A GIFTED teenage golfer with a flair for fine art and textiles has accepted a place at one of the top art schools in America and an offer to join its esteemed women’s golf team.
Club and county golf champion Lucy Nimmo, from Durham, will join Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), in Georgia, this September to complete her A Levels in Fine Art, Textiles and Sport Science at Durham High School.
The 17-year-old, who first picked up a golf club at the age of four and has been named Ladies Champion at Chester-le-Street Golf Club for the past three years, will follow in the footsteps of her brother William Nimmo, a professional golfer who graduated from SCAD in 2021.
Durham High School’s Head of Art Jenni Sneddon-Brown and art teacher Janet Sutcliffe supported Lucy with her college application, and she was at school when she received the email from SCAD offering her a coveted place.
“There was no better place to receive this news than in the art room surrounded by the staff and students who had supported me through the entire process,” said the Upper Sixth student, who has attended the all-girls independent school on South Road, in Durham, since the age of three.
“I am thrilled about this new challenge and grateful for the opportunity, as it will allow me to explore a new place and expand my horizons.”
Lucy played golf for Chester-le-Street Junior team for seven years. She captained the team in 2022 when it won county honours and represented England at U18 level.
Renowned golf coach Andrew Nicholson teaches Lucy at The Wynyard Club and she has worked with sports psychologist Gordon Morrison to enhance her overall game. She trains or plays at least five days a week around her studies.
Chris Kamys, the Head Coach of the men’s and women’s golf teams at SCAD, followed Lucy’s performance and development before offering her the opportunity to become a ‘SCAD BEE’ and represent the Savannah campus in the sport. The college is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily competing in Florida’s Sun Conference.
Lucy hopes to pursue a career as a professional golfer or a future in art and design. She credits her school for giving her the confidence to dream big. “Throughout my years at Durham High, I have received unwavering support through my academics and golfing pursuits,” she said.
“I am looking forward to the journey ahead and I hope to learn and grow as much as possible over the next four years.”
Mrs Sneddon-Brown praised Lucy’s hard work.
She said: “Lucy has shown such determination and dedication to her studies throughout her time with us. She is the example of what hard work and practice can achieve, but most importantly, she is a wonderful soul who deserves every success in all areas of her talent. We are immensely proud of her and the artist she has become.”
Headmistress Michelle Hill said Lucy’s focus, both on the golf course and in the school’s extensive art department, was admirable.
She said: “Lucy has shown such dedication to a sport that she not only loves but excels at, while putting every effort into honing her artistic talents in the classroom. She truly is an inspiration to her peers.”
