruby’s ultimate career goal is to run her own business coaching golf.
She said, “I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. I like the idea of moving to London, but you can coach anywhere.
“I also considered one day building a facility in Aberdeen where you can golf indoors during the winter months, and I could coach from there. We get such bad winters up here, so there are limited practice opportunities.”
Ruby’s dad has been one of her biggest supporters, helping manage the logistics of her golf career.
She said, “I’ve said to dad I would employ him – but I would make him work!”
Advice for students
Ruby advises students on sport and fitness courses to “try everything.”
She said, “Don’t sit out and not take part in certain sports, especially if you haven’t played much sport before. We did some sports I never would’ve played before, but I really enjoyed them.
“It is helpful to have a sport you’re passionate about and have knowledge of for assessments. Many of my assessments had a golf focus, and with my knowledge, it made it easier to write and research.”
Study Sport and Fitness at NESCol
NESCol has links to sport and fitness organisations, giving you the chance to gain experience and first-hand insight into these rewarding careers.