Natalie Nicole Holland hails from Birmingham and was raised in Bessemer, Alabama, affectionately known as The Marvel City. Natalie treasures her hometown, a nurturing community renowned for producing and influencing remarkable artists and athletes like Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams of The Temptations, Diana Ross, Bo Jackson, and Natalie’s brother, actor Andre Holland.
Natalie currently resides in Marietta, Georgia, a charming area just outside Atlanta. Marietta’s resemblance to her hometown and its abundance of golf courses make it an ideal place for her. It’s also where she met her fiancé, PGA Professional Khary Mitchell, turning Marietta into her happy place. Its proximity to her hometown allows her to visit Bessemer easily whenever she feels the urge.
Educationally, Natalie attended the University of Montevallo for two years, playing college golf, before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). At UAB, she earned a degree in Political Science and History, marking the start of her multifaceted career.
Natalie is a proud mother to her 17-year-old son, Kameron, a rising senior. Kameron, an honor student with a love for chess, wrestling, and track and field, aspires to be an engineer. Though not as avid a golfer as his mother, Kameron can still hit the ball like her, showcasing their shared talent.
Professionally, Natalie’s journey took a turn when she relocated to Georgia. Initially working in sales management at a high-end boutique in Buckhead, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her career. During this time, her brother introduced her to the entertainment industry, leading her to join Harper Road Films as his Executive Assistant. This shift allowed Natalie to reconnect with her passion for golf.
“I have been fortunate to have some incredible experiences from playing alongside Tiger Woods to playing at some of the world’s most exclusive courses. I don’t take any of it for granted and I intend to share my experiences with others to inspire them to dream big,” said Natalie.
Natalie reached out to Tiffany Mack Fitzgerald of Black Girls Golf, volunteering at her golf clinics. This relationship blossomed into a new career venture as Black Girls Golf Program Coordinator. Additionally, she founded her own business, Natalie Holland Signature Golf, offering individual and group lessons.
Natalie’s employment with Black Girls Golf (BGG) has been just under a year. Her dedication to golf is reflected in her accomplishments, including achieving LPGA Class A Professional status. This milestone was a personal and professional goal, allowing her to leverage her expertise for organizations like BGG and inspire women of color in the industry.
Her journey to LPGA Class A Professional status coincided with her father’s battle with prostate cancer, making it a deeply personal achievement. Natalie’s father, a significant influence in her love for golf, passed away, but his legacy continues to inspire her. Her father’s support and encouragement were instrumental in her success.
Natalie is proud of being a single mother who has defied the odds, chased her dreams at 40, and become a role model for women and girls. She emphasizes that no dream is too big or out of reach. Her authenticity, humility, and gratitude shine through in her professional demeanor, making her accessible and relatable to those she teaches.
Her golf journey began at age 10 in her backyard in Bessemer. Her father, Donald Holland, introduced her to the game with a set of golf clubs he had received. “He was given a set of golf clubs from my Aunt that sat untouched for months. One day he decided to pick them up and start trying to teach himself how to use them,” Natalie recalls. “He purchased a chipping basket and a hitting net in the back yard and spent hours trying to figure it out. One day he put the club in my hand, showed me the grip and swing and the first shot I made went into his chipping basket that he had been trying to successfully hit for days. That was the beginning of my introduction to golf and the rest is history.
Natalie’s natural talent was evident when her first shot landed in the chipping basket her father had struggled to hit. This moment marked the beginning of her lifelong passion for golf. “I pride myself in always showing up as my authentic self. I am incredibly humble, blessed and grateful for every opportunity that has presented itself,” said Natalie.
Natalie chose a career in golf because it never feels like work. She loves the game, the people she meets, and the opportunities it provides. Her drive to be a visible representation of Black women in golf motivates her to utilize her talents to inspire others.
“Obtaining this certification was much bigger than me….There are less than 30 women of color that are Class A Professionals in the world and I am honored to be a part of that number,” said Natalie. “It is my hope that the numbers will increase significantly in the future and we see more representation. In an industry where so few people of color are represented it was important for me to complete the requirements so that younger women and girls could see themselves positively represented in spaces where they absolutely belong.”
She is an active participant in the Veterans Golf Association, and a member of the LPGA Professionals. Natalie is continually seeking new opportunities to contribute, including coaching with The First Tee.
With a golf handicap of 8.5, Natalie’s skills are impressive, but it’s her dedication to representation and inspiration that truly sets her apart. Natalie is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of representation in golf. Her journey from a young girl in Bessemer, Alabama to a celebrated golf professional and advocate is a source of inspiration for many. Stay connected with Natalie at NatalieHollandGolf.com
