COACH CLUB
New Hampshire's Premier Golf Facility
Despite New Hampshire’s challenging winters—when snow blankets the landscape for months—golf maintains a robust following throughout the state. Amidst this harsh environment, Coach Club stands as a premier destination in our golf-loving community, serving as not only a haven for refining golf skills but also as a retreat where individuals and families alike gather to experience exceptional coaching, warm hospitality, and a deep appreciation for the sport.
GOING PRO
Rico’s professional journey began at the Professional Golfers Career College in Orlando. After graduation, he landed a job at Orange Lake, which opened the door to his true calling: teaching. It was at the McCord Golf Academy that his passion for teaching really started to flourish. Rico recalls, “I was 20 years old. Rick McCord gave me the opportunity of a lifetime… the opportunity to start working and shadowing as a junior instructor. At that time, I knew I was going to be a teacher and I would do everything I could to be the best so I didn't have to do anything else but teach.”
For the next six years, Rico worked full-time in Orlando, honing his teaching skills. Summers were spent up north, teaching at private clubs, while winters saw him return to Florida. This bi-coastal teaching routine continued until he decided it was time for a new chapter.
RICO RICIPUTI
Rico Riciputi's passion for golf began at an early age. He fondly remembers weekend trips to the Rochester Country Club, where his stepdad introduced him to the game that would become his lifelong pursuit. By the age of nine, Rico was already swinging clubs. By twelve, the golf course had become his second home. He spent every summer day there, sometimes playing up to 54 holes in a single day.
As Rico reminisces, “It’s really where I learned my personal skills and started learning a lot about the golf industry.” His dedication and love for the sport grew with each passing year. At fifteen, he began working as a cart kid at the club, eventually moving into the pro shop. By sixteen or seventeen, Rico was certain that golf was his future. He just wasn’t sure in what capacity yet, but he knew he wanted to work in the golf industry.
REFLECTION
The decision to open his own facility, Coach Club, stemmed from a desire for more freedom and control over his schedule, especially now that he had a family. “I wanted to be my own boss and create more freedom to hang and spend time with my wife and kids,” Rico explains. The headspace he was in when he made this decision was a mix of positivity, optimism, and nerves. The risk was substantial, but so was his confidence in his experience, reputation, and hard work.
Opening Coach Club came with its challenges. The biggest one, Rico admits, was not knowing what to do when opening a business and figuring out the necessary steps. “But at the end of the day, it's really not that bad. You figure things out quickly and you get it done and move onto the next thing. The biggest fear is nobody shows up or you outprice the market.”
Despite these challenges, the rewards have been immense. Rico finds the most rewarding part of Coach Club to be the knowledge that he has built something people love. He also cherishes the freedom to spend time with his family and take time off when needed.
THE SIGNS OF SUCCESS
EPILOGUE
Working with Rico Riciputi has been an absolute pleasure. When you talk to Rico, it's easy to understand why his business is successful. He is a genuine people person whose warmth and sincerity make everyone feel valued. Rico's journey from the Rochester Country Club to Coach Club reflects his passion, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. His accolades highlight his skill, but his character sets him apart. Rico's deep appreciation for golf and his desire to share that passion make him a beloved figure in the community. Rico Riciputi's story is an testimate of what can be accomplished when talent meets passion.
Throughout this journey, Rico has been recognized as a leader in golf instruction, earning accolades such as the 2022 New England PGA Teacher of the Year, 2021–2022 Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America, and 2021–2022 NH PGA Teacher of the Year. His expertise is further underscored by certifications including TrackMan Level 1 Certified, Swing Catalyst Level 1 & 2 Certified Instructor, and U.S. Kids Top 50 Master Coach, along with being named 2021–2022 Golf Digest’s Best Teacher by State. He’s pretty good at hitting a golf ball too.
Rico Riciputi’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the courage to pursue one's dreams. From a young boy playing golf at Rochester Country Club to the proud owner of Coach Club, Rico’s journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big.