Former WA Open and WA Amateur champion Ollie Goss has joined the GolfWA state coaching set-up.
Goss will take over coaching for WA’s Men and Boys’ State squads for 2025, while Jess Speechley will continue in her role overseeing the Women and Girls’ squads.
Having come through the GolfWA system as a junior, 30-year-old Goss says he’s relishing the opportunity help the state’s rising stars achieve their potential.
“Looking at the players we have available to us, they have the potential to do really, really well,” Goss told GolfWA. “I’m keen to get to know the players and bring them together to create a strong team environment.
“I’m also really looking forward to working with Jess. We grew up playing junior and amateur golf together and both played state golf for WA and she did a great job with the girls and women this year.”
The Royal Fremantle-based coach already has a number of top amateurs on his books and has experience of working with GolfWA to deliver the Talent Development Program. Nevertheless, he acknowledges his new role will be a stern test of his credentials.
“It’s going to be a big learning experience for me,” he added. “I’ve been part of the system as a player, but this is my first time coaching at state level, so I’ll be looking to improve as much as I can as a coach to help the players achieve success.”
In terms of his ambitions for the players under his tutelage, Goss made a simple statement of intent. “I want us to go out there and kick some butt,” he said. “With the calibre of players we have, we’ve got to be looking beyond just giving it a go.”
Marc Pike, GolfWA’s Game Development & Performance Manager, welcomed Goss’s appointment, saying: “Ollie comes with huge pedigree as an athlete and possesses a formidable passion to support athletes as a coach.
“His playing experiences, knowledge as a coach, and hunger to challenge athletes in all areas of their game will be massive assets to the GolfWA program.”
WA’s Women and Girls coach Jess Speechley (left) at the 2024 Junior Interstate Teams Matches
Pike also paid tribute to Craig Bishop, who coached WA’s Men and Boys’ squads in 2024 before emigrating to Canada in spring.
“Along with Jess, Craig has had a significant impact on culture and performance in our squads and teams. We wish him all the best in Canada, and we’re excited to see Jess and Ollie team up to create an environment our athletes can continue to thrive in.”
The GolfWA State Squads will be announced later this week, with selected players being in pole position to represent WA in the Interstate Teams Matches in April (Juniors) and May (Open-age).
There’s an added incentive for WA players, with the Open-age Interstate Series taking place on home soil at Melville Glades Golf Club from May 7-9.
Keep up to date with the latest elite golf news in GolfWA’s news section and on our Facebook and Instagram feeds.
