Assaad Zmerli

Golf: a passion that became a calling

Golf entered Assaad Zmerli's life at the age of 12. Very quickly, it was no longer just a sport — it became an obsession, a discipline, a way of life.

At just 16, he claimed his first major titles: Tunisian champion (1980, 1981, 1982), Arab World champion (1980), and winner of the Morocco International Open in 1982.

These performances opened the doors to the United States and the University of Santa Barbara. There, the level changed — and so did the demands. After three months of intensive training, he tried out for the university team: 2nd out of 40 players.

He earned his place on the travelling team, at the heart of the NCAA circuit, where he competed alongside America's top amateur golfers. For four years, he lived the high-performance life — a formative experience that shaped both the player and the future coach.

Building, performing, representing

Back in Tunisia, Assaad decided to structure what he had learned.

In 1996, he founded the Citrus Golf Academy in Hammamet, with a clear ambition: to raise the level of local golf by applying international standards.

He then joined the Magic Life group to lead the golf development of the Yasmine course. That's when a new chapter began.

The Tunisian Golf Federation entrusted him with the responsibility of training and coaching the national team. A significant mission, with a clear goal: to build a team competitive on the international stage.

These experiences marked a turning point: from local development to national representation. Over 18 years, he simultaneously helped establish Hammamet as a recognised destination for leisure golf and sports tourism.

Starting fresh, coaching differently

Then came the Arab Spring. Tourism collapsed, and the destination slowed dramatically.

Assaad chose to return to France. In 2017, he earned his coaching qualification and joined the Golf du Haras de Jardy, where he coached the men's and women's teams.

In 2021, he continued this momentum at the Paris Country Club, mentoring young competitive players in their journey towards the highest level.

Today: a vision, a signature

Drawing on over 25 years of international experience — as a player, coach, destination developer and national team manager — Assaad founded AZ Golf Coaching — Sejourgolfique.com.

My coaching signature

You arrive at the practice range. Like many golfers, you want to do well. You've watched videos, read tips, tried to fix your swing.

And then it starts: "Hold your grip tighter." "Rotate your shoulders more." "Close the face." "Change your plane." Result? You step up to the ball — and instead of playing, you're thinking. Too much. Your brain overloads. Your body freezes. Your swing becomes mechanical. And the fun disappears.

That's where everything changes.

I watch you hit a few balls. I don't give you 10 corrections. I give you one. One simple idea. One clear intention. "Just try this." And suddenly...

You stop thinking in technical terms. You feel. I don't talk about angles or positions. I use an image: "As if you were sliding the ball...", "As if you were throwing..." And there, without realising it, your body understands.

We keep going. But not by hitting balls into the void. We play. "5 balls. Target: the zone." "You get 3 out of 5, you win." You get involved. You get competitive. You learn without realising it.

And above all, I adapt to you. Because a beginner doesn't need the same words as an experienced player. I don't speak as a coach — I speak in your language.

I don't simplify golf. I simplify the way you learn it. And that's where real progress begins.

Qualifications and achievements

Professional qualifications

• PGA France Member — 2026
• Founding Member of PGA Tunisia — 2001
• JEKKA Training Graduate — State Sports Instructor Diploma — 2017
• Former National Team Coach & Selector — Tunisia
• TPI Junior Certification — Level 1 — 2018
• Golf Clubs Training — Marcom International — 2007

Key results

• Tunisia qualification for the World Championship — Berlin 2000
• Mediterranean Games — Tunisia 2001
• Launched on the LPGA Tour — Mrs Lilia Maaref — 1999
• Men's & Women's Team Coach — Haras de Jardy — 2018-2021
• Regional Squad Player — Ile-de-France Selection — 1994
• Course Record at Chantilly en Lys: 61 (-9) — 1993
• Winner Grand Prix de Saint-Germain-les-Corbeil — 1993
• Winner ProAm Tunizina Hammamet — 1998
• Winner Ile-de-France Cup / Promotion to Division 4 Interclubs — 2018
• Winner Paris Cup — Captain/Player — Club de Bellefontaine — 1993

Teaching references

• FlowMotion Training — Stephane & Olga Bachoz — 2017
• Biomechanics Training — Henrik Hempa Lundqvist — 2017
• "Learning with the brain in mind" — Mike Hebron (Hall of Fame, Top 100 US Coach)
• Video analysis software: FlightScope, Trackman, Dartfish