About Leslie Cloots | Top Golf Coach in North Carolina
Hi! I'm Leslie Cloots – a golf coach and former tour professional based in Raleigh, NC. Golf has been a cornerstone of my life, and am excited to share my knowledge and experience to help golfers of all levels unlock their potential through golf lessons and golf coaching in the Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Whether you are new to golf, getting ready for your next event, or simply wanting to get the most out of your practice sessions, I'm here to help you achieve your goals. Thanks for visiting my page!
My Journey
I was born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium, a port city and the diamond capital of the world where hometown pride runs deep. My golf journey began at age 10 at Ternesse Golf & Country Club, where my parents and I spent weekends playing together. What started as a family pastime quickly turned into a competitive pursuit.
Unlike in the U.S., organized youth sports are not part of the Belgian education system, so my athletic pursuits were mostly self-driven. I’ve always loved sports—especially anything involving a ball—but golf happened to be the one I got exposed to competitively, and I just kept on going with it. By age 13, I was competing on regional and national teams and traveling across Europe for international junior and amateur tournaments.
Much of my growth as a junior golfer was made possible by the support of Golf Vlaanderen and the Royal Belgian Golf Federation. Their efforts in talent development allowed me to dream big and ask myself, How good can I get?
After graduating high school, I set my sights on collegiate golf in the United States. I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2013-2017). Balancing life as a student-athlete, I led the UNC Women’s Golf Team for three consecutive years in scoring average, while graduating from the Kenan-Flagler Business School. My time at UNC shaped me as both a golfer and a person, and will forever be grateful for the opportunity. Go Heels!
Turning Pro
I officially turned professional the day upon graduation, and embarked on a five-year journey on the LPGA Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour for the LPGA Tour. Those years were a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and experiences, including one LPGA Tour start at Lake Merced where I missed the cut by a single stroke.
Life on tour taught me resilience and persistence, deepening my respect for the pursuit. While I still cherish the thrill of competing, my time as a touring professional also underscored the critical role of support.
Why I Coach
Golf is more than just a sport—I see it as a lifelong journey of learning and building connections. My teaching philosophy is built on two core values:
Learning: I strive to create a supportive environment where players feel confident taking risks, learning from mistakes, and celebrating progress. Every lesson is tailored to the unique needs and goals of my students, whether they’re beginners or seasoned competitors. When you focus on results, you won’t change. When you focus on change, results will come. The first step to change is learning.
Community: Every program I offer I strive for players to feel inspired and excited to learn from others. I’m committed to fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie on the golf course and building spaces where players of all ages and backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Teaching gives me the chance to share my passion for golf while helping to grow the next generation of players. Watching my students build confidence, overcome challenges, and develop new friendships along the way is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I get to do.
Where I Coach
I offer golf lessons at two fantastic locations in North Carolina: Inside Golf in Raleigh and Finley Golf Club in Chapel Hill. I also offer online lessons through video submissions or live video calls.
Inside Golf
Inside Golf in Raleigh is a premier indoor golf facility located next to the State Fairgrounds. As a Next Golf Tour competitor, I personally train here, utilizing three Trackman bays and a PuttView putting green in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
State-of-the-art technology, including Trackman data and comprehensive video analysis, enables year-round swing mechanics training and progress tracking, regardless of daylight and weather conditions. This data-driven approach allows golfers to focus on technical improvements and develop long-term consistency in their game.
Inside Golf offers a modern, supportive space where players can refine their skills with precision and depth, bridging the gap between indoor training and on-course performance. I have been giving golf lessons at Inside Golf since opening in February 2023.
PS: If you are considering building a simulator at home make sure to check out Inside Golf Designs.
Finley Golf Club
Nestled on the University of North Carolina campus, Finley Golf Course stands as a premier collegiate golf destination. Home to UNC's men's and women's golf teams, this world-class public course recently underwent a transformative redesign by Love Golf Design in 2023.
Golfers of all levels—yes, even Duke fans—will find an exceptional playing experience among towering pines, strategic bunkers, and meticulously contoured greens. Six versatile tee sets and hybrid options provide tailored challenges for learning and competitive play.
The facility's comprehensive training spaces include an expansive grass driving range, advanced short game area, and two putting greens featuring "The Heel," an innovative 18-hole putting course.
At Finley Golf Club, we can focus on every aspect of your game, from course management to sharpening your short-game skills, refining full-swing mechanics, and receiving real-time feedback through playing lessons. This versatile approach, combined with Finley's world-class facilities and inspiring atmosphere, makes it a premier destination for golf lessons and coaching.
Throughout my college career I got to train and compete at Finley Golf Club and am happy to be back as an instructor on the public side since reopening in October 2023.
Online Golf Coaching
Designed for busy professionals, competitive players, and junior golfers, my online golf coaching provides flexible, expert guidance through video submissions, live calls, and customized practice plans.
You'll receive targeted instruction and consistent progress tracking that adapts to your lifestyle and ambitions regardless of your location or schedule.
This remote training approach ensures personalized skill development and a path to own your golf game, utilizing the latest technology combined with coaching insights to help you achieve your goals.
Whether you’re refining your technique or aiming for specific performances, online coaching ensures consistent progress, without the hassle of traveling or scheduling in-person sessions.
For my in-person students, I utilize online coaching to offer 24/7 support between our sessions to ensure clarity and progress, it’s included in my innovative and signature offering of the Monthly Plans.
Who I Coach
I specialize in golf instruction that transforms players across every stage of their athletic journey, crafting personalized pathways to excellence:
Beginners: Establish a rock-solid foundation through meticulously designed private lessons and strategic small group programming like Golf 101, turning fundamental uncertainties into confident swings.
Adult Amateurs: Obliterate performance plateaus with targeted coaching that turns your potential into achievement—from breaking 100 to claiming your parking spot as club champion!
Junior Golfers: Develop a well-rounded game to achieve your goal—technical precision, competitive strategy, and mental resilience—whether preparing for your first tournament, high school team tryouts, collegiate recruitment, or professional dreams.
PGA / LPGA Professionals: Navigate your game through the Playing Ability Test (PAT), providing strategic support to advance your professional golf career.
Touring Professionals: Integrate an experienced mentor into your support system, offering insights that can give you the essentials and competitive edge to compete at golf's highest level.
Certifications
As a dual PGA and LPGA Class A Professional, my credentials represent involvement and commitment to the golf industry. These certifications are more than a few letters behind your name—they're a promise of an unwavering dedication and professional excellence.
My Roles in Junior Golf
My commitment to growing golf among young players had evolved in taking on two pivotal leadership roles that create transformative opportunities for junior golfers:
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf - Triangle
As the Site Director, I lead initiatives designed to inspire and empower young girls to play golf. Our events create a girl-friendly environment where players can develop new friendships, leadership skills, athletic confidence, and a genuine love for the game.
Our mission for LPGA*USGA Girls Golf - Triangle is to introduce as many girls to the game as possible, while building a complete program to discover and pursue their ambitions in golf.
U.S. Kids Raleigh Local Tour
Serving as the Local Tour Director, I curate and execute tournaments that provide junior golfers with a dynamic, supportive, and competitive environment. With age-appropriate course layouts and a nurturing atmosphere, the U.S. Kids Raleigh Local Tour offers an ideal platform for young golfers. These one-day tournaments provide a foundational experience for competitive development.
Let’s Chat
Visit the Coaching tab to learn more about my services, availability, and how I can help you. Whether you're preparing for your next event, chasing professional dreams, or simply looking to enjoy golf more, I'd love to be part of your journey.
Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to meeting you!
– Leslie Cloots, PGA, LPGA
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