Coughlin strikes deal as Keswick Hall’s touring pro

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Charlottesville’s LPGA sensation Lauren Coughlin, officially has a golf home, striking a deal with Keswick Hall as its official touring professional.

Coughlin, who starred at UVA before joining the LPGA Tour in 2018, is coming off the best season of her career, claiming victories at the CPKC Women’s Open, the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and was a key contributor to the United States’ Solheim Cup victory at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club at Lake Manassas in November. She is opening the 2025 season at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions this week, positioned at No. 15 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

“Full Cry at Keswick Hall is the best golf course in Virginia and this partnership is something I’ve wanted for a long time,” Coughlin said. “To be able to officially call Keswick Hall my home club in Charlottesville is really exciting. The city means so much to me and my husband (John Pond, a former UVA football player and who serves as a part-time caddy for Coughlin). We are a team on and off the course and Keswick Hall recognizes our values, which makes the relationship even more special.”

Keswick’s owners, Molly and Robert Hardie, are excited about the deal as well.

“This partnership underscores Keswick Hall’s commitment to excellence and our position as a premier U.S. golf resort destination,” the Hardies said in a joint statement. “Lauren is a fantastic person and it’s a joy to partner with one of the best golfers to ever come out of the University of Virginia.”

“I’ve known Lauren since she started at UVA and she is a first-class human being who showcases such poise and grace in her daily life, one and off the course,” said Rob McNamara, director of golf at Keswick Hall. “She is a wonderful addition to our Keswick Hall family and we look forward to this fantastic partnership.”