When you meet Lea Pouillard, Senior Coach at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates, you’re immediately struck by her warmth, energy, and calm authority. Whether she’s guiding a young junior through their first swing or fine-tuning a scratch player’s posture, Lea’s passion for golf is unmistakable – and infectious.
Her journey from the rolling countryside of northern France to one of Dubai’s most respected golf academies is a story of curiosity, courage, and relentless learning. As she puts it with her trademark smile: “Golf has been part of my life for so long – it’s not just a job, it’s who I am.”
FROM FAMILY FAIRWAYS TO FINDING HER PURPOSE
Lea’s love affair with golf began at the age of ten in France, when her father first placed a club in her hands. “My dad introduced me to golf – it was an amazing sport to enjoy as a family,” she says. “It built such a strong father-daughter connection.”
A naturally gifted all-round athlete, Lea played everything from tennis to horse riding, but golf stood out. “At around 15, I realised this was the sport I wanted to build my life around,” she recalls. “There was something about the precision, the rhythm, the individuality – it felt like home.”
Her early years were filled with friendly competition and family rounds. “I loved trying to beat my dad,” she laughs. “Back then it was all about fun, but once you go professional, everything changes. You start thinking about making a living, and that pressure can take away some of the joy.”
That transition from junior to professional brought its challenges. “It’s a totally different world,” she explains. “When you’re young, it’s about friends and fun. But when it becomes your livelihood, it can get very serious. Coaching helped me rediscover the joy. It reminded me why I fell in love with the game in the first place.”
It was during a junior training camp in northern France that her coaching spark was lit. “I joined one of the programmes for young players, and it just clicked,” she says. “Helping others learn and enjoy the game gave me a completely new sense of purpose. That’s when I knew – I wanted to teach.”
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
Lea’s professional training took her to Le Golf National, the home of the 2018 Ryder Cup and one of Europe’s most revered golf venues. “The PGA training in France takes place there – it’s an incredible environment,” she says. “The facilities are world-class, and you’re constantly surrounded by elite players and top coaches.”
That atmosphere shaped her approach to the game. “Watching the national teams train, seeing the precision of the coaches, and understanding how small adjustments create big results – it completely changed how I saw golf,” she explains. “You realise success isn’t accidental; it’s built through habits, structure, and attention to detail.”
Her education didn’t stop there. When she later moved to Dubai, Lea had the chance to learn from one of golf’s greatest minds – Pete Cowen. “Pete’s mindset is unbelievable,” she says. “He’s so precise and so curious. Everything he teaches comes from his own experience. He doesn’t just read theories – he experiments, tests, fails, and learns.”
She recalls one moment vividly. “We were in the bunker with him one day, and he suddenly said, ‘I’ve just worked it out.’ He’d been testing different techniques for hours – even on himself – until he found a solution. That’s Pete: relentless learning and total dedication. It’s inspired how I coach every day.”
DUBAI CALLING
In 2020, amid global uncertainty, Lea made the biggest move of her life. “I’d always wanted to live abroad and discover something new,” she says. “Then I met Stephen Hubner, who offered me the chance to come to Dubai just after COVID – or maybe even during it!” she laughs.
“It was such a great opportunity. I wanted to push myself, to grow as a coach and a person.”
Those first few months brought challenges – a new culture, a new climate, and a new language. “Coaching in English was tough at first,” she admits. “But it’s made me a better communicator. Every year, I feel more confident.”
Four years later, she’s one of the leading lights at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates – a venue that perfectly aligns with her philosophy of learning and joy. “The energy at TFA is so positive,” she says. “The facilities are world-class, and the environment encourages growth. Whether it’s juniors, ladies, or tour players, everyone’s motivated to improve.”
Her coaching philosophy blends solid fundamentals with enjoyment. “A good setup and posture are everything,” she says. “If your foundation is strong, your body can move efficiently and naturally. That’s what creates consistency. But golf should always be fun. You can work hard on your technique and still enjoy every second of it.”
For Lea, confidence is built one step at a time. “When a player hits a pure iron shot or finally makes that tricky chip, that small win creates momentum,” she explains. “My job is to help them stack those wins – and keep smiling while doing it.”
GROWING THE GAME – AND HERSELF
Lea’s passion extends far beyond the technical side of golf. She’s become a driving force in promoting women’s participation in the sport, particularly in the Middle East. “There are so many fantastic ladies’ programmes in Dubai,” she says. “At TFA, we offer both group classes and private lessons, with full access to the facilities. The idea is to make women feel confident enough to practice, play, and socialise.”
She knows that confidence can be the hardest hurdle for beginners. “Sometimes women are shy about going on the course,” she says. “But that’s where the fun starts! Go with friends, take it easy, and enjoy it. It’s not about perfection – it’s about participation.”
Her enthusiasm is just as strong when it comes to juniors. “They’re my favourite group to coach,” she says. “They’re honest, enthusiastic, and full of energy. Watching them grow each year – seeing them improve, win tournaments, and love the game even more – it’s incredibly rewarding.”
In her new role as Senior Coach at TFA, Lea’s responsibilities have expanded. “Now I help support the head coach and oversee various areas of the academy,” she says. “It’s exciting because I’m involved in both coaching and development. I want to help shape the academy’s future while continuing to grow as a professional.”
When asked what’s next, she smiles. “I’m always looking to learn more – new certifications, new methods, new challenges. The beauty of coaching is that it never stands still.”
Outside golf, Lea has another lifelong passion – horse riding. “It’s my escape,” she says. “When I’m riding, I’m not thinking about golf swings or training plans. It’s just me, the horse, and the moment. It brings balance – and that makes me a better coach.”
THE COACH, THE STUDENT, THE FAN
Despite her impressive career, Lea remains a student of the game herself. “There’s always something new to learn,” she says. “That’s what I love about golf – it’s endless.”
Her admiration for the sport’s greats keeps her inspired. “Rory McIlroy has been my hero since I was young – his swing is just beautiful,” she says. “And Nelly Korda? She’s the complete modern golfer: athletic, composed, confident. I love her mindset.”
Technology also plays a huge role in her coaching evolution. “The data we have now is unbelievable,” she says. “Launch monitors, swing capture – it’s like having a microscope for movement. It’s given coaches and players tools to understand things we could never see before.”
When asked who she’d choose as a dream caddy, Lea’s answer shows her sporting soul. “Lindsey Vonn,” she grins. “I’m a big ski fan and I’ve always admired her determination. She’s overcome so many setbacks and still comes back stronger. I think she’d bring amazing energy and focus to a round.”
And as for the toughest courses in the UAE? “Dubai Creek and the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates,” she replies without hesitation. “They’re completely different but equally demanding. You need to be creative, smart, and disciplined to play them well.”
With the DP World Tour Championship returning to JGE soon, Lea can’t wait. “It’s such an exciting time,” she says. “To be surrounded by the best players and coaches in the world, watching how they prepare and train – you learn so much from just observing. It’s a privilege.”
A COACH WHO CARES
At just 30, Lea Pouillard has already packed a lifetime of experience into her journey — from France’s national training grounds to Dubai’s elite academies. Yet what stands out most isn’t her résumé, but her authenticity.
“I want every player I work with to feel confident and inspired,” she says. “Golf should be challenging, but it should also be joyful. When someone walks away from a lesson smiling – that’s the best reward.”
Whether she’s helping a junior find their rhythm, encouraging a new lady golfer to take that first step, or observing Tour players fine-tune their craft, Lea embodies what modern coaching is all about: skill, empathy, and an unshakable love for the game.
As she puts it: “Golf has given me everything – friendships, lessons, opportunities. My goal is to give all of that back, one swing at a time.”
