James Appointed President of WPGA Tour of Australasia
The WPGA Tour of Australasia has announced the appointment of Nicole James as its new President, following an election at the organization’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).
James, a long-time Tour member, former tournament professional, and Vocational Member of the PGA of Australia, brings a background spanning playing, coaching, tournament operations, golf development, and club leadership to the role. She currently serves as the General Manager of the Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club, located on the New South Wales-Queensland border.
James succeeds Julia Boland, who did not seek re-election after serving as President since 2018. The leadership transition took effect immediately following the AGM.
Career Background and Governance Experience
In addition to her club management and operational background, James was elected by her peers in 2025 as one of the first women appointed to the PGA of Australia’s Vocational Members Council (VMC), representing member interests to the PGA Board.
“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.”
James also acknowledged her predecessor’s tenure. “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.”
Executive and Leadership Tributes
WPGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Officer Karen Lunn welcomed the appointment while acknowledging Boland’s eight-year contribution to the organization.
“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,” Lunn said. “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.”
Commenting on the departure of the former President, Lunn added, “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.”
Board Composition and Operational Structure
James will lead a governing board consisting of:
- Vice-President: Jessica Dengate
- Member Directors: Bree Arthur and Cathryn Bristow
- Non-Executive Directors: Sam Squiers and Trefor Clayton
Operationally, the PGA of Australia continues to run the WPGA Tour of Australasia under a formal service agreement. Under this arrangement, CEO Karen Lunn sits on the PGA of Australia executive team while reporting directly to James and the WPGA Tour Board.
Source: GOLF.COM.AU
