St Andrews Links Golf Academy has strengthened its coaching team with the addition of two new members of staff.

St Andrews-born Mike Kinloch returns to his home town from the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, while Kevin Hale makes the journey north from Ryder Cup venue The Belfry.

"I am thrilled to welcome two such experienced and knowledgeable people to St Andrews," said director of instruction Steve North. "I am committed to bringing the best possible coaching to the Home of Golf, and in Mike and Kevin I have two more excellent members of the team who can improve the performance of golfers at all levels of the game."

Hale spent seven years at The Belfry, which is home to the PGA National Golf Academy. While still a junior golfer, Kevin won the Staffordshire County Championship and he later turned professional. His coaching expertise has enabled international players to achieve greater levels of performance, and helped to strengthen the competitiveness of county squads. Kevin also has experience of running corporate clinics.

"With its combination of leading edge technology and traditional teaching skills, the academy is already one of the finest in Europe," said Hale. "I am delighted to make a contribution to its continuing success."