Nicole James appointed President of WPGA Tour of Australasia

The WPGA Tour of Australasia has today announced Nicole James as its new President, following her appointment at last month’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

A long-time Tour member, former tournament professional and proud Vocational Member of the PGA of Australia, James brings broad experience across playing, coaching, tournament operations, golf development and club leadership.

She is currently General Manager of Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club on the New South Wales-Queensland border, and has held roles across coaching, golf development, tournament delivery and club operations.

In 2025, James was one of the first women appointed to the PGA of Australia’s Vocational Members Council (VMC), elected by her fellow PGA Professionals to represent their interests to the PGA Board.

James succeeds Julia Boland, who did not seek re-election after serving as WPGA Tour of Australasia President since 2018. The change took effect immediately after last month’s AGM.

“I’m honoured and excited to step into the role of President at such an important time for the WPGA Tour of Australasia,” James said.

“My focus is on our members – listening, advocating and helping create more opportunities for them to compete, develop and thrive.

“Julia has given the Tour exceptional leadership over many years and I want to acknowledge the strong platform she has helped build. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on the board under Julia’s leadership and I endeavour to bring the same dedication and passion to the role.

“I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, CEO Karen Lunn, the PGA of Australia team and our major stakeholders as we continue to support our members and build the future of the Tour.”

WPGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Officer Karen Lunn said James’ appointment was an exciting next step for the Tour, while paying tribute to Boland’s contribution as President.

“Nicole’s career has touched almost every part of the game – as a player, PGA Professional, coach, administrator, club leader and advocate for women in golf – and that perspective will be enormously valuable as President,” said Lunn.

“She understands our members, she understands the opportunities in front of women’s professional golf, and she brings a genuine passion for creating pathways for players to compete, develop and thrive.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Nicole, the Board and the PGA of Australia as we continue to build momentum for the Tour and our members.

“I also want to sincerely thank Julia Boland for her outstanding leadership as President over the past eight years.

“Julia has led with courage, care and great integrity through one of the most important periods in the Tour’s history. She has been a wonderful ambassador for our members and for women’s professional golf, and the WPGA Tour is stronger because of her service.”

James will lead a Board that includes Vice-President Jessica Dengate, Member Directors Bree Arthur and Cathryn Bristow, and Non-Executive Directors Sam Squiers and Trefor Clayton.

The PGA of Australia continues to operate the WPGA Tour of Australasia under a service agreement, with Lunn sitting on the PGA of Australia executive team while reporting directly to James and the Board.