Joanna Coe's Teaching-vs-Playing Balance Yields Return to ShopRite LPGA Classic, Site of 2011 LPGA Tour Debut
By Doug Milne
GALLOWAY, N.J. - When Mays Landing native and Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club Joanna Coe, saw something she liked recently, it gave her the urge to do something she liked.
The something she saw was the look, feel and result of her swing. The something she liked was the 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. After all, she made her LPGA Tour debut at the event in 2011. And, if she played her cards (clubs) right, she could Monday qualify into the event.
“It was a normal start to my Monday morning,” she said. “I got my baby up and ready and then drove to Atlantic City. I met Bruce, my long-time coach, and started warming up. I was kind of trending these last two weeks, playing pretty well. When warming up, he was like, ‘That looks good’. And, I was like, ‘Okay, then’”.
That resulted in successfully Monday qualifying and, ultimately, a spot into this week’s field for her first LPGA start in two years.
“I didn't plan for it. I didn't expect it at all,” she said. “I'm a PGA Professional, Director of Instruction at Merion, and had lessons completely booked for the rest of the week. But, I am playing in the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in a couple weeks, so I thought I should probably play against some women. So, I signed up on a whim. This course is special to me. I grew up here, so I know it extremely well. It's really special to get in the field.”
Her 3-under 68 at the Bay Course at Seaview was what got her in. The attention then turned to this week’s event and chances for a strong finish.
“The player side, I can do it,” she said. “There were women in that Monday field trying to play. I'm not actually trying to play for a living anymore, so it's cool to still have the physical attributes to hang and compete with those women. I just want to bring a similar mindset that I did on Monday and see what I can do. I always find it a fun challenge. I love competitive golf. It's a high to show up in these things. To hit a couple of good shots and make a little bit of noise would be fun, too.”
Noise and fun have largely defined Coe’s life of late – in all fun ways.
“I was very large one year ago today. My daughter was born June 14th, so we’re coming up on her one-year birthday,” Joanna said. “It has been a very special year. Last summer was a very different summer for me. But, with Jenny and my husband, the ride has been incredible. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but it's so satisfying to see how she's developed. She just loves me so much. It's adorable. Every morning, there’s a big smile on her face. It's amazing joy. It's been so much fun, and I know we have a lot more to experience with her and milestones to achieve. Yeah, it's been the best year.”
The Bay Course at Seaview has come to mean a lot to Coe over the years. Returning 14 years after her LPGA Tour debut to play as a Monday qualifier leaves her mind hung up in the proverbial wind.
“I've shot 68 and 86 here,” Joanna laughed. “This place has brought some amazing memories and some of the most difficult golf course moments of my life. I wish I had the experience and the maturity that I have now back when I made my pro debut here.”
And the wisdom the 2025 Coe would bestow upon that 2011 Coe?
“I would say just care less and to not escalate everything into a big deal,” she said. “When I care less and have fun, I play better. Back then, it was like, ‘All right, this is my livelihood and I'm going to play professional golf and I'm going to make this a big deal’. Then, I didn't swing freely the entire weekend. If you don't swing freely, you can't play golf.”
Sounds like a teacher talking. With what’s a well-balanced, win-win setup these days, the teaching-pro Coe has proven to be an invaluable asset to the LPGA-pro Coe.
“I would say it brings clarity to all aspects of my game,” Joanna said. “I better understand how to execute and hit golf shots and how to create different ball flights, trajectories and short game strategies. I'm going to try to compete as hard as I can. I think the true Joanna Coe can get it done. The teaching side has brought stability and happiness to my life. I'm so happy with everything I'm doing at Merion and at home with golf. So, this is a bonus for me.”
It’s also a bonus for those under her instruction as a PGA professional. These days, Coe is elated to be playing the game, as well as growing it.
“We are the folks that help people have fun with it,” Joanna explained. “We have a significant role I take very seriously. I had a lesson yesterday with a woman who said she had never touched a golf club before. She was, like, ‘Oh, you probably don't want to teach people like me’.
Those are my favorite lessons to give. Let's go! She had a blast. At the end of the day, that's what it's about; inspiring players, whether it's the next generation or your 65-year-old that has never touched a golf club before. It’s really fun for everyone. And, specifically this week, it would be fun for me to hit a couple good shots, too.”
